EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 314808
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 314808_10-K_2025_0000314808-25-000028.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
General
Valaris Limited is a global offshore contract drilling company. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "Valaris," "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Valaris Limited together with all its subsidiaries and predecessors.
We are a leading provider of offshore contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry with operations in almost every major offshore market across six continents. We own the world's largest offshore drilling rig fleet, including one of the newest ultra-deepwater fleets in the industry and a leading premium jackup fleet. As of February 20, 2025, we own 52 rigs, including 13 drillships, four dynamically positioned semisubmersible rigs, one moored semisubmersible rig, 34 jackup rigs and a 50% equity interest in ARO, our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture with Saudi Aramco, which owns an additional nine rigs.
Our customers include many of the leading international and government-owned oil and gas companies, in addition to many independent operators. We are among the most geographically diverse offshore drilling companies with global operations. The markets in which we operate include the Gulf of Mexico, South America, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
We provide drilling services on a day rate contract basis. Under day rate contracts, we provide an integrated service that includes the provision of a drilling rig and rig crews for which we receive a daily rate that may vary between the full rate and zero rate throughout the duration of the contractual term, depending on the operations of the rig. We also may receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for the mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs. Our customers bear substantially all of the costs of constructing the well and supporting drilling operations as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the well.
Demand for offshore drilling is impacted by fundamental supply and demand dynamics for crude oil. Since late 2022, Brent crude oil prices have been largely trading in a range between $70 and $90 per barrel, with OPEC+ members managing supply in an effort to keep the market in balance. Importantly, longer-dated Brent crude oil prices have remained stable, with the five-year forward price above $65 per barrel, a level at which nearly 90% of undeveloped offshore reserves are expected to be profitable. As a result, we believe the constructive oil price environment is supportive of continued investment in long-cycle offshore projects.
Rig attrition in the industry over the last decade, particularly for floaters, has resulted in a smaller global fleet of rigs that is available to meet customer demands. While demand for offshore drilling services has declined modestly since early 2024, global demand for hydrocarbons continues to increase and offshore production, particularly deepwater, is expected to play an important role in providing secure, reliable and affordable energy to meet the world’s growing energy needs. Consequently, our outlook for the offshore drilling business is positive.
Contract Drilling Operations
Our business consists of four operating segments: (1) Floaters, which includes our drillships and semisubmersible rigs, (2) Jackups, (3) ARO and (4) Other, which consists of management services on rigs owned by third parties and the activities associated with our lease arrangements with ARO. Floaters, Jackups and ARO are also reportable segments.
As of December 31, 2024, we owned 53 rigs, of which 16 are located in the Middle East and Africa, 16 are located in North and South America, 15 are located in Europe, and six are located in Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Our drilling rigs drill and complete oil and natural gas wells. From time to time, our drilling rigs may be utilized as accommodation units or for other ancillary services such as well workovers and interventions, plug and abandonment and decommissioning work and carbon capture and sequestration projects. Demand for our drilling services is based upon many factors beyond our control. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - The success of our business depends on the level of activity in offshore oil and natural gas exploration, which can be significantly affected by volatile oil and natural gas prices.”
Our drilling contracts are negotiated with our customers, and most contracts are awarded following competitive bidding. The terms of our drilling contracts vary, but generally contain the following commercial terms:
•contract duration or term for a specific period of time or a period necessary to drill one or more wells,
•term extension options, exercisable by our customers, upon advance notice to us, at mutually agreed, indexed, fixed rates or current rate at the date of extension,
•provisions permitting early termination of the contract, which may include (1) if the rig is lost or destroyed, (2) if operations are suspended for a specified period of time due to various events, including damage or breakdown of major rig equipment, unsatisfactory performance, "force majeure" events or breach of contract, (3) failure of the customer to receive final investment decision (FID) approval with respect to projects for which the drilling rig was contracted or (4) at the convenience (without cause) of the customer, exercisable upon advance notice to us, and in certain cases without making an early termination payment to us,
•payment of compensation to us is (generally in U.S. dollars, although some contracts require a portion of the compensation to be paid in local currency) on a day rate basis such that we receive a fixed amount for each day that the drilling rig is under contract (lower day rates generally apply for periods when operations are suspended due to various events, including during delays that are beyond our reasonable control, during repair of equipment damage or breakdown and during periods of re-drilling damaged portions of the well, and no day rate, or zero rate, generally applies when these limited periods are exceeded until the event is remediated, and during periods to remediate unsatisfactory performance or other specified conditions),
•payment by us of the operating expenses of the drilling rig, including crew labor and incidental rig supply and maintenance costs,
•mobilization and demobilization requirements of us to move the drilling rig to and from the planned drilling site, and may include reimbursement of all or a portion of these moving costs by the customer in the form of an up-front payment, additional day rate over the contract term or direct reimbursement, and
•provisions allowing us to recover certain labor and other operating cost increases from our customers through day rate adjustment or direct reimbursement for certain cost increases due to changes in applicable law or rising operational expenses.
Contract awards generally remain subject to a highly competitive bidding process, which could result in contracts that contain unfavorable contractual and commercial terms, such as certain limitations on our ability to be indemnified from operator and third-party damages caused by our negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct, resulting in increases in the nature and amounts of liability allocated to us, which we endeavor to limit through a financial cap.
Backlog Information
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for backlog information.
Major Customers
We provide our contract drilling services to major international, government-owned and independent oil and gas companies. During the year ended December 31, 2024, our five largest customers accounted for 49% of consolidated revenues. BP plc, our only customer who accounts for 10% or more of consolidated revenues, accounted for 17% of consolidated revenues.
Competition
The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive. Drilling contracts are, for the most part, awarded on a competitive bid basis. Price is often the primary factor in determining which contractor is awarded a contract, although quality of service, operational and safety performance, equipment suitability and availability, location of equipment, reputation and technical expertise are also factors.
Non-U.S. Operations
Revenues from non-U.S. operations were 84%, 80% and 78% of our total consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
See "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our non-U.S. operations involve additional risks not typically associated with U.S. operations."
Insurance and Indemnification Matters
Our insurance program provides coverage, subject to the policies' terms and conditions and to the extent not otherwise assumed by the customer under the indemnification provisions of the drilling contract, for third-party liability claims arising from our operations. Our insurance program provides coverage that is customary for our industry. Generally, our insurance program provides third-party liability coverage up to $805.0 million. We retain the risk for liability not indemnified by the customer in excess of, and for risks not covered by, our insurance coverage.
Our insurance program also provides hull and machinery coverage for physical damage (including total loss) to our rigs, cargo and equipment, excluding damage arising from a named windstorm in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We separately purchase a small limit of named windstorm insurance for our floater rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We carry limited insurance for loss of hire for several of our rigs.
Our customers typically indemnify us for most well-control events. Well-control events generally include an unintended release from a well that cannot be contained by using equipment on site, such as a blowout preventer, by increasing the weight of drilling fluid or by diverting the fluids safely into production facilities. Subject to the exceptions noted below, our customers typically assume most of the responsibility for and indemnify us from any loss, damage or other liability resulting from pollution or contamination arising from operations. Such pollution or contamination may be as a result of blowouts, cratering and seepage, when the source of the pollution originates from the well or reservoir. Such indemnities typically include costs for clean-up and removal of pollution and third-party damages.
Our drilling contracts customarily provide that each party is responsible for injuries or death to their respective personnel and loss or damage to their respective property (including the personnel and property of each parties’ contractors and subcontractors) regardless of the cause of the loss or damage. However, exceptions may exist as it relates to damages due to our negligence. In addition, our drilling contracts typically provide for our customers to indemnify us, generally based on replacement cost minus some level of depreciation, for loss or damage to our down-hole equipment. In some cases, we are indemnified by our customer for a limited amount of the repair of or replacement cost of our subsea equipment. We also maintain insurance for exposures to personal injuries, damage to or loss of property and certain business risks.
We generally indemnify the customer for legal and financial consequences of spills of waste oil, fuels, lubricants, motor oils, pipe dope, paint, solvents, ballast, bilge, garbage, debris, sewage, hazardous waste and other liquids, the discharge of which originates from our rigs or equipment above the surface of the water and in some cases from our subsea equipment. Our contracts generally provide that, in the event of any such spill from our rigs, we are also responsible for the related fines and penalties.
The above description of our insurance program and the indemnification provisions of our drilling contracts is only a summary as of the date hereof and is general in nature. In addition, our drilling contracts are individually negotiated, and the degree of indemnification we receive from operators against the liabilities discussed above can vary from contract to contract based on market conditions and customer requirements existing when the contract was negotiated and the interpretation and enforcement of applicable law when the claim is adjudicated. Our insurance program and the terms of our drilling contracts may change in the future.
In certain cases, vendors who provide equipment or services to us limit their pollution liability to a specific monetary cap, and we assume the liability above that cap. Typically, in the case of original equipment manufacturers, the cap is a negotiated amount based on mutual agreement of the parties considering the risk profiles and thresholds of each party. However, for smaller vendors, the liability is usually limited to the value, or double the value, of the contract for the purchase of such equipment or services.
Additional information on insurance and indemnification matters and related risks is discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” which should be read in conjunction with the foregoing information.
Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters
Our operations are affected by laws, regulations and political initiatives that relate to the oil and natural gas industry, including laws and regulations that have or may impose increased oil-spill related and financial responsibility requirements. Laws and regulations curtailing exploration and development drilling for oil and natural gas will directly affect us for economic, environmental, safety or other policy reasons. It is also possible that these laws, regulations and political initiatives could adversely affect our operations in the future by significantly increasing our operating costs or restricting areas open for drilling activity. We incorporate by reference herein the disclosures on governmental regulations, including environmental matters, contained in the following sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
•"Item 1A. Risk Factors - Regulatory, Legal and Tax Risks";
•"Item 1A. Risk Factors - Sustainability Risks";
•"Item 3. Legal Proceedings"; and
•"Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Effects of Climate Change and Climate Change Regulation."
The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1992, the U.K. Merchant Shipping Act 1995, Marpol 73/78 (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), the U.K. Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998, as amended, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA 90"), as amended, the Clean Water Act and other U.S. federal statutes applicable to us and our operations, as well as similar statutes in Texas, Louisiana, other coastal states and other non-U.S. jurisdictions, address oil spill prevention, reporting and control and have significantly expanded potential liability, fine and penalty exposure across many segments of the oil and natural gas industry. Such statutes and related regulations impose a variety of obligations on us related to the prevention of oil spills, disposal of waste and liability for resulting damages. For instance, OPA 90 imposes strict and, with limited exceptions, joint and several liability upon each responsible party for oil removal costs as well as a variety of fines, penalties and damages. Similar environmental laws apply in our other areas of operation. Failure to comply with these statutes and regulations may subject us to civil or criminal enforcement action, which may not be covered by contractual indemnification or insurance, or for which indemnity is prohibited under applicable law, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.
Additionally, climate change is receiving increasing attention from scientists and legislators, and significant focus is being put on companies in the oil and natural gas industry. Globally, there are a number of legislative and regulatory proposals and executive orders at various levels of government in jurisdictions where we operate to address the GHG emissions that contribute to climate change, such as laws or regulations requiring reporting on GHG emissions, incentivizing or mandating the use of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar energy, phasing-out of fossil fuel subsidies, reducing GHG emissions, increasing fuel efficiency standards, adopting carbon pricing mechanisms, restricting oil and gas development and programs to mandate or incentivize the conversion from internal combustion engine powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles.
Although it is not possible at this time to predict how compliance with any such legislation or new regulations would impact our business, any such future laws and regulations could require us to incur increased operating costs or incremental capital expenditures. Any such legislation or regulatory programs could also increase the cost of consuming oil and natural gas, and thereby reduce demand for oil and natural gas, which could reduce our customers’ demand for our services. Consequently, legislation and regulatory programs to reduce GHG emissions could have an adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.
Sustainability
Consistent with our purpose of providing responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world, we are focused on sustainability-related matters. Our board of directors' Safety and Sustainability Committee regularly meets to address sustainability topics and is responsible for overseeing the Company’s policies, programs and practices related to sustainability and the Company’s management of risks in such areas. We have a dedicated department focused on sustainability and new energy and also have an employee-led cross-functional working group to identify and evaluate opportunities and promote sustainable business practices.
We publish our annual sustainability report aligned with the standards of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), in addition to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), with references to other frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), where relevant, and report scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions. For further discussion of sustainability-related risks and considerations see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We encourage you to review our latest Sustainability Report, located on our website (www.valaris.com), for more detailed information regarding our sustainability programs and initiatives. Nothing on our website, including our Sustainability Report or sections thereof, shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other filings that we make with the SEC.
Human Capital
We believe our people are one of the most important elements of our success, and we benefit from a motivated, engaged and diverse workforce. Our approach to attracting, developing and retaining a workforce of high-performing talent is anchored in a long-term employment model that seeks to foster personal growth and engagement.
Purpose and Culture
At Valaris, our purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our values are designed to guide us in support of our purpose:
●Integrity - Doing the right thing; whether or not anyone is watching;
●Safety - Causing no harm is always a priority;
●Excellence - Delivering value to our customers while consistently raising the bar on performance;
●Respect - Treating others the way we would like to be treated;
●Ingenuity - Solving problems creatively; and
●Stewardship - Safeguarding where we work for the next generation.
Our Ethics and Compliance Policy and our Code of Conduct (the “Code”) form the foundation of our compliance and ethics program, which provides guidance on how to uphold our values. We have translated the Code into nine different languages, making it widely accessible to our employees across the globe. We maintain an Ethics Hotline that is available to all employees, either online or by phone, to confidentially seek guidance or raise a concern.
The Code is reviewed on a periodic basis and approved by our board of directors. To further support our values of respect and integrity, we have policies prohibiting corruption, bribery (including facilitation payments), money laundering, retaliation and reprisals for raising concerns, including those related to worker rights, working conditions, mistreatment, fraud and misconduct. In addition, we have adopted a policy against modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and our supply chains.
Employees
We had a global workforce of approximately 5,642 persons including contractors, and approximately 4,130 persons excluding contractors, as of December 31, 2024. Our personnel represented 74 nationalities spread across 22 locations. The majority of our personnel work on our offshore installations and are compensated on an hourly basis. A portion of our employees and contractors working outside of the U.S. are represented under collective bargaining or similar agreements, which are subject to periodic salary negotiation. As of December 31, 2024, women comprised 32% of our onshore employees and 1% of our offshore employees.
Employee Wellbeing and Engagement
We believe that one of the best ways to serve our customers is through creating a healthy, safe and engaging working and learning environment, where our employees are confident and comfortable to put their best work forward. We seek to promote a healthy environment by prioritizing the mental and physical health and other needs of our employees while recognizing them for their achievements and accomplishments. For example, in most countries where we work, we offer an employee assistance program (“EAP”) to employees and their families. Our EAP provides access to counselors and other mental health professionals as well as discounts to fitness centers, financial guidance and other benefits in support of our overall commitment to maintain a healthy workforce.
Feedback from our employees plays a key role in creating an agile, collaborative and trustworthy culture. We use surveys to measure employee engagement as well as our ability to align and execute around a common vision and foster innovation and creativity. These surveys help our leaders analyze the impact of company practices and culture on performance and have created a roadmap for improvement.
Training and Retention
We are focused on developing talent and leadership among both our onshore and offshore employees. In 2021, we launched the Building Organizational Leadership (BOLD) training program. This program is designed to engage, support and provide leadership tools for our offshore supervisors, helping them assess and develop their team’s understanding and use of our safety processes and policies. Approximately 338 personnel attended the program in 2024.
We provide regular training in health, safety, environmental and emergency response to our employees, as relevant to their roles, and we mandate that our employees complete training related to the Code, covering topics such as anti-corruption, workplace behavior and conflicts of interest. In addition, in 2024, all employees were assigned "Workplace Harassment" training as part of supporting a more inclusive workforce. Certain employees must also complete additional training on topics ranging from trade compliance to human trafficking.
Safety
Our policies set the expectation that causing no harm is a priority while conducting our operations. We seek to control major operational hazards with effective safeguards and to implement our management systems to protect the health and safety of our personnel.
Our Safe Systems of Work are designed with the aim of completing each job safely and efficiently:
●Work Instruction - Step-by-step description of how to complete specific work activities, including mandatory precautions to be implemented;
●Permit to Work - Formal authorization and control process for the safe execution of potentially hazardous work that may present risk to people, environment or assets;
●Energy Isolation - Formal isolation of all energy sources before performing work on equipment;
●Job Safety Analysis - Identification and control of job hazards before starting work; and
●Stop Work Authority - Empowerment to stop work if a risk to people, environment or assets is perceived to exist.
Information about our Executive Officers
Officers generally serve for a one-year term or until successors are elected and qualified to serve. The table below sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 20, 2025:
Name Age Position
Anton Dibowitz 53 President and Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Weber 52 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Gilles Luca 53 Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Lyne 50 Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Davor Vukadin 51 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Set forth below is certain additional information on our executive officers, including the business experience of each executive officer for at least the last five years:
Anton Dibowitz became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Valaris in December 2021, following his service as the Company’s interim President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2021. Mr. Dibowitz joined the Valaris board of directors in July 2021. Prior to joining the Valaris board of directors, he served as an advisor of Seadrill Ltd., a global offshore drilling contractor, from November 2020 until March 2021. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Seadrill Ltd. from July 2017 until October 2020. Prior to this Mr. Dibowitz served as Executive Vice President of Seadrill Management since June 2016, and as Chief Commercial Officer since January 2013. He has over 20 years of drilling industry experience. Prior to joining Seadrill, Mr. Dibowitz held various positions within tax, process reengineering and marketing at Transocean Ltd. and Ernst & Young LLP. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Master's degrees in Professional Accounting (MPA) and Business Administration (MBA).
Christopher Weber became the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Valaris in August 2022. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer of LUFKIN Industries, a leading global provider of rod lift optimization solutions, products, technologies and services to the oil and gas industry, from February 2021 to July 2022. Mr. Weber has also served as Chief Financial Officer of Abaco Drilling Technologies from July 2019 to February 2021 and Chief Financial Officer of Haliburton Company from June 2017 to November 2018. Prior to Halliburton, Mr. Weber served as Chief Financial Officer of Parker Drilling Company and held senior finance roles at Valaris predecessor companies. He received an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Wharton School and a BA in Economics and English Literature from Vanderbilt.
Gilles Luca became Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2019. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Operations Support. He joined Valaris in 1997. Mr. Luca also served Valaris as Senior Vice President - Western Hemisphere, Vice President - Business Development and Strategic Planning, Vice President - Brazil Business Unit and General Manager - Europe and Africa. Before joining Valaris as an Operations Engineer in The Netherlands, Mr. Luca was employed by Foramer Drilling and Schlumberger with assignments in France and Venezuela. He holds a Master's Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the French Petroleum Institute and a Bachelor in Civil Engineering.
Matthew Lyne became the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Valaris in September 2022. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer of Seadrill Limited from May 2021 to September 2022. Seadrill Limited filed for bankruptcy in February 2021. Prior to this role, he held a number of senior marketing and commercial roles at Seadrill Limited for more than 10 years. He also served in a number of senior operational and functional roles with Transocean Ltd. prior to joining Seadrill Limited. Mr. Lyne has over 20 years of offshore drilling experience in various international locations. Mr. Lyne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Montana Technological University.
Davor Vukadin was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in May 2022. Before being named to his current position, Mr. Vukadin served as Associate General Counsel and Secretary from June 2021 to May 2022. Previously, he served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from November 2018 to June 2021. He joined Valaris as Senior Counsel in 2014. Prior to joining Valaris, Mr. Vukadin practiced corporate and securities law with the law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright for thirteen years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Chicago and a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports that we file with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the Exchange Act are available free of charge on our website at www.valaris.com/investors. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The information contained on our website is not included as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.
RISK FACTORS SUMMARY
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Form 10-K, before making a decision to invest in our securities. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business, Operations, Financing Arrangements and Market Conditions
•The success of our business depends on the level of activity in offshore oil and natural gas exploration, development and production, which can be significantly affected by volatile oil and natural gas prices.
•The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive and cyclical.
•Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be fully realized and may decline significantly in the future.
•Our business will be materially adversely affected if we are unable to secure contracts on economically favorable terms or if option periods in existing contracts are not exercised as expected.
•Our customers may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their contractual commitments to us, including their obligations to pay for losses, damages or other liabilities.
•The loss of a significant customer or customer contract, as well as customer consolidation and changes to customer strategy, could materially adversely affect our business.
•Our long-term contracts are subject to the risk of cost increases, which could adversely affect our profitability.
•Our network and systems, including rig operating systems and critical data, are subject to cybersecurity risks and technical disruptions.
•Rig reactivation, upgrade and enhancement projects are subject to risks, including delays and cost overruns, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
•We make significant expenditures to meet customer requirements, maintain our fleet to comply with laws and the applicable regulations and standards of governmental authorities and organizations, or to expand our fleet, and we may be required to make significant expenditures to maintain our competitiveness.
•Failure to recruit and retain skilled personnel could adversely affect our business.
•Our use of a shared service center creates risks relating to the processing of transactions and recording of financial information.
•AI presents risks and challenges that can impact our business.
•We may not realize the expected benefits of our ARO joint venture.
•Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our joint venture partners’ actions, financial condition and liquidity and disputes between us and our joint venture partners.
•Our business involves operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover any potential losses.
•Geopolitical events and violence could materially adversely affect the markets for our services and have a material adverse effect on our business and cost and availability of insurance.
•Our drilling contracts with national oil companies may expose us to greater risks than we normally assume in drilling contracts with non-governmental customers.
•The impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•Unionization efforts and labor regulations in certain countries in which we operate could materially increase our costs or limit our flexibility with regard to the management of our personnel.
•Significant equipment or part shortages, supplier capacity constraints, supplier production disruptions, supplier quality and sourcing issues or price increases could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
•Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues.
•Our ability to pay our operating and capital expenses and make payments due on our debt depends on many factors beyond our control.
•The agreements governing our debt, including the Indenture and the Credit Agreement (as each are defined herein), contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us and certain of our subsidiaries.
•We may experience risks associated with future mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets or other strategic transactions.
•The exercise of all or any number of outstanding warrants or the issuance of stock-based awards may dilute the holders of our Common Shares.
Regulatory, Legal and Tax Risks
•Failure to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery statutes could result in fines, criminal penalties and drilling contract terminations.
•Increasing regulatory complexity could adversely impact our operations and reduce demand.
•Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly and limit our operations.
•The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may not agree with the conclusion that we should be treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.
•Governments may pass laws that subject us to additional taxation or may challenge our tax positions.
•Our consolidated effective income tax rate may vary substantially over time.
•We are subject to litigation that could have a material adverse effect on us.
•We are a Bermuda company, and it may be difficult enforcing judgments against us, our directors and officers.
•Our bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against our officers and directors.
•Provisions in our bye-laws could delay or prevent a change in control of our company.
•Legislation enacted in Bermuda as to Economic Substance may affect our operations.
•Our business could be affected as a result of activist investors.
Risks Related to Our International Operations
•Our non-U.S. operations involve additional risks not typically associated with U.S. operations.
Sustainability Risks
•Regulation of GHG and climate change could have a negative impact on our business.
•Consumer preferences for alternative fuels and electric-powered vehicles, as part of the global energy transition, may lead to reduced demand for our services.
•Increased scrutiny from stakeholders and others regarding our sustainability practices, initiatives and reporting responsibilities could result in additional costs or risks.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business, Operations, Financing Arrangements and Market Conditions
The success of our business depends on the level of activity in offshore oil and natural gas exploration, development and production, which can be significantly affected by volatile oil and natural gas prices.
The success of our business depends on the level of activity in offshore oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Oil and natural gas prices, and market expectations of these prices, significantly affect the level of drilling activity. Historically, when operator capital spending declines, utilization and day rates also decline.
Numerous factors may affect oil and natural gas prices and the level of demand for our services, including:
•regional and global economic conditions and changes therein, including recessions,
•oil and natural gas supply and demand, which is affected by worldwide economic activity and population growth,
•expectations regarding future energy prices,
•the desire and ability of OPEC+, its members and other oil-producing nations, such as Russia, to reach further agreements to set and maintain production levels and pricing and to implement existing and future agreements,
•the availability of capital for oil and natural gas participants, including our customers, and capital allocation decisions by our customers, including the relative economics of offshore development versus alternative prospects,
•the level of production by non-OPEC+ countries,
•the worldwide military or political environment, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East and any related political or economic responses, global macroeconomic effects of trade disputes and increased tariffs, such as those imposed, or that may be imposed, by the U.S. beginning in February 2025, and sanctions and uncertainty or instability resulting from an escalation or additional outbreak of armed hostilities or other crises in oil or natural gas producing areas or geographic areas in which we operate, or acts of terrorism,
•U.S. and non-U.S. tax policy, including the U.K. windfall tax on oil and gas producers in the British North Sea,
•advances in exploration and development technology, including with respect to onshore shale,
•costs associated with exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas,
•the rate of discovery of new oil and natural gas reserves and the rate of decline of existing oil and gas reserves,
•investors reducing, or ceasing to provide, funding to the oil and natural gas industry in response to initiatives to limit or otherwise address climate change,
•laws and government regulations that limit, restrict or prohibit exploration and development of oil and natural gas in various jurisdictions, or materially increase the cost of such exploration and development,
•the development and exploitation of alternative fuels or energy sources, resulting in reduced capital spending by our customers on oil and natural gas projects, and increased demand for electric-powered products, including electric-powered vehicles,
•disruption to exploration and development activities due to hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions and the risk thereof,
•natural disasters or incidents resulting from operating hazards inherent in offshore drilling, such as oil spills, and
•the occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic diseases and any government response to such occurrence or threat.
Higher commodity prices may not necessarily translate into increased activity, however, and even during periods of high commodity prices, customers may cancel or curtail their drilling programs, or reduce their levels of capital expenditures for exploration and production for a variety of reasons, including their expectations for future oil and natural gas prices, the cost of exploration efforts, extended periods of price volatility, their lack of success in exploration efforts and re-allocating capital expenditures for renewable energy projects.
These factors could cause our revenues and profits to decline and limit our future growth prospects. Any significant decline in day rates or utilization of our drilling rigs could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results and cash flows. In addition, these risks could increase instability in the financial and insurance markets and make it more difficult for us to access capital and obtain insurance coverage that we consider adequate or are otherwise required by our contracts.
The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive and cyclical.
Our industry is highly competitive, and our contracts are traditionally awarded on a competitive bid basis. Pricing, safety records and competency are key factors in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a contract. Rig availability, location, condition and technical capabilities, as well as operating efficiency, operating integrity, industry standing and customer relations, can also be significant factors in the determination. If we are not able to compete successfully, our revenues and profitability may decline.
Demand for offshore contract drilling services is highly cyclical, which is primarily driven by the demand for drilling rigs and the available supply of drilling rigs. Demand for drilling rigs is driven by the levels of offshore exploration and development conducted by oil and natural gas companies, which is beyond our control and may fluctuate substantially from year-to-year and from region-to-region.
Prolonged periods of reduced demand or excess rig supply have required us, and may in the future require us, to idle, sell or scrap rigs and enter into low day rate contracts or contracts with unfavorable terms. There can be no assurance that the current demand for drilling rigs will increase in the future or that any short-term improvement to market conditions will be sustained. Any decline in demand for drilling rigs or oversupply of drilling rigs could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be fully realized and may decline significantly in the future.
As of February 18, 2025 and February 15, 2024, our contract backlog was approximately $3.6 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. This amount reflects the remaining contractual terms multiplied by the applicable contractual day rate. The contractual revenue may be higher than the actual revenue we ultimately receive because of a number of factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations.
Several factors could cause rig downtime or a suspension of operations, many of which are beyond our control, including the early termination, repudiation or renegotiation of contracts, breakdowns of equipment, work stoppages, including labor strikes, shortages of material or skilled labor, surveys or inspections by government and maritime authorities, inability to obtain the requisite permits or approvals, periodic classification surveys, severe weather, strong ocean currents or harsh operating conditions, the occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic diseases, and any government response to such occurrence or threat and force majeure events.
Our customers may seek to terminate, repudiate or renegotiate our drilling contracts for various reasons, including in the event of damage or a total loss of the drilling rig, the suspension or interruption of operations for extended periods due to breakdown of major rig equipment, failure to comply with performance conditions or equipment specifications, the failure of the customer to receive final investment decision (FID) with respect to projects for which the drilling rig was contracted or other reasons and “force majeure” events beyond the control of either party or other specific conditions. Generally, our drilling contracts permit early termination of the contract by the customer for convenience (without cause), exercisable upon advance notice to us, and in certain cases without making an early termination payment to us. In cases where customers are required to make an early termination payment, such payments would provide some level of compensation to us for the lost revenue from the contract but in many cases would not fully compensate us for all of the lost revenue. There can be no assurances that our customers will be able to or willing to fulfill their contractual commitments to us.
A decline in oil and natural gas prices and any resulting downward pressure on utilization may cause some customers to consider early termination of select contracts despite having to pay onerous early termination fees in certain cases. Customers may request to renegotiate the terms of existing contracts, or they may request early termination or seek to repudiate contracts. In addition, financially distressed customers may seek to negotiate reduced termination fees as part of a restructuring package. Furthermore, as contracts expire, we may be unable to secure new contracts for our drilling rigs. Therefore, revenues recorded in future periods could differ materially from our current backlog. Our inability to realize the full amount of our contract backlog or to secure a new contract with substantially similar terms on a timely basis could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Our business will be materially adversely affected if we are unable to secure contracts on economically favorable terms or if option periods in existing contracts are not exercised as expected.
Our ability to renew expiring contracts or obtain new contracts and the terms of any such contracts will depend on market conditions. For example, we have four drillships that are uncontracted. Our customers’ decisions to exercise option periods resulting in additional work for the rig under contract also depend on market conditions. We may be unable to renew our expiring contracts, including contracts expiring due to a failure by the customer to exercise option periods, or obtain new contracts for any of our uncontracted drilling rigs or the drilling rigs under contracts that have expired or have been terminated. In addition, the day rates under any new contracts or any renegotiated contracts may be substantially below the existing day rates, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows. If customers do not exercise option periods under contracts that we currently expect to be exercised, we may face increased idle time associated with the related rigs, as we may have difficulty securing additional work to cover the option periods. In addition, we may choose to stack idle rigs that are not under contract, which would require us to incur stacking costs for such rigs.
Our customers may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their contractual commitments to us, including their obligations to pay for losses, damages or other liabilities.
Some of our customers may be subject to liquidity risk that could lead them to seek to repudiate, cancel or renegotiate our drilling contracts or fail to fulfill their commitments to us under those contracts. These risks are heightened in periods of depressed market conditions. Our drilling contracts provide for varying levels of indemnification and allocation of liabilities between our customers and us with respect to loss or damage to property and injury or death to persons arising from the drilling operations we perform. Under our drilling contracts, liability with respect to personnel and property customarily is allocated so that we and our customers each assume liability
for our respective personnel and property. Our customers have historically assumed most of the responsibility for, and indemnified us from loss, damage or other liability resulting from, pollution or contamination, including clean-up and removal, and third-party damages arising from operations under the contract when the source of the pollution originates from the well or reservoir, including those resulting from blowouts or cratering of the well. However, we regularly are required to assume a limited amount of liability for pollution damage caused by our negligence, which liability generally has caps for ordinary negligence, with much higher caps or unlimited liability where the damage is caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Notwithstanding a contractual indemnity from a customer, there can be no assurance that our customers will be financially able to fulfill their indemnification obligations to us for such losses. In addition, under the laws of certain jurisdictions, such indemnities under certain circumstances are not enforceable if the cause of the damage was our gross negligence or willful misconduct. This could result in us having to assume liabilities in excess of those agreed in our contracts due to customer balance sheet or liquidity issues or applicable law.
The loss of a significant customer or customer contract, as well as customer consolidation and changes to customer strategy, could materially adversely affect our business.
We provide our services to major international, government-owned and independent oil and natural gas companies. During 2024, our five largest customers accounted for 49% of consolidated revenues, with our largest customer representing 17% of our consolidated revenues and a significant percentage of our operating cash flows. Our financial position, operating results or cash flows may be materially adversely affected if any of our higher day rate contracts were terminated or renegotiated on less favorable terms or if a major customer terminates its contracts with us, fails to renew its existing contracts with us, requires renegotiation of our contracts or declines to award new contracts to us.
Some of our customers have consolidated and could continue to consolidate and could use their size and purchasing power to achieve economies of scale and pricing concessions. In addition, certain of our customers are increasingly focusing their business strategy on renewable energy projects and away from oil and natural gas exploration and production. Such customer consolidation and strategic transitions could result in reduced capital spending by such customers, decreased demand for our drilling services, loss of competitive position and negative pricing impacts. Some of our customers have also deferred the timing of their offshore projects as a result of a focus on capital discipline, including the deployment of additional cash to share repurchase and dividend programs, the limited availability of production equipment and protracted regulatory approvals. If we cannot maintain service and pricing levels for existing customers or replace such revenues with increased business activities from other customers, our financial position, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Our long-term contracts are subject to the risk of cost increases, which could adversely impact our profitability.
In general, our costs increase as the demand for contract drilling services and skilled labor increase, which may materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows. Our long-term contracts are subject to inflationary factors such as increases in skilled labor costs, material costs and overhead costs. While some of our contracts include cost escalation provisions that allow changes to our day rate based on stipulated cost increases or decreases, the timing and amount earned from these day rate adjustments may differ from our actual increase in costs and many contracts do not allow for such day rate adjustments. During times of reduced demand, reductions in costs may not be immediate as portions of the crew may be required to prepare our rigs for stacking, after which time the crew members are assigned to active rigs or dismissed. Moreover, as our rigs are mobilized from one geographic location to another, the labor and other operating and maintenance costs can vary significantly. In general, labor costs increase primarily due to higher salary levels in a particular geographic location and inflation. Equipment maintenance expenses fluctuate depending upon the type of activity a drilling rig is performing and the age and condition of the equipment, as well as the impact of supply chain disruptions and inflation on the costs of parts and materials. Contract preparation expenses vary based on the scope and length of contract preparation required.
Our network and systems, including rig operating systems and critical data, are subject to cybersecurity risk and technical disruptions.
Our business depends on technologies, systems and networks, including both operational technology and information technology (“IT”), to conduct our offshore operations and help run our financial and onshore operations functions, including the collection of payments from customers, payments to vendors and employees and storage of company records. Some of these systems are managed or provided by third-party service providers, including cloud platform or cloud software providers. These systems are subject to growing risks associated with cybersecurity incidents and technical disruptions. These risks include, but may not be limited to, human error, power outages, computer, telecommunication and satellite failures, natural disasters, fraud or malice, social engineering or phishing attacks, viruses or malware, and other cyberattacks, such as denial-of-service or ransomware attacks. Entities or groups, including private and nation state actors, have mounted cyberattacks on businesses and other organizations solely to disable or disrupt computer systems, disrupt operations and, in some cases, steal data. In addition, the U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate energy assets and companies engaging in significant transactions, such as acquisitions, might be specific targets of cybersecurity threats. Geopolitical tensions or conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East, may further heighten the risk of cybersecurity threats.
Laws and regulations governing cybersecurity and data privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or protected information pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and potential costs, and any failure to comply with these cybersecurity and data privacy requirements or other applicable laws and regulations in this area could result in significant regulatory or other penalties and legal liability. Disruption to our operations and damage to our reputation could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
While we have a cybersecurity program to assess, identify and manage risks from cybersecurity threats, there is no guarantee such efforts will be successful in preventing or detecting any given threat. The cybersecurity threat landscape is rapidly evolving, and threat actors may leverage previously unknown vulnerabilities to perpetrate attacks, as well as sophisticated anti-forensics techniques to evade detection. We may be unable to anticipate evolving techniques, implement adequate cybersecurity barriers or other preventative measures, or respond, mitigate the risks from and recover from an incident without operational impact, and thus it is impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk. Further, the use of AI by us or by third-party service providers may create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including those which may not be recognized at the time, and malicious actors may employ AI to aid in launching more sophisticated and effective cyber-attacks. We regularly defend against, respond to and mitigate risks from cybersecurity incidents, which to date have not had a material impact on our operations; however, there is no assurance that such impacts will not be material in the future.
Cybersecurity incidents or system failures affecting either us or our third-party service providers can cause disruptions of our ability to conduct our operations, including disruptions of certain systems on our rigs, which could result in injury to people, our or our customers' assets, or the environment, disruptions of our ability to conduct our financial and onshore operating functions, including disruptions in our ability to make or receive payments, loss of intellectual property, proprietary information, customer and vendor data or other sensitive information, corruption or unauthorized release of our or our customer’s data. As a result, we may experience loss of revenue, reputational harm and ransom demands and could be subject to legal or regulatory claims or proceedings, including enforcement actions under data privacy or disclosure regulations, which may result in significant expenditures, fines or liabilities. In addition, we may incur large expenditures to investigate or remediate, to recover data, to repair or replace networks or information systems, or to protect against similar future events. The impact of any such cybersecurity incident or system failure could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Rig reactivation, upgrade and enhancement projects are subject to risks, including delays and cost overruns, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
The costs required to reactivate a stacked rig and return the rig to drilling service are significant. Depending on the length of time that a rig has been stacked, we may incur significant costs to restore the rig to drilling capability, which may also include capital expenditures due to, among other things, technological obsolescence or an equipment overhaul of the rig. Stacked drilling rigs require expenditures to return these rigs to drilling service. In the future, market conditions may not justify these types of expenditures or enable us to operate our rigs profitably during the remainder of their economic lives. In addition, we may not recover the expenditures incurred to reactivate rigs through the associated drilling contract or otherwise. We can provide no assurance that we will have access to adequate or economical sources of capital to fund the return of stacked rigs to drilling service.
During periods of increased rig reactivation, upgrade and enhancement projects, shipyards and third-party equipment vendors may be under significant resource constraints to meet delivery obligations. Such constraints may lead to substantial delivery and commissioning delays, equipment failures and/or quality deficiencies. Furthermore, drilling rigs may face start-up or other operational complications following completion of upgrades or maintenance. Other unexpected difficulties, including equipment failures, design or engineering problems, could result in significant downtime at reduced or zero day rates or the cancellation or termination of drilling contracts.
Rig reactivation, upgrade, life extension and repair projects are subject to the risks of delay or cost overruns, including the following: failure of third-party equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards, delays in equipment deliveries or shipyard construction, shortages of materials or skilled labor, disruptions occurring as the result of pandemics and/or epidemics and related public health measures implemented by governments worldwide, damage to shipyard facilities, including damage resulting from fire, explosion, flooding, severe weather, terrorism, war or other armed hostilities, unforeseen design or engineering problems, including those relating to the commissioning of newly designed equipment, unanticipated actual or purported change orders, strikes, labor disputes or work stoppages, financial or operating difficulties of equipment vendors or the shipyard while enhancing, upgrading, improving or repairing a rig or rigs, unanticipated cost increases, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting overall cost, inability to obtain the requisite permits or approvals, client acceptance delays, disputes with shipyards and suppliers, latent damages or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, claims of force majeure events, and additional risks inherent to shipyard projects in a non-U.S. location. These risks could result in the cancellation or termination of drilling contracts for which the drilling rig was contracted or reduce the likelihood that such drilling rigs will receive a drilling contract if not already contracted.
We make significant expenditures to meet customer requirements, maintain our fleet to comply with laws and the applicable regulations and standards of governmental authorities and organizations, or to expand our fleet, and we may be required to make significant expenditures to maintain our competitiveness.
We make substantial expenditures to maintain our fleet. These expenditures could increase as a result of changes in offshore drilling technology, the cost of labor and materials, customer requirements, fleet size, the cost of replacement parts for existing drilling rigs, the geographic location of the drilling rigs, length of drilling contracts, governmental regulations, maritime regulations and technical standards relating to safety, security or the environment, and industry standards.
Changes in offshore drilling technology, customer requirements for new or upgraded equipment, and competition within our industry may require us to make significant capital expenditures. In addition, changes in governmental regulations relating to decarbonization, environmental, emissions, safety or equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations, may require us to make additional unforeseen capital expenditures. In addition, commitments made by us, or our customers, to reduce emissions, or decarbonize, may require us to upgrade or retrofit our drilling rigs with additional equipment, less carbon intensive equipment or instrumentation. As a result, we may be required to take our drilling rigs out of
service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of revenues, in order to make such alterations or to add such equipment. In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to operate our drilling rigs profitably during the remainder of their economic useful lives.
Additionally, in order to expand our fleet, we may require additional capital in the future. If we are unable to fund capital requirements with cash flows from operations or proceeds from sales of non-core assets, we may be required to either incur additional borrowings or raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities. Our ability to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the time, by restrictive covenants in our debt agreements, bye-laws and regulations and by adverse market conditions resulting from, among others, general economic conditions, contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Similarly, when lenders and institutional investors reduce, and in some cases cease to provide, funding to industry borrowers, the liquidity and financial condition of us and our customers can be adversely impacted. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, existing shareholders may experience dilution, and if we raise funds by issuing additional debt securities, we may have to pledge additional assets as collateral. Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures could materially adversely affect our business and on our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Failure to recruit and retain skilled personnel could materially adversely affect our business.
We require skilled personnel to operate our drilling rigs and to provide technical services and support for our business, and further rig reactivations will require that we hire additional skilled personnel. As demand for our services and the number of active drilling rigs increases, competition for the labor required for drilling operations and construction projects intensifies, leading to shortages of qualified personnel in the industry. During periods of intensified competition, it is more difficult and costly to recruit, train and retain qualified employees, including in foreign countries that require a certain percentage of national employees. The most recent prolonged industry downturn and resulting reductions in offshore personnel wages further reduced the number of qualified personnel available. Hiring qualified and experienced personnel with the specialized skills and qualifications required to operate an offshore drilling rig is difficult due to the competitive labor market and lack of experience. In the current environment where competition for labor is intense, we may be required to increase existing levels of compensation to stay competitive in retaining a skilled workforce.
In addition, new personnel that we hire may need to undergo training to develop the skills needed to perform their job duties. There can be no assurance that our training programs will be adequate for these purposes, which could expose us to operational hazards and risks. We may also incur additional training costs to ensure that new or promoted personnel have the right skills and qualifications.
We also are subject to potential legislative or regulatory action that may impact working conditions, paid time off or other conditions of employment. These conditions could further increase our costs or limit our ability to fully staff and operate our drilling rigs.
The increases in employment costs cause an increase in operating expenses, with a resulting reduction in net income, and our ability to fully staff and operate our drilling rigs may be negatively affected.
Our use of a shared service center creates risks relating to the processing of transactions and recording of financial information, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
We have implemented a shared service center program pursuant to which we have outsourced certain finance, human resources, supply chain and IT functions. As part of this program, we outsource certain accounting, payroll, human resources, supply chain and IT functions to a third-party service provider. The party that we utilize for these services may not be able to handle the volume of activity or perform the quality of service necessary to support our operations. The failure of the third party to fulfill its obligations could disrupt our operations. In addition, the use of a shared service environment, including our reliance on a third-party provider, may create risks
relating to the processing of transactions and recording of financial information. We could experience a lapse in the operation of internal controls due to turnover, lack of legacy knowledge and inappropriate training associated with the use of a third-party provider, which could result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
AI presents risks and challenges that can impact our business.
AI presents risks and challenges that could impact our business, including breaches of privacy or security incidents related to the use of AI. We are integrating AI tools into our systems, and our third-party service providers as well as our competitors may also develop or use such tools. AI may become more important to our operations or to our future growth over time. There can be no assurance that we will realize the desired or anticipated benefits, or any benefits, and we may not properly implement such technology. In addition, we or our AI service providers may not meet existing or rapidly evolving regulatory or industry standards with respect to privacy and data protection, compliance, and transparency, among others, which could inhibit our or our service providers’ ability to maintain an adequate level of functionality or service. Our service providers may also incorporate AI into their services without disclosing such use to us, or fail to disclose risks presented by their use of AI. There is a risk that AI tools used by us or by our service providers could produce inaccurate or unexpected results or behaviors that could harm our business, customers or reputation. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI in their business operations more quickly or more successfully than we do, which may negatively impact our ability to compete effectively. Additionally, the complex and rapidly evolving landscape around AI may expose us to claims, inquiries, demands and proceedings by private parties and global regulatory authorities and subject us to legal liability as well as reputational harm. New laws and regulations are being adopted in various jurisdictions globally, including in Australia, the European Union (the "EU") and the U.S., and existing laws and regulations may be interpreted in ways that would affect our business operations and the way in which we use AI. Any of these outcomes could impair our ability to compete effectively, damage our reputation, result in the loss of our or our customers’ property or information and/or materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We may not realize the expected benefits of our ARO joint venture.
ARO, our 50/50 unconsolidated ARO joint venture and a provider of offshore drilling services, faces many of the same risks as we face. Operating through ARO, in which we have a shared interest, may result in our having less control over many decisions made with respect to projects, operations, safety, utilization, internal controls and other operating and financial matters. ARO may not apply the same controls and policies that we follow to manage our risks, and ARO’s controls and policies may not be as effective. As a result, operational, financial and control issues may arise, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows. Additionally, in order to establish or preserve our relationship with our joint venture partner we may agree to risks and contributions of resources that are proportionately greater than the returns we could receive, which could reduce our income and return on our investment in ARO compared to what we may traditionally require in other areas of our business.
ARO’s income and accounts receivable are concentrated with Saudi Aramco. The loss of this customer, or a substantial decrease in demand by this customer for ARO’s services, would have a material adverse effect on ARO’s business, results of operations and financial condition, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We have issued a 10-year shareholder notes receivable to ARO (the “Notes Receivable from ARO”), which are governed by the laws of Saudi Arabia. In the event of a dispute with ARO over the repayment of the Notes Receivable from ARO, our ability to enforce the payment obligations of ARO or to exercise other remedies are subject to several significant limitations, including that our ability to accelerate outstanding amounts under the Notes Receivable from ARO is subject to the consent of Saudi Aramco and that the Notes Receivable from ARO are governed by the laws of Saudi Arabia, and we are limited to the remedies available under Saudi law. In addition, our Notes Receivable from ARO are subordinated and junior in right of payment to ARO’s term loan described below, and as such, we may not be repaid the interest or principal amounts of the Notes Receivable from ARO. Further, we may not receive cash interest from ARO for an extended period of time, or at all. For example, the 2024 interest owed by ARO on the Notes Receivable from ARO of $24.6 million was paid in kind in December 2024 by increasing the principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO.
We have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. The shareholder agreement governing the joint venture (the "Shareholder Agreement") specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. The first two newbuild jackups were ordered in January 2020. The first rig, Kingdom 1, was delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second rig, Kingdom 2, was delivered in the second quarter of 2024. In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3, ARO is expected to commit to order one additional newbuild jackup in the near term. There can be no assurance that the new jackup rigs will begin operations as anticipated.
The joint venture partners intend for the newbuild jackup rigs to be financed out of ARO's available cash on hand or from operations and/or funds available from third-party financing. In October 2023, ARO entered into a $359.0 million term loan to finance the remaining payments due upon delivery of the first two newbuild jackups and for general corporate purposes. Further, in the event ARO has insufficient cash or is unable to obtain third-party financing, each partner may periodically be required to make additional capital contributions to ARO, up to a maximum aggregate contribution of $1.25 billion from each partner to fund the newbuild program. Beginning with the delivery of the second newbuild, each partner's commitment is reduced by the lesser of the actual cost of each newbuild rig or $250.0 million, on a proportionate basis. Following the delivery of Kingdom 2, our commitment to fund the newbuild program has been reduced to $1.1 billion. Any required capital contributions we make could negatively impact our liquidity position and financial condition.
In connection with Saudi Arabia’s announcement to limit oil production capacity and Saudi Aramco’s suspension of certain drilling contracts, the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts were terminated during the year ended December 31, 2024. Upon termination of these contracts, the bareboat charter agreements between us and ARO were also terminated and the rigs were returned to us and stacked. If additional drilling contracts between us and ARO are suspended or terminated in the future and we are unable to secure new contracts with substantially similar terms on a timely basis, our financial position, operating results or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. Five of our rigs leased to ARO have bareboat charter agreements expiring during 2025. While we are negotiating renewals, we may be unsuccessful in negotiating extensions or new contracts for these bareboat charters.
As a result of these risks, it may take longer than expected for us to realize the expected returns on our investment in ARO or such returns may ultimately be less than anticipated. Additionally, if we are unable to make any required contributions, our ownership in ARO could be diluted which could hinder our ability to effectively manage ARO and could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our joint venture partners’ actions, financial condition and liquidity and disputes between us and our joint venture partners.
We have made investments in joint ventures other than ARO. Such investments are subject to the risk that the other shareholders of the joint venture, who may have different business or investment strategies than us or with whom we may have a disagreement or dispute, may have the ability to block business, financial, or management decisions (such as the decision to distribute dividends or appoint members of management), which may be crucial to the success of our investment in the joint venture, or could otherwise implement initiatives which may be contrary to our interests. Our partners may be unable, or unwilling, to fulfil their obligations under the relevant agreements regarding such joint ventures (for example by non-contributing working capital or other resources), or may experience financial, operational, or other difficulties that may adversely impact our investment in a particular joint venture. In addition, our partners may lack sufficient controls and procedures which could expose us to risk. If any of the foregoing were to occur, such occurrence could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We may pursue other joint ventures that we believe will enable us to further expand or enhance our business. Any such joint venture would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and its consummation would depend upon numerous factors, including identifying suitable opportunities that align with our business strategy, reaching agreement with the potential counterparty on acceptable terms, the receipt of any applicable regulatory and other approvals, and other conditions. Any such joint venture would involve various risks, including among others (1) difficulties related to integrating or managing applicable parts of a joint venture and unanticipated changes in customer and other third-party relationships subsequent to closing, (2) diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day operations, (3) failure to realize anticipated benefits, such as cost savings, revenue enhancements or business synergies, (4) the potential for substantial transaction expenses and (5) potential accounting impairment or actual diminution or loss of value of our investment if future market, business or other conditions ultimately differ from our assumptions at the time any such transaction is consummated.
Our business involves operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover any potential losses.
The drilling of oil and natural gas wells involves numerous operating hazards, such as blowouts, reservoir damage, loss of production, loss of well control, uncontrolled formation pressures, lost or stuck drill strings, equipment failures and mechanical breakdowns, punch throughs, craterings, industrial accidents, fires, explosions, oil spills and pollution. Contract drilling requires the use of heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous conditions, which may subject us to liability claims by employees, customers and other parties or prosecution by governmental authorities. These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to, or destruction of, property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, which could lead to claims by employees, contractors or third parties and suspension of operations and contract terminations. Our drilling rigs are also subject to hazards associated with marine operations, either while docked, on site or during mobilization, such as capsizing, breaking free of moorings, sinking, grounding, collision, piracy, damage from adverse weather and marine life infestations. The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the coasts of Australia are areas subject to hurricanes, typhoons and other adverse weather conditions, and our drilling rigs in these regions may be exposed to damage or a total loss by these storms, some of which may not be covered by insurance. The occurrence of these events could result in the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the equipment involved and injury to or death of rig personnel. Operations may also be suspended because of machinery breakdowns, abnormal drilling conditions, failure of subcontractors to perform or supply goods or services or personnel shortages. Damage to the environment could also result from our operations, particularly through spillage of hydrocarbons, fuel, lubricants or other chemicals and substances used in drilling operations or fires. We may also be subject to property damage, environmental indemnity and other claims by third parties. Drilling involves certain risks associated with the loss of control of a well, such as blowout, cratering, the cost to regain control of or redrill the well and remediation of associated pollution. Our customers may be unable or unwilling to indemnify us against such risks. In addition, a court may decide that certain indemnities in our current or future drilling contracts are not enforceable. The law generally
considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy, and the enforceability of an indemnity as to other matters may be limited.
Our insurance policies and drilling contracts contain rights to indemnity that may not adequately cover our losses, and we do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks. We have two main types of insurance coverage: (1) hull and machinery coverage for physical damage to our property and equipment and (2) excess liability coverage, which generally covers our liabilities arising from our operations, such as personal injury and property claims, including wreck removal and pollution. We have no hull and machinery insurance coverage for damages caused by named storms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico for our jack-up fleet and only limited coverage for our floater fleet. We also retain the risk for any liability that exceeds our excess liability coverage. Pollution and environmental risks generally are not completely insurable.
If a significant accident or other event occurs that is not fully covered by our insurance or by an enforceable or recoverable indemnity, the occurrence could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows. The amount of our insurance may also be less than the related impact on enterprise value after a loss. Our insurance coverage will not in all situations provide sufficient funds to protect us from all liabilities that could result from our drilling operations. Our coverage includes annual aggregate policy limits. As a result, we generally retain the risk for any losses in excess of these limits. We currently only carry limited insurance for loss of hire for several of our rigs, and certain other claims may also not be reimbursed, in part or full, by insurance carriers. Any such lack of reimbursement may cause us to incur substantial costs. In addition, we could decide to retain more risk in the future, resulting in higher risk of losses, which could be material. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that we consider reasonable or be able to obtain insurance against certain risks. Furthermore, our insurance carriers may assert that our insurance policies do not provide coverage for our losses. Our insurance policies also have exclusions of coverage for some losses. Uninsured exposures may include radiation hazards, loss of hire and losses relating to terrorist acts or strikes and some cyber events. As a result of increased costs to insurance companies due to regulatory, geopolitical, reputational or other developments, insurance companies that have historically participated in underwriting risks arising out of oil and natural gas operations may discontinue that practice, may reduce the insurance capacity they are willing to deploy or demand significantly higher premiums or deductibles to cover these risks. Additionally, a significant number of high cost climate-related insurance claims or natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, floods or windstorms may result in withdrawal of insurance capacity and increasing premiums to oil and natural gas industry companies.
Geopolitical events and violence could materially adversely affect the markets for our services and have a material adverse effect on our business and cost and availability of insurance.
Geopolitical events have resulted in military actions, terrorist, pirate and other armed attacks, civil unrest, political demonstrations, mass strikes and government responses to such events. Military action by the U.S. or other nations could escalate, and acts of terrorism, piracy, kidnapping, extortion, acts of war, violence, civil war or general disorder may initiate or continue. Such acts could be directed against us or our assets. Such developments have caused instability in the world’s financial and insurance markets in the past. In addition, these developments could lead to increased volatility in prices for oil and natural gas and could materially adversely affect the markets for our services, particularly to the extent that such events take place in regions with significant oil and natural gas reserves, refining facilities or transportation infrastructure. For example, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East have led and may continue to lead to an increase in the volatility of global oil and natural gas prices, including as a result of any further increase in the severity of any such conflict. Insurance premiums could increase and coverage for these kinds of events may be unavailable in the future. Any or all of these effects could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Our drilling contracts with national oil companies may expose us to greater risks than we normally assume in drilling contracts with non-governmental customers.
We currently own and operate 10 drilling rigs that are contracted with national oil companies. The terms of these contracts are often non-negotiable and may expose us to greater commercial, political and operational risks than we assume in other contracts, such as exposure to materially greater environmental liability, personal injury and other claims for damages (including consequential damages), or, in certain cases, the risk of early termination of the contract for convenience (without cause), exercisable upon advance notice to us, contractually or by governmental action, without making an early termination payment to us. We can provide no assurance that the increased risk exposure will not have an adverse impact on our future operations or that we will not increase the number of drilling rigs contracted to national oil companies with commensurate additional contractual risks.
The impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Public health crises, pandemics and epidemics and fear of such events may adversely impact our operations, the operations of our customers and the global economy, including the worldwide demand for oil and natural gas and the level of demand for our services. Other effects of such public health crises, pandemics and epidemics may include significant volatility and disruption of the global financial markets; continued volatility of crude oil prices and related uncertainties around OPEC+ production; disruption of our operations, including suspension of drilling activities; impact to costs; loss of workers; labor shortages; supply chain disruptions or equipment shortages; logistics constraints; customer demand for our services and industry demand generally; capital spending by oil and natural gas companies; our liquidity; the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto; our ability to access capital markets; asset impairments and other accounting changes; certain of our customers experiencing bankruptcy or otherwise becoming unable to pay vendors, including us; and employee impacts from illness, travel restrictions, including border closures and other community response measures. Such public health crises, pandemics and epidemics are continuously evolving and the extent to which our business operations and financial results may be affected depends on various factors beyond our control, such as the duration, severity and sustained geographic resurgence of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics; the impact and effectiveness of governmental actions to contain and treat such outbreaks, including government policies and restrictions; vaccine hesitancy, vaccine mandates, and voluntary or mandatory quarantines; and the global response surrounding such uncertainties.
Unionization efforts and labor regulations in certain countries in which we operate could materially increase our costs or limit our flexibility with regard to the management of our personnel.
Outside of the U.S., we are often subject to collective bargaining agreements that require periodic salary negotiations, which usually result in higher personnel expenses and other benefits. Efforts have been made from time to time to unionize other portions of our workforce. In addition, we have been subjected to strikes or work stoppages and other labor disruptions in certain countries. Additional unionization efforts, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our costs, reduce our profitability or limit our flexibility.
Certain legal obligations require us to contribute certain amounts to retirement funds or other benefit plans and restrict our ability to dismiss employees. Future regulations or court interpretations established in the countries in which we conduct our operations could increase our costs and materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Significant equipment or part shortages, supplier capacity constraints, supplier production disruptions, supplier quality and sourcing issues or price increases could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Our reliance on third-party suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to secure equipment, parts, components and sub-systems used in our operations exposes us to potential volatility in the quality, prices and availability of such items. Certain high-specification parts and equipment that we use in our operations may be available only from a small number of suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, or in some cases must be sourced through a single supplier, manufacturer or service provider. Consolidation of suppliers may limit our ability to obtain supplies and services when needed at an acceptable cost or at all. A disruption in the deliveries from such third-party suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, including those related to inflation and supply chain disruption, quality control issues, recalls or other decreased availability of parts and equipment could adversely affect our ability to meet our commitments to customers by making it cost prohibitive to do so, thus adversely impacting our operations and revenues and/or our operating costs. Delays in the delivery of critical drilling equipment could cause delays in the expected timing of rig reactivation, enhancement or upgrade projects, unscheduled operational downtime, our drilling rigs to be unavailable within the commencement window established by the operator in the contract and subject us to potential termination of the contract for such late delivery of the drilling rig.
Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues.
Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily be proportional to changes in our operating revenues. Operating costs are affected by many factors, including inflation, while maintenance costs depend on, among other factors, market conditions for drilling services as well as unplanned downtime events or idle periods between contracts. Costs for operating a rig are therefore generally not correlated to the day rate being earned. As our rigs are mobilized from one geographic location to another, the labor and other operating and maintenance costs can vary significantly. Equipment maintenance costs fluctuate depending upon the age and condition of the equipment, and these costs could increase for short or extended periods as a result of new regulatory or customer requirements. Any of the foregoing could impact our liquidity or may cause us to miss our financial guidance for a given period, which could adversely impact the market price for our Common Shares. In addition, certain of our drilling contracts are partially payable in local currency. The amounts, if any, of local currency received under these drilling contracts may exceed our local currency needs to pay local operating and maintenance costs, leading to an accumulation of excess local currency balances, which, in certain instances, may be subject to either restrictions or other difficulties in converting to U.S. dollars, our functional currency, or to other currencies of the locations where we operate. Excess amounts of local currency may also expose us to the risk of currency exchange losses.
Our ability to pay our operating and capital expenses and make payments due on our debt depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to pay our operating and capital expenses and make payments due on our debt depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, legislative and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future, which could result in our being unable to fund liquidity needs or repay indebtedness. A range of economic, business and industry factors will affect our financial performance, and many of these factors, such as the condition of our industry, the global economy and initiatives of our competitors, are beyond our control. If we do not generate enough cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as selling assets; reducing or delaying capital investments; seeking to raise additional capital; or restructuring or refinancing all or a portion of our indebtedness at or before maturity.
We cannot be assured that we will be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives. The failure to generate sufficient cash flow or to achieve any of these alternatives could materially adversely affect our ability to fund liquidity needs or pay amounts due under our debt.
The agreements governing our debt, including the Indenture and the Credit Agreement, contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us and certain of our subsidiaries that may affect our ability to operate our business and to make payments on our debt.
The Indenture, the Credit Agreement and the related agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to:
•incur additional debt and issue preferred stock;
•incur or create liens;
•redeem and/or prepay certain debt;
•pay dividends on our shares or repurchase shares;
•make certain investments;
•engage in specified sales of assets;
•enter into transactions with affiliates; and
•engage in consolidation, mergers and acquisitions.
In addition, the Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us to maintain (i) a minimum book value of equity to total assets ratio, (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio and (iii) a minimum amount of liquidity. Any future indebtedness may also require us to comply with similar or other covenants. These restrictions on our ability to operate our business could seriously harm our business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of financings, mergers, acquisitions and other business opportunities.
Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with these covenants. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in our existing or future financing agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity for the debt under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on our ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair our ability to obtain other financing. This could have serious consequences to our financial condition and results of operations and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent.
We may experience risks associated with future mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets or other strategic transactions.
We may pursue mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets or other strategic transactions that we believe will strengthen, streamline or expand our business. Each such transaction would be dependent upon several factors, including identifying suitable companies, businesses or assets that align with our business strategies, reaching agreement with the potential counterparties on acceptable terms, the receipt of any applicable regulatory and other approvals, and other conditions. These transactions involve various risks, including among others, (1) difficulties related to integrating or managing applicable parts of an acquired business or joint venture and unanticipated changes in customer and other third-party relationships subsequent to closing, (2) diversion of management's attention from day-to-day operations, (3) applicable antitrust laws and other regulations that may limit our ability to acquire targets or require us to divest an acquired business or assets, (4) failure to realize anticipated benefits, such as cost savings, revenue enhancements or strengthening or broadening our business, (5)
potentially substantial transaction costs associated with acquisitions, joint ventures or investments if we or a transaction counterparty seeks to exit or terminate an interest in the joint venture or investment, (6) potential adverse impacts on our business and relationships with customers, vendors, contractors, employees or suppliers as a result of proposed or completed transactions and (7) potential accounting impairment or actual diminution or loss of value of our investment if future market, business or other conditions ultimately differ from our assumptions at the time such transaction is consummated.
The exercise of all or any number of outstanding warrants or the issuance or settlement of stock-based awards may dilute the holders of our Common Shares.
On April 30, 2021, we issued 75.0 million Common Shares and 5.6 million warrants to purchase 5.6 million Common Shares at an exercise price of $131.88 per share, exercisable for a seven-year period commencing on that date. Additionally, on May 3, 2021, our board of directors approved and ratified the Valaris Limited 2021 Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) and reserved 9.0 million of our Common Shares for issuance under the MIP primarily for employees and directors. As of December 31, 2024, there were 6.9 million shares available for issuance under the MIP. The grant and settlement of equity awards in the future, any exercise of the warrants into Common Shares and any sale of Common Shares underlying outstanding warrants will have a dilutive effect to the holdings of our existing shareholders and could have a material adverse effect on the market for our Common Shares, including the price that an investor could obtain for their Common Shares.
Regulatory, Legal and Tax Risks
Failure to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery statutes, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, could result in fines, criminal penalties, drilling contract terminations and materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption and are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (“FCPA”), the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) regulations, the U.K. Bribery Act (“UKBA”), other U.S. laws and regulations governing our international operations and similar laws in other countries.
Any violation of the FCPA, OFAC regulations, the UKBA or other applicable anti-corruption laws by us, our partners, agents and our and their respective affiliated entities or respective officers, directors, employees and agents could in some cases provide a customer with termination rights and other remedies under the terms of their contracts(s) with us and also result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions and could materially adversely affect our financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Further, we may incur significant costs and consume significant internal resources in our efforts to detect, investigate and resolve actual or alleged violations.
Increasing regulatory complexity could adversely impact the costs associated with our offshore drilling operations and reduce demand for our services.
The offshore contract drilling industry is dependent on demand for services from the oil and natural gas industry. Accordingly, we will be directly affected by the approval and adoption of laws and regulations limiting or curtailing exploration and development drilling for oil and natural gas for economic, environmental, safety and other policy reasons. Furthermore, we may be required to make significant capital expenditures or incur substantial additional costs to comply with new governmental laws and regulations. It is also possible that legislative and regulatory activity could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows by limiting drilling opportunities. In recent years, we have seen several significant regulatory changes that have affected the way we operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. See “Item 1. Business - Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters.”
Any new or additional regulatory, legislative, permitting or certification requirements in the U.S. and other areas in which we operate, including laws and regulations that have or may impose increased financial responsibility, oil spill abatement contingency plan capability requirements, or additional operational requirements and certifications, could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We anticipate that government regulation in other countries where we operate may follow the U.S. in regard to enhanced safety and environmental regulation, which could also result in governments imposing sanctions on contractors when operators fail to comply with regulations that impact drilling operations. Even if not a requirement in these countries, most international operating companies, and many others, are voluntarily complying with some or all of the U.S. inspections and safety and environmental guidelines when operating outside the U.S. Such additional governmental regulation and voluntary compliance by operators could increase the cost of our operations and expose us to greater liability.
Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly and could limit our operations.
Our operations are subject to laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the environment, pollution, contamination and hazardous waste disposal or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Environmental laws and regulations specifically applicable to our business activities could impose significant liability on us for damages, clean-up costs, fines and penalties in the event of oil spills or similar discharges of pollutants or contaminants into the environment or improper disposal of hazardous waste generated in the course of our operations. To date, such laws and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on our operating results, and we have not experienced an accident that has exposed us to material liability arising out of or relating to discharges of pollutants into the environment. However, the legislative, judicial and regulatory response to a well incident could substantially increase our and our customers’ liabilities. In addition to potential increased liabilities, such legislative, judicial or regulatory action could impose increased financial, insurance or other requirements that may adversely impact the entire offshore drilling industry. See “Item 1. Business - Governmental Regulations and Environmental Matters” and “Item 3. Legal Proceedings - Environmental Matters.”
Sustainability initiatives and high profile and catastrophic environmental events, such as the 2010 Macondo well incident, have led to increased regulation of offshore oil and natural gas drilling. We are adversely affected by restrictions on drilling in the areas in which we operate, including policies and guidelines regarding the approval of drilling permits, restrictions on development and production activities, and directives, judicial decisions and regulations that have and may further impact our operations. For example, in August 2024, the U.S. District Court of Maryland held that the 2020 biological opinion issued by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Services (the "NMFS"), which assessed the collective impact of certain federal actions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on threatened and endangered species, violated the Endangered Species Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. The Court ordered the biological opinion vacated effective December 20, 2024 and extended until May 21, 2025, which the NMFS previously indicated provides sufficient time to prepare and issue a new biological opinion. If the biological opinion is vacated, offshore oil and gas activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico could be halted on May 21, 2025 unless a legal, regulatory or legislative solution is reached before that date. From time to time, legislative and regulatory proposals have been introduced, and legal proceedings have been initiated, that would materially limit or prohibit offshore drilling in certain areas, or that would increase the liabilities or costs associated with offshore drilling. If new laws are enacted, or if government actions are taken or judicial decisions are made that restrict or prohibit offshore drilling in our principal areas of operation or that impose environmental or other requirements that materially increase the liabilities, financial requirements or operating or equipment costs associated with offshore drilling, exploration, development, or production of oil and natural gas, our financial position, operating results or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
The IRS may not agree with the conclusion that we should be treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.
Although Valaris Limited is incorporated in Bermuda (and thus would generally be considered a “foreign” corporation (or non-U.S. tax resident)), the IRS could assert that we should be treated as a U.S. corporation (and U.S. tax resident) pursuant to the rules under Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code. While we do not believe we are a U.S. corporation pursuant to these rules, the rules are complex and the determination is subject to factual uncertainties. If the IRS successfully challenged our status as a foreign corporation, significant adverse tax consequences would result for us and for certain of our shareholders.
Governments may pass laws that subject us to additional taxation or may challenge our tax positions.
There is increasing uncertainty with respect to tax laws, regulations and treaties, and the interpretation and enforcement thereof that may affect our business. For example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”), the EU and certain other countries (including countries in which we operate) are committed to enacting substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax principles impacting how large multinational enterprises are taxed. In particular, the OECD’s Pillar Two initiative introduces a 15% global minimum tax applied on a country-by-country basis. Many jurisdictions have already enacted legislation in line with Pillar Two, and the OECD continues to issue additional guidance. Based upon existing legislation and OECD guidance, Pillar Two could increase our future tax obligations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These evolving rules, as well as any other changes in domestic and international tax rules and regulations, could have a material effect on our effective tax rate.
In addition, our tax positions are subject to audit by U.K., U.S. and other foreign tax authorities. Such tax authorities may, and do from time to time, disagree with our interpretations or assessments of the effects of tax laws, treaties or regulations or their applicability to our corporate structure or certain transactions we have undertaken. Even if we are successful in maintaining our tax positions, we may incur significant expenses in defending our positions and contesting claims asserted by tax authorities. If we are unsuccessful in defending our tax positions, the resulting assessments or rulings could significantly impact our consolidated income taxes in past or future periods.
As required by law, we file periodic tax returns that are subject to review and examination by various revenue agencies within the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are subject to tax assessments in various jurisdictions, which we are contesting.
As a result of these uncertainties, as well as changes in the administrative practices and precedents of tax authorities or other matters, such as changes in applicable accounting rules, that increase the amounts we have provided for income taxes or deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, we cannot provide any assurances as to what our consolidated effective income tax rate will be in future periods. If we are unable to mitigate the negative consequences of any change in law, audit or other matters, this could cause our consolidated income taxes to increase and materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate may vary substantially over time.
We cannot provide any assurances as to what our future consolidated effective income tax rate will be because of, among other matters, uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of our business activities in any particular jurisdiction in the future and the tax laws of such jurisdictions, as well as potential changes in U.K., U.S. and other foreign tax laws, regulations or treaties or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, changes in the administrative practices and precedents of tax authorities or other matters (such as changes in applicable accounting rules) that increase the amounts we have provided for income taxes or deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, as a result of frequent changes in the taxing jurisdictions in which our drilling rigs are operated and/or owned, changes in the overall level of our income and changes in tax laws, our consolidated effective income tax rate may vary substantially from one reporting period to another. In periods of declining profitability, our income tax expense may not decline proportionately with income. Further, we may continue to incur income tax expense in periods in which we operate at a loss. Income tax rates imposed in the tax jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries conduct operations vary, as does the tax base to which the rates are applied. In some cases, tax rates may be applicable to gross revenues, statutory or negotiated deemed profits or other bases utilized under local tax laws, rather than to net income. In some instances, the movement of drilling rigs among taxing jurisdictions will involve the transfer of ownership of the drilling rigs among our subsidiaries, which may result in the imposition of transaction taxes, which could be material. If we are unable to mitigate the negative consequences of any change in law, audit, business activity or other matters, this could cause our consolidated effective income tax rate to increase and materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We are subject to litigation that could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are, from time to time, involved in various litigation matters. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, personal injury claims, toxic tort claims, environmental claims or proceedings, employment matters, issues related to employee or representative conduct, governmental claims for taxes or duties, and other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. Although we intend to defend or pursue such matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any litigation. Litigation could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows because of potential negative outcomes, legal fees, the allocation of management’s time and attention, and other factors.
We could also face increased climate-related litigation with respect to our operations both in the U.S. and around the world. Governmental and other entities in various states, such as California and New York, have filed lawsuits against coal, oil and natural gas companies. These suits allege damages as a result of climate change, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and abatement under various legal theories. Similar lawsuits may be filed in other jurisdictions both in the U.S. and globally. Although we are not currently a party to any such lawsuit, these suits present uncertainty regarding the extent to which companies who are not producing oil or natural gas, but who are engaged to provide services to support production activities, such as offshore drilling companies, face an increased risk of liability stemming from climate-related litigation, which risk would also adversely impact the oil and natural gas industry and impact demand for our services.
We are a Bermuda company and it may be difficult to enforce judgments against us or our directors and executive officers.
We are a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of holders of our Common Shares are governed by Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. Some of our directors and officers are not residents of the U.S., and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on those persons in the U.S. or to enforce in the U.S. judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. It is doubtful whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including the U.S., against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Bermuda against us or our directors or officers under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.
Our bye-laws restrict shareholders from bringing legal action against our officers and directors.
Our bye-laws contain a broad waiver by our shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on our behalf, against any of our officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.
Provisions in our bye-laws could delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could materially adversely affect the price of our Common Shares.
Some of the provisions in our bye-laws could delay or prevent a change in control of our company that a shareholder may consider favorable, which could materially adversely affect the price of our Common Shares. Certain provisions of our bye-laws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our company, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions include:
•authority of our board of directors to determine its size;
•the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred shares without shareholder approval;
•limitations on the removal of directors; and
•limitations on the ability of our shareholders to act by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
In addition, our bye-laws establish advance notice provisions for shareholder proposals and nominations for elections to the board of directors to be acted upon at meetings of shareholders.
Legislation enacted in Bermuda as to Economic Substance may affect our operations.
The Economic Substance Act came into effect in Bermuda on January 1, 2019. This law requires a registered entity other than an entity which is resident for tax purposes in certain jurisdictions outside Bermuda that carries as a business any one or more of the “relevant activities” must comply with economic substance requirements. The Economic Substance Act may require in-scope Bermuda entities, which are engaged in such “relevant activities,” to be directed and managed in Bermuda, have an adequate level of qualified employees in Bermuda, incur an adequate level of annual expenditure in Bermuda, maintain physical offices and premises in Bermuda or perform core income-generating activities in Bermuda. The list of “relevant activities” includes carrying on any one or more of: banking, insurance, fund management, financing and leasing, headquarters, shipping, distribution and service center, intellectual property and holding entities. The Economic Substance Act could affect the manner in which we operate our business. To the extent we or any of our Bermuda subsidiaries carry on any relevant activities for the purposes of the Economic Substance Act, we or such subsidiaries will be required to comply with such economic substance requirements. Our compliance with the Economic Substance Act
may result in additional costs that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Our business could be affected as a result of activist investors.
Publicly traded companies have increasingly become subject to campaigns by activist investors advocating corporate actions such as actions related to sustainability matters, financial restructuring, increased borrowing, dividends, share repurchases or sales of assets or even the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by such activist investors or others could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our board of directors and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategies, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of investor activism or changes to the composition of the board of directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business, instability or lack of continuity, which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. If customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or transact with our competitors instead of us because of any such issues, then our financial position, operating results or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the trading price of our shares could experience periods of increased volatility as a result of investor activism.
Risks Related to Our International Operations
Our non-U.S. operations involve additional risks not typically associated with U.S. operations.
Revenues from non-U.S. operations were 84%, 80% and 78% of our total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our non-U.S. operations and shipyard rig construction and enhancement projects are subject to political, economic and other uncertainties, including:
•terrorist acts, war and civil disturbances,
•expropriation, nationalization, deprivation or confiscation of our equipment or our customer’s property,
•repudiation or nationalization of contracts,
•assaults on property or personnel,
•piracy, kidnapping and extortion demands,
•significant governmental influence over many aspects of local economies and customers,
•unexpected changes in law and regulatory requirements, including changes in interpretation or enforcement of existing laws,
•work stoppages, such as labor strikes,
•complications associated with repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations,
•limitations on insurance coverage, such as war risk coverage, in certain areas,
•imposition of trade barriers,
•wage and price controls,
•import-export quotas,
•exchange restrictions, currency fluctuations and changes in monetary policy,
•uncertainty or instability resulting from hostilities or other crises in the Middle East, West Africa, Latin America, Southeastern Asia, Eastern Europe or other geographic areas in which we operate,
•changes in the manner or rate of taxation,
•limitations on our ability to recover amounts due,
•increased risk of government and vendor/supplier corruption,
•increased local content requirements,
•the occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic diseases and any government response to such occurrence or threat,
•changes in political conditions, and
•other forms of government regulation and economic conditions that are beyond our control.
We historically have maintained insurance coverage and obtained contractual indemnities that protect us from some, but not all, of the risks associated with our non-U.S. operations such as nationalization, deprivation, expropriation, confiscation, political and war risks. However, there can be no assurance that any particular type of contractual or insurance protection will be available in the future or that we will be able to purchase our desired level of insurance coverage at commercially feasible rates. Moreover, we may initiate a self-insurance program through one or more captive insurance subsidiaries. In circumstances where we have insurance protection for some or all of the risks associated with non-U.S. operations, such insurance may be subject to cancellation on short notice, and it is unlikely that we would be able to remove our rig or rigs from the affected area within the notice period. Accordingly, a significant event for which we are uninsured, underinsured or self-insured, or for which we have not received an enforceable contractual indemnity from a customer, could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
We are subject to various tax laws and regulations in substantially all countries in which we operate or have a legal presence. Actions by tax authorities that impact our business structures and operating strategies, such as changes to tax treaties, laws and regulations, or the interpretation or repeal of any of the foregoing or changes in the administrative practices and precedents of tax authorities, adverse rulings in connection with audits or otherwise, or other challenges may have a material impact on our tax expense.
Our non-U.S. operations are also subject to various laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to the operation of drilling rigs and the requirements for equipment. We may be required to make significant capital expenditures to operate in such countries, which may not be reimbursed by our customers. Furthermore, regulators in certain jurisdictions, such as Brazil where we have four drillships currently operating, have become more aggressive in their interpretations and enforcement of such laws and regulations. Any adverse rulings or changes in enforcement practices that materially impact our ability to operate in these jurisdictions could cause delays in contract commencement dates, unscheduled operational downtime, reduced or zero day rates or the termination or cancellation of contracts. Governments in some countries are active in regulating and controlling the ownership of oil, natural gas and mineral concessions and companies holding such concessions, the exploration of oil and natural gas and other aspects of the oil and natural gas industry in their countries. In some areas of the world, government activity has materially adversely affected the amount of exploration and development work performed by major international oil companies and may continue to do so. Moreover, certain countries accord preferential treatment to local contractors or joint ventures or impose specific quotas for local goods and services, which can increase our operational costs and place us at a competitive disadvantage. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations or activities will not materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
The shipment of goods, services and technology across international borders subjects us to extensive trade laws and regulations. Our import activities are governed by specific customs laws and regulations in each of the countries where we operate. Moreover, many countries, including the U.S., control the export and re-export of certain goods, services and technology and impose related export recordkeeping and reporting obligations. Governments also may impose express or de facto economic sanctions or tariffs against certain countries, persons and other entities that may restrict or prohibit transactions involving such countries, persons and entities.
The laws and regulations concerning import activity, export recordkeeping and reporting, export control, economic sanctions and tariffs are complex and frequently changing. These laws and regulations may be enacted, amended, enforced or interpreted in a manner materially impacting our operations. Shipments can be delayed and denied export or entry for a variety of reasons, some of which are outside our control and some of which may result from failure to comply with existing legal and regulatory regimes. Shipping delays or denials could cause unscheduled operational downtime, reduced day rates during such downtime and contract cancellations. Any failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory trading obligations also could result in criminal and civil penalties and sanctions, such as fines, imprisonment, exclusion from government contracts, seizure of shipments and loss of import and export privileges.
Our partners, agents and our and their respective affiliated entities or respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions in violation of our policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with the laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any such violation could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
Sustainability Risks
Regulation of GHG and climate change could have a negative impact on our business.
Governments around the world are increasingly focused on enacting laws and regulations regarding climate change and regulation of GHG that may impact our operations, profitability and competitiveness. Restrictions on GHG emissions, reporting requirements or other related legislative or regulatory enactments could have an indirect effect in those industries that use significant amounts of petroleum products, which could potentially result in a reduction in demand for petroleum products and, consequently, our offshore contract drilling services. Lawmakers and regulators in the U.S. and certain jurisdictions where we operate have proposed or enacted regulations requiring reporting of GHG emissions and the restriction thereof, including increased fuel efficiency standards, carbon taxes or cap and trade systems, restrictive permitting and incentives for renewable energy. For example, the SEC has adopted a final rule implementing a mandatory climate change reporting framework; however, such framework is subject to an indefinite stay pending litigation over the rules. Should this rule become effective it would materially increase the amount of time, monitoring, diligence and reporting costs related to these matters. Likewise, in December 2023, the EPA adopted a final rule enacting a series of actions targeting methane and other emission reductions in natural gas and oil operations. Global efforts have been made and continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues and impose reductions of hydrocarbon-based fuels, including plans developed in connection with the Paris climate conference in December 2015, the Katowice climate conference in December 2018 and the UN Climate Change Conferences since 2021. In January 2023, the EU enacted the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will require sustainability reporting across a broad range of sustainability topics for both EU and non-EU companies. We anticipate that these requirements will apply to us as early as 2026 (for fiscal year 2025) for certain of our EU subsidiaries and at the consolidated entity level in 2030 (for fiscal year 2029). As a result of varying rules adopted by jurisdictions in which we operate, we are increasingly subject to an overlapping patchwork of laws and regulations, including disclosure requirements, which may increase the costs of compliance and the risk of violations.
Laws or regulations incentivizing or mandating the use of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar energy have also been enacted in certain jurisdictions. Additionally, numerous large cities globally and several countries have adopted programs to mandate or incentivize the conversion from internal combustion engine powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles and placed restrictions on non-public transportation. Such policies or other laws, regulations, treaties and international agreements related to GHG and climate change may negatively impact the price of oil relative to other energy sources, reduce demand for hydrocarbons, limit drilling in the offshore oil and natural gas industry, or otherwise unfavorably impact our business, our suppliers and our customers, and result in increased compliance costs and additional operating restrictions, all of which could materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
In addition to potential impacts on our business resulting from climate-change legislation or regulations, our business also could be materially adversely affected by climate change-related physical changes, such as changing weather patterns. An increase in severe weather patterns could result in damage to or loss of our drilling rigs, impact our ability to conduct our operations and/or result in a disruption of our customers’ operations. Finally, increasing attention to the risks of climate change has resulted in an increased possibility of lawsuits or investigations brought by public and private entities against oil and natural gas companies in connection with their GHG emissions. Should we be targeted by any such litigation or investigations, we may incur liability, which could be imposed without regard to the causation of or contribution to the asserted damage, or to other mitigating factors. The ultimate impact of GHG emissions-related agreements, legislation and measures on our financial performance is highly uncertain because we are unable to predict, in a multitude of jurisdictions, the outcome of political decision-making processes.
Consumer preferences for alternative fuels and electric-powered vehicles, as part of the global energy transition, may lead to reduced demand for our services.
The increasing penetration of renewable energy into the energy supply mix, the increased production of electric-powered vehicles and improvements in energy storage, as well as changes in consumer preferences, including increased consumer demand for alternative fuels, energy sources and electric-powered vehicles may materially adversely affect the demand for oil and natural gas and our drilling services. This evolving transition of the global energy system from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to more renewable energy sources, commonly referred to as the energy transition, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. As a result of changes in consumer preferences and uncertainty regarding the pace of the energy transition and expected impacts on oil and natural gas demand, some of our customers are transitioning their businesses to renewable energy projects and away from oil and natural gas exploration and production, which may result in reduced capital spending by such customers on oil and natural gas projects and in turn reduced demand for our services.
Increased scrutiny from stakeholders and others regarding climate change, as well as our sustainability practices, initiatives and reporting responsibilities, could result in additional costs or risks.
In recent years the investment community, including investment advisors and certain sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds, has promoted the divestment of fossil fuel equities and pressured lenders to cease or limit funding to companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. Such initiatives could ultimately interfere with our access to capital, business activities and operations.
In addition to such initiatives, sustainability matters more generally have been the subject of increased focus by investors, customers, investment funds, political advocacy groups, and other market and industry participants, as well as certain regulators, including in the U.S. and the EU. We publish an annual Sustainability Report, which includes disclosure of our sustainability practices, aspirations, targets and goals. Our disclosures on these matters rely on management’s expectations as of the date the statements are first made, as well as standards for measuring progress that are still in development and may change or fail to be realized. These expectations and standards may continue to evolve. Even so, our failure or inability to meet these aspirations, targets, goals or evolving stakeholder expectations for sustainability practices and reporting and even the perception of such failure or inability may potentially harm our reputation and impact employee retention, customer relationships and access to capital, among other matters. For example, certain market participants use third-party benchmarks or scores to measure a company’s sustainability practices in making investment decisions and customers and suppliers may evaluate our sustainability practices or require that we adopt certain sustainability policies as a condition of awarding contracts. By electing to set and share publicly our corporate sustainability standards, our business may face increased scrutiny related to sustainability activities and be unable to satisfy all stakeholders. For example, an increasing number of stakeholders, regulators and lawmakers have expressed or pursued opposing views, legislation and investment expectations with respect to sustainability. As sustainability best-practices and voluntary or mandatory reporting standards continue to develop, we may incur increased costs related to sustainability monitoring and reporting and complying with sustainability initiatives, especially to the extent these standards are not harmonized or consistent. In addition, it may be difficult or expensive for us to comply with any sustainability-linked contracting policies
adopted by customers and suppliers, particularly given the complexity of our supply chain, our reliance on third-party manufacturers, and the potential for jurisdictions in which we operate to enact opposing or incompatible regulations. Actions we may take to achieve our sustainability initiatives, including the development and implementation of new emissions-reduction technology, may require increased expenditures, which may materially adversely affect our financial position, operating results or cash flows.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Contract Drilling Fleet
The following table provides certain information about the rigs in our drilling fleet as of February 18, 2025:
Rig Name
Rig Type
Year Delivered
Design
Maximum
Water Depth/
Drilling Depth
Location
Status
Floaters
VALARIS DS-4 Drillship 2010 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Brazil Under contract
VALARIS DS-7 Drillship 2013 Dynamically Positioned 10,000'/40,000' Angola
Under contract
VALARIS DS-8 Drillship 2015 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Brazil
Under contract
VALARIS DS-9 Drillship 2015 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Cyprus
Under contract
VALARIS DS-10 Drillship 2017
Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Spain
Available
VALARIS DS-11 Drillship 2013 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Spain Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS DS-12 Drillship 2013 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Egypt
Under contract
VALARIS DS-13 Drillship 2023
Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Spain Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS DS-14 Drillship 2023 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Spain Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS DS-15 Drillship 2014 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Brazil Under contract
VALARIS DS-16 Drillship 2014 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Gulf of Mexico Under contract
VALARIS DS-17 Drillship 2014 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Brazil
Under contract
VALARIS DS-18 Drillship 2015 Dynamically Positioned 12,000'/40,000' Gulf of Mexico
Under contract
VALARIS DPS-1 Semisubmersible 2012 Dynamically Positioned 10,000'/35,000' Australia
Under contract
VALARIS DPS-3 Semisubmersible 2010 Dynamically Positioned 8,500'/37,500' Gulf of Mexico Preservation stacked(1)(2)
VALARIS DPS-5 Semisubmersible 2012 Dynamically Positioned 8,500'/35,000' Gulf of Mexico Available(2)
VALARIS DPS-6 Semisubmersible 2012 Dynamically Positioned 8,500'/35,000' Gulf of Mexico Preservation stacked(1)(2)
VALARIS MS-1 Semisubmersible 2011 F&G ExD Millennium, Moored
8,200'/40,000 Australia Under contract
Jackups
VALARIS 72 Jackup 1981
Hitachi K1025N 225'/25,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS 76 Jackup 2000 MLT Super 116-C 350'/30,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 92 Jackup 1982
MLT 116-C 210'/25,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS 102 Jackup 2002 KFELS MOD V-A 400'/30,000' Gulf of Mexico Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 104 Jackup 2002
KFELS MOD V-B 400'/30,000' UAE Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 106 Jackup 2005 KFELS MOD V-B 400'/30,000' Indonesia Under contract
VALARIS 107 Jackup 2006 KFELS MOD V-B 400'/30,000' Australia Under contract
VALARIS 108 Jackup 2007
KFELS MOD V-B 400'/30,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 109 Jackup 2008 KFELS MOD V-Super B 350'/35,000' Namibia Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 110 Jackup 2015 KFELS MOD V-B 400'/35,000' Qatar Under contract
VALARIS 111 Jackup 2003 KFELS MOD V Enhanced B-Class 400'/36,000' Croatia Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 115 Jackup 2013 Baker Marine Pacific Class 400 400'/30,000' Brunei Under contract
VALARIS 116 Jackup 2008
LT 240- C 375'/35,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 117 Jackup 2009 LT 240- C 350'/35,000' Mexico Under contract
VALARIS 118 Jackup 2012 LT 240- C 350'/35,000 Trinidad Under contract
VALARIS 120 Jackup 2013 KFELS Super A 400'/40,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS 121 Jackup 2013 KFELS Super A 400'/40,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS 122 Jackup 2013 KFELS Super A 400'/40,000' United Kingdom Under contract
Rig Name Rig Type Year Delivered
Design Maximum
Water Depth/
Drilling Depth Location Status
Jackups
(Continued)
VALARIS 123 Jackup 2019
KFELS Super A 400'/40,000' Netherlands
Under contract
VALARIS 140 Jackup 2016 LT Super 116E 340'/30,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 141 Jackup 2016 LT Super 116E 340'/30,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 143 Jackup 2010
LT EXL Super 116-E 350'/35,000' UAE Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 144 Jackup 2010 LT Super 116-E 350'/35,000' Angola
Under contract
VALARIS 145 Jackup 2010 LT Super 116-E 350'/35,000' Gulf of Mexico Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 146 Jackup 2011
LT EXL Super 116-E 320'/35,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS 147 Jackup 2013
LT Super 116-E 350'/30,000' UAE Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 148 Jackup 2013
LT Super 116-E 350'/30,000' UAE Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS 247 Jackup 1998 LT Super Gorilla 400'/35,000' Australia
Under contract
VALARIS 248 Jackup 2000
LT Super Gorilla 400'/35,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS 249 Jackup 2001 LT Super Gorilla 400'/35,000' Trinidad
Under contract
VALARIS 250 Jackup 2003 LT Super Gorilla XL 550'/35,000' Saudi Arabia Leased to ARO drilling
VALARIS Viking Jackup 2010
KEFLS N Class 435'/35,000' United Kingdom Preservation stacked(1)
VALARIS Stavanger Jackup 2011 KEFLS N Class 400'/35,000' United Kingdom Under contract
VALARIS Norway Jackup 2011 KEFLS N Class 400'/35,000' United Kingdom Under contract
(1)Prior to stacking, upfront steps are taken to preserve the rig. This may include a quayside power source to dehumidify key equipment and/or provide electric current to the hull to prevent corrosion. Also, certain equipment may be removed from the rig for storage in a temperature-controlled environment. While stacked, large equipment that remains on the rig is periodically inspected and maintained by Valaris personnel. These steps are designed to reduce time and lower cost to reactivate the rig once returned to the active fleet.
(2)In the first quarter of 2025, management approved a plan to retire VALARIS DPS-3, VALARIS DPS-5 and VALARIS DPS-6 from the fleet. The Company expects that these rigs will be removed from the global drilling supply and repurposed for alternative uses or scrapped.
The equipment on our drilling rigs includes engines, draw works, derricks, pumps to circulate drilling fluid, well control systems, drill string and related equipment. The engines power a top-drive mechanism that turns the drill string and drill bit so that the hole is drilled by grinding subsurface materials, which are then returned to the rig by the drilling fluid. The intended water depth, well depth and geological conditions are the principal factors that determine the size and type of rig most suitable for a particular drilling project.
Floater rigs consist of drillships and semisubmersibles. Drillships are purpose-built maritime vessels outfitted with drilling apparatus. Drillships are self-propelled and can be positioned over a drill site through the use of computer-controlled propellers or "thruster" dynamic positioning systems. Our drillships are capable of drilling in water depths of up to 12,000 feet and are suitable for deepwater drilling in remote locations because of their superior mobility and large load-carrying capacity. Although drillships are most often used for deepwater drilling and exploratory well drilling, drillships can also be used as a platform to carry out well maintenance or completion work such as casing and tubing installation or subsea tree installations.
Semisubmersibles are drilling rigs with pontoons and columns that are partially submerged at the drilling location to provide added stability during drilling operations. Semisubmersibles are held in a fixed location over the ocean floor either by being anchored to the sea bottom with mooring chains or dynamically positioned by computer-controlled propellers or "thrusters" similar to that used by our drillships. Moored semisubmersibles are most commonly used for drilling in water depths of 4,499 feet or less. However, VALARIS MS-1, which is a moored semisubmersible, is capable of deepwater drilling in water depths greater than 5,000 feet. Dynamically positioned semisubmersibles generally are outfitted for drilling in deeper water depths and are well-suited for deepwater development and exploratory well drilling. Further, we have two hybrid semisubmersibles, VALARIS DPS-3 and VALARIS DPS-5, which leverage both moored and dynamically positioned configurations. This hybrid design provides multi-faceted drilling solutions to customers with both shallow water and deepwater requirements.
Jackup rigs stand on the ocean floor with their hull and drilling equipment elevated above the water on connected leg supports. Jackups are generally preferred over other rig types in shallow water depths of 400 feet or less, primarily because jackups provide a more stable drilling platform with above water well-control equipment. Our jackups are of the independent leg design where each leg can be fixed into the ocean floor at varying depths and equipped with a cantilever that allows the drilling equipment to extend outward from the hull over fixed platforms enabling safer drilling of both exploratory and development wells. The jackup hull supports the drilling equipment, jacking system, crew quarters, storage and loading facilities, helicopter landing pad and related equipment and supplies.
We own all rigs in our fleet and we manage the drilling operations for two platform rigs owned by a third-party.
We lease various office, warehouse and storage facilities worldwide, including our corporate offices in Houston, Texas and other offices and facilities located in various countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. We own offices and other facilities in the U.S. (Louisiana) and Brazil.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Environmental Matters
We are currently subject to pending notices of assessment relating to spills of drilling fluids, oil, brine, chemicals, grease or fuel from drilling rigs operating offshore Brazil from 2008 to 2019, pursuant to which the governmental authorities have assessed, or are anticipated to assess, fines. We have contested these notices and appealed certain adverse decisions and are awaiting decisions in these cases. Although we do not expect final disposition of these assessments to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these assessments. A $0.3 million liability related to these matters was included in Accrued liabilities and other on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024 included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Other Matters
In addition to the foregoing, we are named defendants or parties in certain other lawsuits, claims or proceedings incidental to our business and are involved from time to time as parties to governmental investigations or proceedings, including matters related to taxation, arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted accurately, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
See “Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
On April 30, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of approximately 75.0 million Common Shares and Warrants are traded on the NYSE under the symbols “VAL” and “VAL WS”, respectively.
Many of our shareholders hold shares electronically, all of which are owned by a nominee of the Depository Trust Company. We had 66 shareholders of record on February 3, 2025.
Dividends
We have not paid or declared any dividends on our Common Shares. Our Indenture and the Credit Agreement include provisions that limit our ability to pay dividends.
Bermuda Tax
We have been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange control purposes. This designation allows us to engage in transactions in currencies other than the Bermudian dollar, and there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermudian dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of our Common Shares.
For years ended December 31, 2024 and prior, there is no Bermuda income or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by us or by our shareholders in respect of our shares. Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 on December 27, 2023 (the “CIT Act”) which stipulates a tax on 15% of the net income of certain Bermuda constituent entities (as determined in accordance with the CIT Act, including after adjusting for any relevant foreign tax credits applicable to the Bermuda constituent entities). No tax is chargeable under the CIT Act until tax years starting on or after January 1, 2025.
Equity Compensation Plans
For information on shares issued or to be issued in connection with our equity compensation plans, see "Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters."
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") under which we may purchase up to $600.0 million of our outstanding Common Shares. The Share Repurchase Program does not have a fixed expiration, may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time and any repurchases made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program are subject to compliance with applicable covenants and restrictions under our financing agreements.
The following table provides a summary of our repurchases of our equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2024:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total Number of Securities Purchased Average Price Paid per Security Total Number of Securities Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Approximate Dollar Value of Securities that May Yet Be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
(in millions)
October 1 - October 31
424,538 $ 53.10 424,538 $ 277.5
November 1 - November 30
48,174 $ 49.63 48,174 $ 275.1
December 1 - December 31
1,474 $ 45.39 1,474 $ 275.0
Total 474,186 $ 52.72 474,186 $ 275.0
Cumulative Total Shareholder Return
The chart below presents a comparison of the cumulative total shareholder return, assuming $100 invested on May 3, 2021 (first trading date after our emergence from bankruptcy) for Valaris Limited, the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and Dow Jones US Select Oil Equipment & Services Index (the "Industry Index").
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN(1)
Among Valaris Limited, the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Industry Index
May 3, 2021 Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
Relisting
2021 2022 2023 2024
Valaris Limited 100.0 151.9 285.3 289.3 186.7
S&P MidCap 400 100.0 104.6 91.0 105.9 120.7
Industry Index
100.0 96.5 160.7 168.4 155.1
(1) Total return assuming reinvestment of dividends. Assumes $100 invested on May 3, 2021, which represents the first trading date after our emergence from bankruptcy.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following information should be read in conjunction with "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this report.
The discussion of our results of operations and liquidity in this section includes comparisons for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. For a similar discussion, including comparisons for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2024.
INTRODUCTION
Our Business
We are a leading provider of offshore contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry with operations in almost every major offshore market across six continents. We own the world's largest offshore drilling rig fleet, including one of the newest ultra-deepwater fleets in the industry and a leading premium jackup fleet. As of February 20, 2025, we own 52 rigs, including 13 drillships, four dynamically positioned semisubmersible rigs, one moored semisubmersible rig, 34 jackup rigs and a 50% equity interest in ARO, our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture with Saudi Aramco, which owns an additional nine rigs.
Our customers include many of the leading international and government-owned oil and gas companies, in addition to many independent operators. We are among the most geographically diverse offshore drilling companies with global operations. The markets in which we operate include the Gulf of Mexico, South America, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
We provide drilling services on a day rate contract basis. Under day rate contracts, we provide an integrated service that includes the provision of a drilling rig and rig crews for which we receive a daily rate that may vary between the full rate and zero rate throughout the duration of the contractual term, depending on the operations of the rig. We also may receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for the mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs. Our customers bear substantially all of the costs of constructing the well and supporting drilling operations as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the well.
Our Industry
Operating results in the offshore contract drilling industry are highly cyclical and are directly related to the demand for and the available supply of drilling rigs. Low demand and excess supply can independently affect day rates and utilization of drilling rigs. Therefore, adverse changes in either of these factors can result in adverse changes in our industry. While the cost of moving a rig may cause the balance of supply and demand to vary somewhat between regions, significant variations between most regions are generally of a short-term nature due to rig mobility.
Demand for offshore drilling is impacted by fundamental supply and demand dynamics for crude oil. Since late 2022, Brent crude oil prices have been largely trading in a range between $70 and $90 per barrel, with OPEC+ members managing supply in an effort to keep the market in balance. Importantly, longer-dated Brent crude oil prices have remained stable, with the five-year forward price above $65 per barrel, a level at which nearly 90% of undeveloped offshore reserves are expected to be profitable. As a result, we believe the constructive oil price environment is supportive of continued investment in long-cycle offshore projects.
Rig attrition in the industry over the last decade, particularly for floaters, has resulted in a smaller global fleet of rigs that is available to meet customer demands. While demand for offshore drilling services has declined modestly since early 2024, global demand for hydrocarbons continues to increase and offshore production, particularly deepwater, is expected to play an important role in providing secure, reliable and affordable energy to meet the world’s growing energy needs. Consequently, our outlook for the offshore drilling business is positive.
Inflationary pressures have continued, resulting in increased personnel costs as well as in the prices of goods and services required to operate our rigs or execute capital projects. We expect that our costs will continue to rise in the near term and although certain of our long-term contracts contain provisions for escalating costs, we cannot predict with certainty our ability to successfully claim recoveries of higher costs from our customers under these contractual stipulations.
Backlog
Our contract drilling backlog reflects commitments represented by signed drilling contracts and is calculated by multiplying the contracted operating day rate by the contract period. The contracted day rate excludes certain types of lump sum fees for rig mobilization, demobilization, contract preparation, as well as customer reimbursables and bonus opportunities. Our backlog excludes ARO's backlog but includes backlog from our rigs leased to ARO at the contractual lease rates, which are subject to adjustment under the terms of the shareholder agreement governing the joint venture (the "Shareholder Agreement").
The ARO backlog presented below is 100% of ARO's backlog and is inclusive of backlog on both ARO owned rigs and rigs leased from us. As an unconsolidated 50/50 joint venture, when ARO realizes revenue from its backlog, 50% of the earnings thereon would be reflected in our results in equity in earnings of ARO in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The earnings from ARO backlog with respect to rigs leased from us will be net of, among other things, payments to us under bareboat charters for those rigs. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
The following table summarizes our and 100% of ARO's contract backlog of business as of February 18, 2025 and February 15, 2024 (in millions):
February 18, 2025 February 15, 2024
Floaters (1)
$ 2,024.0 $ 2,531.7
Jackups (2)
1,313.0 1,167.4
Other (3)
271.5 222.3
Total $ 3,608.5 $ 3,921.4
ARO (4)
$ 1,422.9 $ 2,138.1
(1)The decrease for Floaters is primarily due to revenues realized, partially offset by a multi-year contract award for VALARIS DS-17 offshore Brazil and two six-month contract extensions for VALARIS DS-9 offshore Angola, which resulted in incremental aggregate backlog of approximately $570.0 million.
(2)The increase for Jackups is primarily due to various contract awards and extensions executed for incremental aggregate backlog of approximately $690.0 million, including a three-year contract extension for VALARIS 118, which resulted in incremental aggregate backlog of approximately $168.0 million, and a multi-year contract award for VALARIS 144, which resulted in incremental aggregate backlog of approximately $144.0 million. These increases were partially offset by revenues realized.
(3)Other includes the backlog for our managed rig services and the bareboat charter backlog for the jackup rigs leased to ARO in order for ARO to fulfill certain of its drilling contracts with Saudi Aramco. The increase in Other is primarily due to three-year contract extensions for our managed rigs, which resulted in incremental aggregate backlog of approximately $180.0 million, partially offset by revenues realized and a reduction of backlog of approximately an aggregate $35.0 million attributable to the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts, which were terminated during 2024.
(4)The decrease in ARO backlog is due to revenues realized and a reduction of backlog of approximately $125.0 million attributable to the termination of the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts.
The following table summarizes our and 100% of ARO's contract backlog as of February 18, 2025 and the periods in which revenues are expected to be realized (in millions):
2025 2026 2027 and beyond Total
Floaters $ 946.2 $ 687.7 $ 390.1 $ 2,024.0
Jackups 617.2 408.6 287.2 1,313.0
Other 92.7 114.1 64.7 271.5
Total $ 1,656.1 $ 1,210.4 $ 742.0 $ 3,608.5
ARO $ 369.4 $ 283.2 $ 770.3 $ 1,422.9
The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned will be different from amounts disclosed in our backlog calculations due to a lack of predictability of various factors, including unscheduled repairs, maintenance requirements, weather delays, contract terminations or renegotiations and other factors.
Our drilling contracts generally contain provisions permitting early termination of the contract if the rig is lost or destroyed or by the customer if operations are suspended for a specified period of time due to breakdown of major rig equipment, unsatisfactory performance, "force majeure" events beyond the control of either party or other specified conditions. In addition, our drilling contracts generally permit early termination of the contract by the customer for convenience (without cause), exercisable upon advance notice to us, and in certain cases without making an early termination payment to us. There can be no assurances that our customers will be able to or willing to fulfill their contractual commitments to us.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Floaters
In recent years, the more constructive oil price environment led to an improvement in contracting and tendering activity for floaters. The number of contracted benign environment floaters increased to a peak of 128 in April 2024 from a low of 101 in early 2021, contributing to an increase in global utilization, from 73% to 86%, for the industry's marketed fleet over the same period, which resulted in a meaningful increase in day rates. During 2024, some customer demand for 2024 and 2025 was deferred to future periods, which slowed the pace of contracting compared to the previous three years. As a consequence, we have seen a modest decline in the number of contracted benign environment floaters to 123 at December 31, 2024, representing 83% utilization of the global marketed fleet, which has tempered day rates in the near term. However, there is a strong pipeline of opportunities for benign environment floaters, particularly for high specification drillships, with anticipated contract commencements in 2026 and beyond.
From a supply perspective, as of December 31, 2024, the number of benign environment floaters including stacked rigs declined by 41% to 166 from a peak of 281 in late 2014. Given the moderate decline in utilization in the second half of 2024 for benign environment floaters, we could see further rigs retired from the global fleet. Also, given the expected high construction cost and lack of shipyard capacity, we do not believe that market conditions are supportive of floater newbuild construction for the foreseeable future.
Jackups
Contracting and tendering activity for jackups has improved in recent years as a result of the more constructive oil price environment, and we have seen a corresponding increase in utilization. The number of contracted jackups increased to a peak of 412 in March 2024 from a low of 341 in early 2021, contributing to an increase in global utilization, from 78% to 94%, for the industry's marketed fleet over the same period, leading to a meaningful increase in day rates for jackups.
In early 2024, Saudi Arabia announced that they plan to maintain maximum sustainable capacity at 12 million barrels per day. Since this announcement, Saudi Aramco has sent contract suspension notices to several offshore drillers to suspend contracts, totaling 33 rigs, which represents 8% of the marketed jackup fleet. This included notice to ARO with respect to its drilling contracts for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148. To date, 11 of the 33 suspended rigs have been contracted in other regions and one rig has been retired from the offshore drilling fleet. We believe that less than half of the remaining suspended rigs are likely to be competitive in other higher-specification, benign environment regions. Adjusting for the rigs under suspension that are awaiting to resume their contracts with Saudi Aramco, utilization for the global marketed jackup fleet was 88% at December 31, 2024. The decrease in global utilization from earlier in 2024 is putting some downward pressure on day rates in certain benign environment regions.
From a supply perspective, as of December 31, 2024, the number of jackups declined by 7% to 503 from a peak of 542 in early 2015. While the number of jackups has decreased less than floaters, 28% of the current jackup fleet is more than 40 years of age with limited useful lives remaining. Further, we believe that some of the jackups that are currently idle are not competitive, either due to their age or length of time stacked. Expenditures required to reactivate some of these rigs may prove cost prohibitive and drilling contractors may instead elect to scrap certain rigs. We believe there are only 11 newbuild jackups remaining at shipyards, of which eight are at Chinese shipyards, some of which are expected to be used locally in China.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes our Consolidated Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions, except percentages):
Years Ended December 31, Change % Change
2024 2023
Operating revenues
Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues) (1) (3)
$ 2,211.9 $ 1,676.0 $ 535.9 32 %
Reimbursable revenues (2) (3)
150.7 108.2 42.5 39 %
Total operating revenues (3)
2,362.6 1,784.2 578.4 32 %
Operating expenses
Contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) (1) (3)
1,618.5 1,440.4 178.1 12 %
Reimbursable expenses (2) (3)
142.4 103.2 39.2 38 %
Total contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) (3)
1,760.9 1,543.6 217.3 14 %
Depreciation 122.1 101.1 21.0 21 %
General and administrative 116.3 99.3 17.0 17 %
Total operating expenses 1,999.3 1,744.0 255.3 15 %
Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO (11.0) 13.3 (24.3) (183) %
Operating income 352.3 53.5 298.8 NM
Other income, net 17.9 30.7 (12.8) (42) %
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 0.4 (782.6) 783.0 (100) %
Net income 369.8 866.8 (497.0) (57) %
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 3.6 (1.4) 5.0 (357) %
Net income attributable to Valaris $ 373.4 $ 865.4 $ (492.0) (57) %
NM - Not meaningful
(1)For the purposes of our discussion below, we refer to Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues) and Contract drilling expense (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) as "Revenues" and "Contract Drilling Expenses", respectively.
(2)We typically receive reimbursements from our customers for purchases of supplies, equipment and incremental services provided at their request. These reimbursements and the related costs incurred are recognized on a gross basis within Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses, respectively. Changes within these line items generally do not have a material effect on our operating results or cash flows.
(3)Certain previously reported line items presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (Total operating revenues and Total contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation)) were further disaggregated to separately disclose Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses, respectively, to align with the updated presentation of our segment tables upon the adoption of ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The disaggregation of these line items is presentational only and was retrospectively applied to the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no impacts to the overall Total operating revenues or Total contract drilling expense (exclusive of depreciation) line items. See "Note 13 - Segment Information" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
Overview
Revenues increased in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily due to $401.7 million of incremental revenue earned for VALARIS DS-17, VALARIS DS-8 and VALARIS DS-7, which have commenced new contracts since mid-2023 following reactivations. For the remaining fleet, there was a net increase of $165.8 million from higher average daily revenue, primarily due to certain rigs working under higher day rate contracts as compared to the prior year, which was partially offset by a $30.9 million net decrease attributable to fewer operating days in the current year.
Contract Drilling Expenses increased in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily due to incremental costs of $73.2 million incurred for VALARIS DS-17, VALARIS DS-7 and VALARIS DS-8 and $25.0 million of expense recognized in 2024 related to an accrual for a legal matter. We also incurred an aggregate $16.3 million in incremental costs related to the stacking of VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14, which were delivered in December 2023 and stacked in early 2024, and three jackups, which were stacked during 2024 upon termination of their leases with ARO. For the remaining fleet, we had an increase in personnel-related costs of $32.7 million, partially driven by wage increases in certain regions and higher incentive compensation costs.
Depreciation expense increased in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily due to new assets placed in service for certain rigs that underwent reactivation projects and capital upgrades.
General and administrative expenses increased in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to higher professional fees and higher compensation related to our long-term incentive plans.
Other income, net, decreased in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily due to a $27.3 million gain on the sale of VALARIS 54 recognized in the prior year, a $15.9 million increase in interest expense, net, and a $15.3 million decrease in interest income. These decreases were partially offset by a $29.2 million loss from the extinguishment of the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2028 (the "First Lien Notes") recognized in 2023 (see "Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information) and a $17.3 million increase related to net foreign currency gains relative to the prior year, largely driven by favorable exchange rate movements in certain currencies.
Rig Counts, Utilization and Average Daily Revenue
The following table summarizes the total and active offshore drilling rigs for Valaris and ARO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024 2023
Total Fleet
Floaters
18 18
Jackups(1)
28 27
Other(2)
7 8
Total Valaris 53 53
ARO(3)
9 8
Active Fleet (4)
Floaters
13 13
Jackups (1)
18 20
Other (2)
7 8
Active Fleet - Valaris 38 41
ARO (3)
9 8
(1)During 2024, we leased VALARIS 108 and VALARIS 76 to ARO. Separately, during 2024 the contracts with ARO for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 were terminated and the rigs have been preservation stacked.
(2)This represents the jackup rigs leased to ARO through bareboat charter agreements whereby substantially all operating costs are incurred by ARO. Rigs leased to ARO operate under long-term contracts with Saudi Aramco. During 2024, we leased VALARIS 108 and VALARIS 76 to ARO. Separately, the contracts with ARO for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 were terminated.
(3)This represents the jackup rigs owned by ARO, which are operating under long-term contracts with Saudi Aramco, including Kingdom 2, which was delivered in the second quarter of 2024. This table does not include Kingdom 3, a newbuild jackup ordered by ARO in October 2024, as the rig is under construction.
(4)Active fleet represents rigs that are not preservation stacked and includes rigs that are in the process of being reactivated.
We provide management services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on two rigs owned by a third-party not included in the table above.
Operating results for our contract drilling services segment are largely dependent on two primary revenue metrics: utilization and day rates. The following table summarizes our and ARO's rig utilization and average daily revenue by reportable segment:
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Rig Utilization - Total Fleet (1)
Floaters 61% 58%
Jackups 58% 59%
Other(2)
100% 100%
Total Valaris 67% 66%
ARO 80% 93%
Rig Utilization - Active Fleet (1)
Floaters 83% 75%
Jackups 83% 79%
Other(2)
100% 100%
Total Valaris 87% 83%
ARO 80% 93%
Average Daily Revenue (3)
Floaters $ 345,000 $ 265,000
Jackups 121,000 106,000
Other(2)
38,000 42,000
Total Valaris $ 165,000 $ 130,000
ARO $ 104,000 $ 96,000
(1)Rig utilization for the total fleet and active fleet are derived by dividing the operating days by the number of days in the period for the total fleet and active fleet, respectively. Active fleet represents rigs that are not preservation stacked and includes rigs that are in the process of being reactivated. Operating days equals the total number of days that rigs have earned and recognized day rate revenue, including days associated with early contract terminations, compensated downtime and mobilizations and excluding suspension periods. When revenue is deferred and amortized over a future period, for example, when we receive fees while mobilizing to commence a new contract or while being upgraded in a shipyard, the related days are excluded from operating days.
(2)Includes our two management services contracts and our rigs leased to ARO under bareboat charter contracts.
(3)Average daily revenue is derived by dividing Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues) by the aggregate number of operating days.
Operating Income by Segment
Our business consists of four operating segments: (1) Floaters, which includes our drillships and semisubmersible rigs, (2) Jackups, (3) ARO and (4) Other, which consists of management services on rigs owned by third parties and the activities associated with our arrangements with ARO under the bareboat charter arrangements (the "Lease Agreements"). Floaters, Jackups and ARO are also reportable segments.
Our onshore support costs included within Contract Drilling Expenses are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and as such, those costs are included in “Reconciling Items." Further, general and administrative expense and depreciation expense incurred by our corporate office are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and are included in "Reconciling Items."
Because ARO is a 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture, its full operating results included below are not included within our consolidated results and thus are deducted under "Reconciling Items" and replaced with our equity in earnings of ARO. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Floaters Jackups ARO Other Reconciling Items Consolidated Total
Operating revenues
Revenues (exclusive of
reimbursable revenues) (3)
$ 1,382.8 $ 686.5 $ 512.5 $ 142.6 $ (512.5) $ 2,211.9
Reimbursable revenues (1) (3)
57.9 68.4 - 24.4 - 150.7
Total operating revenues (3)
1,440.7 754.9 512.5 167.0 (512.5) 2,362.6
Operating expenses
Contract drilling expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and
reimbursable expenses) (3)
930.3 477.1 367.7 63.6 (220.2) 1,618.5
Reimbursable expenses (1) (3)
54.9 64.3 - 23.2 - 142.4
Total contract drilling
(exclusive of depreciation) (3)
985.2 541.4 367.7 86.8 (220.2) 1,760.9
Loss on impairment - - 28.4 - (28.4) -
Depreciation 58.1 45.0 89.2 9.5 (79.7) 122.1
General and administrative - - 23.7 - 92.6 116.3
Equity in losses of ARO - - - - (11.0) (11.0)
Operating income $ 397.4 $ 168.5 $ 3.5 $ 70.7 $ (287.8) $ 352.3
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Floaters Jackups ARO Other Reconciling Items Consolidated Total
Operating revenues
Revenues (exclusive of
reimbursable revenues) (1) (3)
$ 902.8 $ 620.6 $ 496.6 $ 152.6 $ (496.6) $ 1,676.0
Reimbursable revenues (2) (3)
45.9 39.0 - 23.3 - 108.2
Total operating revenues (3)
948.7 659.6 496.6 175.9 (496.6) 1,784.2
Operating expenses
Contract drilling expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and
reimbursable expenses) (1) (3)
768.4 480.4 365.9 52.6 (226.9) 1,440.4
Reimbursable expenses (2) (3)
43.6 37.0 - 22.6 - 103.2
Total contract drilling
(exclusive of depreciation) (3)
812.0 517.4 365.9 75.2 (226.9) 1,543.6
Depreciation 55.8 40.0 65.9 5.0 (65.6) 101.1
General and administrative - - 22.2 - 77.1 99.3
Equity in earnings of ARO - - - - 13.3 13.3
Operating income $ 80.9 $ 102.2 $ 42.6 $ 95.7 $ (267.9) $ 53.5
(1)For the purposes of our discussion below, we refer to Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues) and Contract drilling expense (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) as "Revenues" and "Contract Drilling Expenses", respectively.
(2)We typically receive reimbursements from our customers for purchases of supplies, equipment and incremental services provided at their request. These reimbursements and the related costs incurred are recognized on a gross basis within Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses, respectively. Changes within these line items generally do not have a material effect on our operating results or cash flows.
(3)Certain previously reported line items presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (Total operating revenues and Total contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation)) were further disaggregated to separately disclose Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses, respectively, to align with the updated presentation of our segment tables upon the adoption of ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The disaggregation of these line items was presentational only and was retrospectively applied to the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no impacts to the overall Total operating revenues or Total contract drilling expense (exclusive of depreciation) line items. See "Note 13 - Segment Information" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
Floaters
Floater Revenues increased $480.0 million, or 53%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to incremental revenue of $401.7 million from VALARIS DS-17, VALARIS DS-8 and VALARIS DS-7, which have commenced new contracts since mid-2023 following reactivations. For the remaining floater fleet, there was a net increase of $113.5 million from higher average daily revenue, primarily due to certain floaters working under higher day rate contracts in the current period as compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by a $34.8 million decrease attributable to fewer operating days in the current year, largely driven by VALARIS DPS-5 and VALARIS DS-10, which completed their contracts in the third quarter of 2024.
Floater Contract Drilling Expenses increased $161.9 million, or 21%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to incremental costs of $73.2 million incurred for VALARIS DS-17, VALARIS DS-8 and VALARIS DS-7 in 2024 and $25.0 million of expense recognized in 2024 related to an accrual for a legal matter. For the remaining fleet, there were increases of $34.7 million in personnel-related costs, partially driven by wage increases in certain regions and incentive compensation costs, $18.6 million from higher repair and maintenance costs, primarily due to planned maintenance during the current year, and $10.8 million incurred related to the stacking of VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14 during 2024.
Jackups
Jackup Revenues increased $65.9 million, or 11%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to a net increase of $56.0 million from higher average daily revenue, largely driven by certain rigs working under contracts with higher day rates than the prior year, and incremental operating days in 2024 of $9.2 million.
Jackup Contract Drilling Expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 1%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to a $15.4 million decrease in repairs and maintenance costs, largely attributable to maintenance activities performed for certain rigs during special periodic surveys in the prior year period, and a net decrease in personnel-related costs of $4.0 million, partially driven lower costs as a result of leasing VALARIS 76 and VALARIS 108 to ARO during the first half of 2024. These decreases were partially offset by increased mobilization costs of $10.9 million, primarily driven by the amortization of mobilization costs related to VALARIS 247, which mobilized from the U.K. to Australia for a new contract in 2024, and $5.5 million in incremental costs related to the stacking of VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147, and VALARIS 148 after the termination of their leases with ARO.
ARO
The operating revenues of ARO reflect revenues earned under drilling contracts with Saudi Aramco for both the ARO-owned jackup rigs and the rigs leased from us. Contract Drilling Expenses are inclusive of the bareboat charter fees for the rigs leased from us. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on ARO and related arrangements.
ARO Revenues increased $15.9 million, or 3%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to $80.7 million of incremental revenue from Kingdom 1 and Kingdom 2, which commenced operations in November 2023 and August 2024, respectively, and VALARIS 108, which we began leasing to ARO during the first quarter of 2024. This increase was partially offset by decreases of $44.3 million related to the contract terminations for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 during the current year and $17.6 million related to certain rigs which were undergoing maintenance projects or had unplanned downtime in the current year.
ARO Contract Drilling Expenses remained relatively flat, with an increase of $1.8 million in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to $16.8 million of incremental operating costs related to the operation of Kingdom 1, Kingdom 2 and VALARIS 108 in the current year and higher personnel-related costs of $2.2 million for the remainder of the fleet. These increases were largely offset by $16.9 million of lower bareboat charter lease expense, inclusive of certain adjustments, primarily driven by the terminations of the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts and corresponding bareboat charter leases during 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, ARO recorded non-cash losses on impairment totaling $28.4 million with respect to the contract terminations for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for information regarding the impairment.
ARO depreciation expense increased $23.3 million, or 35%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to the additions of Kingdom 1 and Kingdom 2 to the fleet.
Other
Other Revenues decreased $10.0 million, or 7%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to a $16.6 million decrease in revenue from lease agreements with ARO, primarily driven by contract terminations for VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 during 2024. This decrease was partially offset by a $6.3 million increase in average daily revenues earned by our two managed rigs as a result of contract extensions executed in the first half of 2024 at higher rates.
Other Contract Drilling Expenses increased $11.0 million, or 21%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to higher repairs and maintenance costs of $6.8 million related to special periodic survey related projects on the leased rigs and higher personnel-related costs for our managed rigs of $2.1 million.
Other Income (Expense), Net
The following table summarizes other income (expense), net, (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Interest income $ 86.1 $ 101.4
Interest expense, net (84.8) (68.9)
Net foreign currency exchange gains (losses)
13.8 (3.5)
Net periodic pension and retiree medical income 2.4 0.9
Net gain (loss) on sale of property
(0.2) 28.6
Loss on extinguishment of debt - (29.2)
Other, net 0.6 1.4
$ 17.9 $ 30.7
Interest income decreased by $15.3 million, or 15%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to a $21.2 million decrease in interest income on cash equivalents due to a lower average balance in 2024 and a $5.9 million decrease in interest income earned on our outstanding 10-year shareholder notes receivable due from ARO (the "Notes Receivable from ARO"), which was driven by lower outstanding principal balances as a result of a partial net settlement agreement executed in the second quarter of 2024 (the "Net Settlement Agreement") and lower interest rates relative to the prior year period. These decreases were partially offset by an increase from the recognition of non-cash interest income of $13.9 million for an adjustment to the discount on our outstanding Notes Receivable from ARO, which resulted from the Net Settlement Agreement. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for information on this matter.
Interest expense, net increased by $15.9 million, or 23%, in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to higher interest expense of $26.1 million related to a higher principal debt balance through 2024. This increase was partially offset by higher capitalized interest of $10.2 million, primarily due to VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14, which were delivered at the end of 2023, and certain rigs that underwent capital projects in 2024.
Net foreign currency exchange gains increased $17.3 million in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily driven by favorable exchange rate movements in the euros, Brazilian reals, Mexican pesos, Angolan kwanza and Australian dollars, partially offset by unfavorable exchange rate movements in the Nigerian naira and Egyptian pounds. See "Note 1 - Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further information on our functional currency.
Net gains on the sale of property decreased by $28.8 million in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to the sale of VALARIS 54 in 2023.
We recognized a $29.2 million loss from the extinguishment of the First Lien Notes in 2023. See "Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for information on this matter.
Provision for Income Taxes
Valaris Limited is domiciled and a resident for tax purposes in Bermuda. Our subsidiaries conduct operations and earn income in numerous countries and are subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries. The income of our non-Bermuda subsidiaries is not subject to Bermuda taxation.
Income tax rates and taxation systems in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries conduct operations vary and our subsidiaries are frequently subjected to minimum taxation regimes. In some jurisdictions, tax liabilities are based on gross revenues, statutory deemed profits or other factors, rather than on net income, and our subsidiaries are frequently unable to realize tax benefits when they operate at a loss. Accordingly, during periods of declining profitability, our income tax expense may not decline proportionally with income, which could result in higher effective income tax rates. Furthermore, we will continue to incur income tax expense in periods in which we operate at a loss.
Our drilling rigs frequently move from one taxing jurisdiction to another to perform contract drilling services. In some instances, the movement of drilling rigs among taxing jurisdictions will involve the transfer of ownership of the drilling rigs among our subsidiaries. As a result of frequent changes in the taxing jurisdictions in which our drilling rigs are operated and/or owned, changes in profitability levels and changes in tax laws, our annual effective income tax rate may vary substantially from one reporting period to another.
Effective Tax Rate
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded an income tax expense of $0.4 million and had an effective income tax rate of 0.1%. Our 2024 consolidated effective income tax rate includes a discrete tax benefit of $85.8 million, primarily attributable to change in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned discrete tax items, the consolidated effective income tax rate was 21.8% as of December 31, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an income tax benefit of $782.6 million and had an effective income tax rate of (929.5)%. Our 2023 consolidated effective income tax rate includes a discrete tax benefit of $42.0 million primarily attributable to changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years, including unrecognized tax benefits described below. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned discrete tax items, our consolidated effective income tax rate was (872.3)% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The tax benefit in 2023 includes a $799.5 million deferred tax benefit recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023 to reduce our valuation allowance due to the determination that sufficient positive evidence existed to conclude that a portion of the allowance was no longer needed. During 2023, we also recognized tax benefits for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefit liabilities related to the lapse of statutes of limitations applicable to certain of our tax positions of $73.6 million and settlements reached with taxing authorities of $41.8 million. These benefits were partially offset by a $88.6 million increase in unrecognized tax benefit liabilities for tax positions taken during prior years, including $66.0 million recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to tax assessments received from the Luxembourg tax authorities. See "Note 10 - Income Taxes" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.
The changes in our consolidated effective income tax rate excluding discrete tax items during the two-year period result primarily from changes in the relative components of our earnings from the various taxing jurisdictions in which our drilling rigs are operated and/or owned and differences in tax rates in such taxing jurisdictions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
We expect to fund our short-term liquidity needs, including contractual obligations and anticipated capital expenditures, as well as working capital requirements, from cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations. Additionally, we have liquidity available under our senior secured revolving credit agreement, which matures in 2028 (the "Credit Agreement."). We expect to fund our long-term liquidity needs, including contractual obligations and anticipated capital expenditures, from cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, as well as cash to be received from maturity of our Notes Receivable from ARO and from the distribution of earnings from ARO. We may rely on the issuance of debt and/or equity securities in the future to supplement our liquidity needs. However, the Indenture governing our Second Lien Notes, as defined below, dated as of April 19, 2023 (the "Indenture"), and the Credit Agreement contain covenants that limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, were $368.2 million and $620.5 million, respectively. We have no debt principal payments due until 2030 and had $375.0 million available for borrowing, including up to $150.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit, under the Credit Agreement as of February 14, 2025. See "Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the Credit Agreement and the 8.375% Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the "Second Lien Notes").
Cash Flows and Capital Expenditures
Absent periods where we have significant financing or investing transactions or activities, such as debt or equity issuances, share repurchases, debt repayments, business combinations or asset sales, our primary sources and uses of cash are driven by cash generated from or used in operations and capital expenditures. Our net cash provided by operating activities and capital expenditures were as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 355.4 $ 267.5
Capital expenditures $ (455.1) $ (696.1)
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we generated $355.4 million of cash flow from operating activities primarily due to operating income for the year of $352.3 million. Our primary uses of cash were $455.1 million for maintenance and upgrades of our drilling rigs, reactivation costs and costs to mobilize VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14 to their stacking location after their delivery. Additionally, we spent $126.4 million under our share repurchase program during the year, which is discussed further below.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we generated $267.5 million of cash flow from operating activities, primarily due to operating income for the year of $53.5 million, the collection of $45.9 million for certain tax refunds and other changes in working capital. Our primary uses of cash were $337.0 million for the purchase of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 and $359.1 million for maintenance and upgrades of our drilling rigs, including reactivations. Other primary sources and uses of cash during 2023 resulted from the First Lien Notes redemption, the corresponding Second Lien Notes issuance and our share repurchase program, which are each further discussed below, combined with the sale of VALARIS 54 for net proceeds of $30.3 million.
We continue to take a disciplined approach to reactivations of our stacked rigs, only reactivating them to the active fleet for opportunities that provide meaningful returns. Generally, most of the reactivation cost are operating expenses, recognized in the income statement, related to de-preservation activities, including reinstalling key pieces of equipment and crew costs. Capital expenditures during reactivations include rig modifications, equipment overhauls and any customer required capital upgrades. Reactivation costs incurred for VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14 would be capitalized as such activities would be required to prepare the rigs for their intended use. We would generally expect to be compensated for any customer-specific enhancements.
Based on our current projections, we expect capital expenditures during 2025 to approximate $350.0 million to $390.0 million, primarily relating to maintenance and upgrade projects, including contract-specific capital expenditures. Depending on market conditions, contracting activity and future opportunities, we may make additional capital expenditures to upgrade rigs for customer requirements and acquire additional rigs.
We review from time to time possible acquisition opportunities relating to our business, which may include the acquisition of rigs or other businesses. The timing, size or success of any acquisition efforts and the associated potential capital commitments are unpredictable and uncertain. We may seek to fund all or part of any such efforts with cash on hand and proceeds from debt and/or equity issuances and may issue equity directly to the sellers. Our ability to obtain capital for additional projects to implement our growth strategy over the longer term will depend on our future operating performance, restrictions to incur additional debt in the Indenture and the Credit Agreement, financial condition and, more broadly, on the availability of equity and debt financing. Capital availability will be affected by prevailing conditions in our industry, the global economy, the global financial markets and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, any additional debt service requirements we take on could be based on higher interest rates and shorter maturities and could impose a significant burden on our results of operations and financial condition, and the issuance of additional equity securities could result in significant dilution to shareholders.
Our business strategy has been to focus on ultra-deepwater floater and premium jackup operations and de-emphasize other assets and operations that are not part of our long-term strategic plan or that no longer meet our standards for economic returns. Consistent with this strategy, we sold VALARIS 54 in April 2023 for $28.2 million. At the time of sale, the rig had a net book value of $0.9 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $27.3 million within the Jackups segment during the second quarter of 2023. Further, in the first quarter of 2025, we sold VALARIS 75 resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $23.0 million in 2025. Of the proceeds, approximately $14.0 million were collected upon closing, with the remaining $10.0 million expected to be received in equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing. The rig had an immaterial net book value as of December 31, 2024.
We continue to focus on our fleet management strategy in light of the composition of our rig fleet. While taking into account certain restrictions on the sales of assets under our debt agreements, as part of our strategy, we may act opportunistically from time to time to monetize assets to enhance stakeholder value and improve our liquidity profile, in addition to reducing holding costs by selling or disposing of lower-specification or non-core rigs.
In connection with our sustainability-related efforts, during 2024, we spent approximately $9.0 million. Our sustainability initiatives will continue to require, among other actions, investment in systems and equipment and cooperation with our customers.
Financing and Capital Resources
First Lien Notes
The First Lien Notes were redeemed on May 3, 2023 for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $571.8 million (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) with a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Initial Second Lien Notes, as discussed below. See “Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the First Lien Notes.
Second Lien Notes
On April 19, 2023, the Company and Valaris Finance Company LLC (“Valaris Finance,” together, the "Issuers"), issued and sold $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes (the "Initial Second Lien Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Initial Second Lien Notes were issued at par for net proceeds of $681.4 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and offering expenses. A portion of the proceeds were used to fund the redemption of all of the outstanding First Lien Notes as discussed above.
Additionally, on August 21, 2023, the Issuers issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional Second Lien Notes (the "Additional Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Additional Notes were issued at 100.75% of par, plus accrued interest from April 19, 2023, for net proceeds of approximately $396.9 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and estimated offering expenses, and excluding accrued interest received of $11.4 million. We used a portion of the proceeds to finance the purchase of VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14.
The Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Notes were issued under the Indenture and form a single series. The Second Lien Notes mature on April 30, 2030 and bear an interest rate of 8.375% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 30 of each year. See “Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the Second Lien Notes.
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 3, 2023, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for commitments permitting borrowings of up to $375.0 million (which may be increased, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and the agreement of lenders to provide such additional commitments, by an additional $200.0 million pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement) and includes a $150.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. Valaris Finance and certain other subsidiaries of the Company (together with Valaris Finance, the “Guarantors”) guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the lenders have a first priority lien on the assets securing the Credit Agreement. The commitments under the Credit Agreement became available to be borrowed on April 19, 2023.
See “Note 6 - Debt" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the Credit Agreement.
Investment in ARO and Notes Receivable from ARO
We expect to receive cash from ARO in the future both from the maturity of our Notes Receivable from ARO and from the distribution of earnings from ARO.
The distribution of earnings to the joint-venture partners is at the discretion of the ARO board of managers, consisting of 50/50 membership of managers appointed by Saudi Aramco and managers appointed by us, with approval required by both shareholders. The timing and amount of any cash distributions to the joint-venture partners cannot be predicted with certainty and will be influenced by various factors, including the liquidity position and long-term capital requirements of ARO. ARO has not made a cash distribution of earnings to its partners since its formation.
The Notes Receivable from ARO, which are governed by the laws of Saudi Arabia, mature during 2027 and 2028. In the event that ARO is unable to repay the Notes Receivable from ARO when they become due, we would require the prior consent of our joint venture partner to enforce ARO’s payment obligations. In June 2024, the Company and ARO executed a Net Settlement Agreement whereby approximately $50.7 million of our accounts payable due to ARO relating to our bareboat charter arrangements were net settled against a portion of the principal of our Notes Receivable from ARO. Furthermore, the 2024 interest owed by ARO on the Notes Receivable from ARO of $24.6 million was paid in kind in December 2024 by increasing the principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO.
See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on our investment in ARO and Notes Receivable from ARO.
The following table summarizes the maturity schedule of our Notes Receivable from ARO as of December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Maturity Date Principal Amount
October 2027 $ 213.6
October 2028 163.0
Total $ 376.6
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 and the periods in which such obligations are due (in millions):
Payments due by period
2025 2026 and 2027 2028 and 2029 Thereafter Total
Principal payments on long-term debt $ - $ - $ - $ 1,100.0 $ 1,100.0
Interest payments on long-term debt
92.1 184.3 184.3 46.0 506.7
Operating leases 32.7 52.2 8.5 3.0 96.4
Total contractual obligations(1)
$ 124.8 $ 236.5 $ 192.8 $ 1,149.0 $ 1,703.1
(1)Contractual obligations do not include $128.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of interest and penalties, included within Other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024. We are unable to specify with certainty whether we would be required to and in which periods we may be obligated to settle such amounts.
In connection with our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture, we have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. The Shareholder Agreement specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. The joint venture partners intend for the newbuild jackup rigs to be financed out of available cash on hand and from ARO's operations and/or funds available from third-party financing. The first newbuild jackup, Kingdom 1, was delivered and commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the second newbuild jackup, Kingdom 2, was delivered in the second quarter of 2024 and commenced operations in the third quarter of 2024.
In January 2020, ARO paid 25% of the purchase price from cash on hand for each of the two newbuilds, and in October 2023, entered into a $359.0 million term loan to finance the remaining newbuild payments due upon delivery and for general corporate purposes. The term loan matures in eight years following the related drawdown under the term loan and requires equal quarterly amortization payments during the term, with a 50% balloon payment due at maturity. The term loan bears interest based on the three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.4%. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2024, ARO entered into a revolving credit facility which provides for borrowings of up to $100.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, there was $10.0 million outstanding under this facility. Our Notes Receivable from ARO are subordinated and junior in right of payment to both ARO’s term loan and credit facility.
In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3, for a purchase price of approximately $300.0 million, and paid the 25% down payment from cash on hand. The final payment will be due upon delivery of the rig. ARO is expected to commit to order one additional newbuild jackup in the near term. ARO intends for these newly ordered jackup rigs to be financed out of cash on hand or from operations or funds available from third-party financing.
In the event ARO has insufficient cash or is unable to obtain third-party financing, each partner may periodically be required to make additional capital contributions to ARO, up to a maximum aggregate contribution of $1.25 billion from each partner to fund the newbuild program. Beginning with the delivery of the second newbuild, each partner's commitment shall be reduced by the lesser of the actual cost of each newbuild rig or $250.0 million, on a proportionate basis. Following the delivery of Kingdom 2, our commitment to fund the newbuild program has been reduced to $1.1 billion. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on ARO.
Other Commitments
We have other commitments that we are contractually obligated to fulfill with cash under certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2024, we were contingently liable for an aggregate amount of $27.0 million under outstanding letters of credit, which guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, customs duties, tax appeals and other obligations in various jurisdictions. Obligations under these letters of credit are not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirement. As of December 31, 2024, we had collateral deposits in the amount of $10.8 million with respect to these agreements.
The following table summarizes our other commitments as of December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Commitment expiration by period
2025 2026 and 2027 2028 and 2029 Thereafter Total
Letters of credit $ 9.8 $ 17.2 $ - $ - $ 27.0
Tax Assessments
In February 2024, one of our Malaysian subsidiaries received an unfavorable court decision regarding a tax assessment for the 2012-2017 tax years totaling approximately MYR117.0 million (approximately $26.0 million converted at current period-end exchange rates), including a late payment penalty. In July 2024, we received a payment demand from the Malaysian tax authority for the full assessment amount. In order to further contest the assessment, we agreed to a seven-month payment plan which commenced in August 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we made payments of approximately $18.0 million, which are included within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and had approximately $8.0 million of remaining payments. We have not recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024 related to this assessment based on a more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe our tax returns are materially correct as filed and we will vigorously contest this assessment.
In December 2023, one of our Luxembourg subsidiaries received tax assessments for fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. In February 2024, the Luxembourg tax authorities rescinded the portion of the assessment relating to 2023, resulting in a revised aggregate tax assessment of approximately €60.0 million (approximately $65.0 million converted at then-current exchange rates). We recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions for this amount during the fourth quarter of 2023 and contested the validity and amount of the assessments. In April 2024, we received a favorable decision from the Luxembourg tax authorities stating that the assessments for the 2019-2021 tax years are not enforceable. As a result, we reversed the uncertain tax position liability for the previously issued assessments and recognized a tax benefit of approximately $65.0 million in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During 2019, the Australian tax authorities issued aggregate tax assessments totaling approximately A$101.0 million (approximately $63.0 million converted at current period-end exchange rates) plus interest related to the examination of certain of our tax returns for the years 2011 through 2016. During the third quarter of 2019, we made a A$42.0 million payment (approximately $29.0 million at then-current exchange rates) to the Australian tax authorities to litigate the assessment. In December 2024, we reached a settlement agreement with the Australian tax authorities for A$4.0 million (approximately $2.0 million at current period-end exchange rates). As a result, we expect to receive a refund of A$38.0 million (approximately $24.0 million at current period-end exchange rates) in the first half of 2025. Accordingly, we released approximately $18.0 million of the uncertain tax position liability previously recognized and recognized a corresponding tax benefit in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for these assessments in the fourth quarter of 2024.
See "Note 10 - Income Taxes" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on these tax assessments.
Share Repurchase Program
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which we may purchase up to $600.0 million of our outstanding common shares. The following table summarizes shares repurchase, aggregate cost (exclusive of fees) and the average per share price (in millions, except average per share price):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Shares repurchased 2.2 3.0
Total aggregate cost
$ 125.0 $ 200.0
Average per share price
$ 56.11 $ 66.77
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $275.0 million available for share repurchases pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program.
Effects of Climate Change and Climate Change Regulation
GHG emissions have increasingly become the subject of international, national, regional, state and local attention, and in recent years, the U.S. has taken evolving and divergent positions on GHG regulations and commitments. For example, the U.S. has initiated the process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in January 2025, after previously reentering it in February 2021. In November 2021, the U.S. and other countries entered into the Glasgow Climate Pact, which includes a range of measures designed to address climate change, including but not limited to the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, reducing methane emissions 30% by 2030, and cooperating toward the advancement of the development of clean energy. New regulatory action and/or legislation targeting GHG emissions, or prohibiting, restricting, or delaying oil and gas development activities in certain areas, may be proposed and/or promulgated at the state or local level of the U.S.
In an effort to reduce GHG emissions, governments have implemented or considered legislative and regulatory mechanisms to institute carbon pricing mechanisms, such as the EU’s Emission Trading System, and to impose technical requirements to reduce carbon emissions. Governments have also proposed or implemented new or enhanced disclosure requirements related to climate change matters and GHG emissions that may increase compliance and disclosure costs. In January 2023, the EU enacted the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will require sustainability reporting across a broad range of sustainability topics for both EU and non-EU companies. We anticipate that these requirements will apply to us as early as 2026 (for fiscal year 2025) for certain of our EU subsidiaries and at the consolidated entity level in 2030 (for fiscal year 2029).
During 2009, the EPA officially published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs present an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. These findings allowed the agency to proceed with the adoption and implementation of regulations to restrict GHG emissions under existing provisions of the Clean Air Act that establish permitting requirements, including emissions control technology requirements, for certain large stationary sources that are potential major sources of GHG emissions. The EPA has also adopted rules requiring annual monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from specified sources in the U.S., including, among others, certain onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production facilities. Although a number of bills related to climate change have been introduced in the U.S. Congress in the past, comprehensive federal climate legislation has not yet been passed by Congress. If such legislation were to be adopted in the U.S., such legislation could adversely impact many industries. In the absence of federal legislation, almost half of the states have begun to address GHG emissions, primarily through the development or planned development of emission inventories or regional GHG cap and trade programs and commitments to contribute to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Future legislation or regulation of GHG emissions could occur pursuant to future treaty obligations, statutory or regulatory changes or new climate change legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Depending on the particular program, we, or our customers, could be required to control GHG emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from our operations. It is uncertain whether any of these initiatives will be implemented and what the impact of such initiatives would have on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
Our outstanding debt at December 31, 2024 consisted of our $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes. We are subject to interest rate risk on our fixed-interest rate borrowings. Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates impacting the fair value of the debt.
Our Credit Agreement provides for commitments permitting borrowings of up to $375.0 million at December 31, 2024. As the interest rates for such borrowings are at variable rates, we are subject to interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
Our Notes Receivable from ARO bear interest based on the one-year term SOFR rate, set as of the end of the year prior to the year applicable, plus 2.10%. As the Notes Receivable from ARO bear interest on the applicable SOFR rate determined at the end of the preceding year, the rate governing our interest income in 2025 has already been determined. A hypothetical 1% decrease to SOFR would decrease interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 by $3.8 million based on the principal amount outstanding at December 31, 2024 of $376.6 million.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. As is customary in the oil and gas industry, a majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. 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 the foreign currency or revenue earned differs from costs incurred in the foreign currency. We do not currently hedge our foreign currency risk.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant accounting policies are included in "Note 1 - Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." These policies, along with our underlying judgments and assumptions made in their application, have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We identify our critical accounting policies as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of our financial position and operating results and that require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments regarding estimates in matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies are those related to property and equipment, income taxes and pension and other post-retirement benefits.
Property and Equipment
As of December 31, 2024, the carrying value of our property and equipment totaled $1.9 billion, which represented 44% of total assets. This carrying value reflects the application of our property and equipment accounting policies, which incorporate our estimates, judgments and assumptions relative to the capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values of our rigs.
We develop and apply property and equipment accounting policies that are designed to appropriately and consistently capitalize those costs incurred to enhance, improve and extend the useful lives of our assets and expense those costs incurred to repair or maintain the existing condition or useful lives of our assets. The development and application of such policies requires estimates, judgments and assumptions relative to the nature of, and benefits from, expenditures on our assets. We establish property and equipment accounting policies that are designed to depreciate our assets over their estimated useful lives. We have identified the significant components of our drilling rigs and ascribed useful lives based on the expected time until the next required overhaul or the end of the expected economic lives of the components.
The judgments and assumptions used in determining the next overhaul or the economic lives of the components of our property and equipment reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future operations, utilization and performance of our assets. The use of different estimates, judgments and assumptions in the establishment of our property and equipment accounting policies, especially those involving the useful lives of the significant components our rigs, would likely result in materially different asset carrying values and operating results.
The useful lives of our drilling rig components are difficult to estimate due to a variety of factors, including technological advances that impact the methods or cost of oil and natural gas exploration and development, changes in market or economic conditions and changes in laws or regulations affecting the drilling industry. We evaluate the remaining useful lives of our rig components on a periodic basis, considering operating condition, functional capability and market and economic factors.
Our fleet of 18 floater rigs represented 59% of the gross cost and 61% of the net carrying amount of our depreciable property and equipment as of December 31, 2024. Our fleet of 35 jackup rigs represented 38% of the gross cost and 37% of the net carrying amount of our depreciable property and equipment as of December 31, 2024.
Income Taxes
We conduct operations and earn income in numerous countries and are subject to the laws of numerous tax jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2024, our Consolidated Balance Sheet included a $819.4 million net deferred income tax asset, a $44.8 million liability for income taxes currently payable and a $128.3 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of interest and penalties.
The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on estimates, judgments and assumptions regarding future operating results and levels of taxable income. Carryforwards and tax credits are assessed for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a more-likely-than-not determination. We do not offset deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities attributable to different tax paying jurisdictions.
We do not provide deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings of certain subsidiaries because our policy and intention is to reinvest such earnings indefinitely. Should we make a distribution from these subsidiaries in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to additional income taxes.
The carrying values of liabilities for income taxes currently payable and unrecognized tax benefits are based on our interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate estimates, judgments and assumptions regarding the use of tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. The use of different estimates, judgments and assumptions in connection with accounting for income taxes, especially those involving the deployment of tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and operating results.
We operate in several jurisdictions where tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are not well developed. In jurisdictions where available statutory law and regulations are incomplete or underdeveloped, we obtain professional guidance and consider existing industry practices before utilizing tax planning strategies and meeting our tax obligations. Our tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.
Tax returns are routinely subject to audit in most jurisdictions and tax liabilities occasionally are finalized through a negotiation process. In some jurisdictions, income tax payments may be required before a final income tax obligation is determined in order to avoid significant penalties and/or interest. While we historically have not experienced significant adjustments to previously recognized tax assets and liabilities as a result of finalizing tax returns, there can be no assurance that significant adjustments will not arise in the future. In addition, there are several factors that could cause the future level of uncertainty relating to our tax liabilities to increase, including the following:
•During recent years, the number of tax jurisdictions in which we conduct operations has increased.
•In order to utilize tax planning strategies and conduct operations efficiently, our subsidiaries frequently enter into transactions with affiliates that are generally subject to complex tax regulations and are frequently reviewed and challenged by tax authorities.
•We may conduct future operations in certain tax jurisdictions where tax laws are not well developed, and it may be difficult to secure adequate professional guidance.
•Tax laws, regulations, agreements, treaties and the administrative practices and precedents of tax authorities change frequently, requiring us to modify existing tax strategies to conform to such changes.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Our pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and costs are based upon actuarial computations that reflect our assumptions about future events, including long-term asset returns, interest rates, mortality rates, annual compensation increases, and other factors. Key assumptions at December 31, 2024, included (1) a weighted average discount rate of 5.54% to determine pension benefit obligations, (2) a weighted average discount rate of 4.97% to determine net periodic pension cost and (3) an expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets of 6.88% to determine net periodic pension cost. The assumed discount rate is based upon the average yield for either Moody’s or Standard & Poor's Aa-rated corporate bonds, and the rate of return assumption reflects a probability distribution of expected long-term returns that is weighted based upon plan asset allocations.
Using our key assumptions at December 31, 2024, a one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase our recorded pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities by approximately $53.2 million, while a one-percentage-point decrease (increase) in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would increase (decrease) annual net benefits cost by approximately $4.6 million. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we considered the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the plans’ other asset classes, and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based upon the current asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the plan, which decreased to 6.44% at December 31, 2024 from 6.88% at December 31, 2023. See "Note 9 - Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for information on our pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See "Note 1 - Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for information on new accounting pronouncements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information required under this Item 7A. has been incorporated herein from "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk."

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting system is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2024 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited our consolidated financial statements, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting. KPMG LLP's audit report on our internal control over financial reporting is included herein.
February 20, 2025
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Valaris Limited:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valaris Limited and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Income tax positions pertaining to certain tax transactions
As discussed in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluated the income tax effect of certain transactions which often requires local country tax expertise and judgment. This requires the Company to interpret complex tax laws in multiple jurisdictions to assess whether its tax positions have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained with the taxing authorities.
We identified the assessment of income tax positions pertaining to certain tax transactions as a critical audit matter. Complex auditor judgment was required to evaluate the Company’s assessment that certain tax positions have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained with the taxing authorities. In addition, specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the Company’s interpretation of tax laws in the applicable jurisdictions.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s income tax process. This included controls related to the interpretation of tax laws applicable to certain transactions and the assessment that tax positions pertaining to those transactions have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained with taxing authorities. We involved tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted on evaluating the Company’s interpretation of local tax laws and assessment of whether tax positions had a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained with taxing authorities.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.
Houston, Texas
February 20, 2025
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Valaris Limited:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Valaris Limited and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Houston, Texas
February 20, 2025
VALARIS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
OPERATING REVENUES
Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues)
$ 2,211.9 $ 1,676.0 $ 1,497.3
Reimbursable revenues 150.7 108.2 105.2
Total operating revenues
2,362.6 1,784.2 1,602.5
OPERATING EXPENSES
Contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) 1,618.5 1,440.4 1,283.7
Reimbursable expenses 142.4 103.2 99.5
Total contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation)
1,760.9 1,543.6 1,383.2
Loss on impairment - - 34.5
Depreciation 122.1 101.1 91.2
General and administrative 116.3 99.3 80.9
Total operating expenses 1,999.3 1,744.0 1,589.8
EQUITY IN EARNINGS (LOSSES) OF ARO (11.0) 13.3 24.5
OPERATING INCOME 352.3 53.5 37.2
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income 86.1 101.4 65.5
Interest expense, net
(84.8) (68.9) (45.3)
Other, net 16.6 (1.8) 167.5
Total other income
17.9 30.7 187.7
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 370.2 84.2 224.9
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
Current income tax expense (benefit) (5.4) 3.8 35.2
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 5.8 (786.4) 7.9
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes 0.4 (782.6) 43.1
NET INCOME 369.8 866.8 181.8
NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 3.6 (1.4) (5.3)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO VALARIS $ 373.4 $ 865.4 $ 176.5
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic $ 5.18 $ 11.68 $ 2.35
Diluted $ 5.12 $ 11.51 $ 2.33
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 72.1 74.1 75.1
Diluted 72.9 75.2 75.6
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VALARIS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
NET INCOME $ 369.8 $ 866.8 $ 181.8
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET
Net changes in pension and other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income 10.9 10.8 23.8
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1.9) (0.3) -
NET OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 9.0 10.5 23.8
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 378.8 877.3 205.6
COMPREHENSIVE (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 3.6 (1.4) (5.3)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO VALARIS $ 382.4 $ 875.9 $ 200.3
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VALARIS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except par value amounts)
December 31,
ASSETS 2024 2023
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 368.2 $ 620.5
Restricted cash 12.3 15.2
Accounts receivable, net 571.2 459.3
Other current assets 127.0 177.2
Total current assets 1,078.7 1,272.2
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST 2,309.4 1,889.0
Less accumulated depreciation 376.5 255.2
Property and equipment, net 1,932.9 1,633.8
LONG-TERM NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM ARO 296.2 282.3
INVESTMENT IN ARO 113.4 124.4
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 849.5 855.1
OTHER ASSETS 149.1 154.4
Total assets
$ 4,419.8 $ 4,322.2
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable - trade $ 328.5 $ 400.1
Accrued liabilities and other 351.0 344.2
Total current liabilities 679.5 744.3
LONG-TERM DEBT 1,082.7 1,079.3
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 30.1 29.9
OTHER LIABILITIES 383.2 471.7
Total liabilities 2,175.5 2,325.2
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
VALARIS SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 700.0 shares authorized, 76.2 and 75.4 shares issued, 71.0 and 72.4 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 respectively
0.8 0.8
Preference shares, $0.01 par value, 150.0 shares authorized, no shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
- -
Stock warrants 16.4 16.4
Additional paid-in capital 1,113.3 1,119.8
Retained earnings 1,398.9 1,025.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income 34.2 25.2
Treasury shares, at cost, 5.2 and 3.0 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
(325.1) (200.1)
Total Valaris shareholders' equity 2,238.5 1,987.6
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 5.8 9.4
Total shareholders' equity
2,244.3 1,997.0
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 4,419.8 $ 4,322.2
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VALARIS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 369.8 $ 866.8 $ 181.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation expense 122.1 101.1 91.2
Accretion of discount on the Notes Receivable from ARO
(40.0) (28.3) (44.9)
Share-based compensation expense 27.7 27.3 17.4
Equity in losses (earnings) of ARO 11.0 (13.3) (24.5)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 5.8 (786.4) 7.9
Net periodic pension and retiree medical income (2.4) (0.9) (16.4)
Net (gain) loss on sale of property 0.2 (28.6) (141.2)
Loss on extinguishment of debt - 29.2 -
Loss on impairment - - 34.5
Changes in contract liabilities (31.7) 4.9 62.4
Changes in deferred costs 39.3 (26.1) (38.8)
Other 9.3 6.7 8.3
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (134.2) 121.8 (6.6)
Contributions to pension plans and other post-retirement benefits (21.5) (6.7) (4.1)
Net cash provided by operating activities 355.4 267.5 127.0
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment (455.1) (696.1) (207.0)
Net proceeds from disposition of assets 2.8 30.3 150.3
Purchases of short-term investments - - (220.0)
Maturities of short-term investments - - 220.0
Repayment of note receivable from ARO - - 40.0
Net cash used in investing activities (452.3) (665.8) (16.7)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments for share repurchases (126.4) (198.6) -
Payments related to tax withholdings for share-based awards
(29.9) (5.4) (2.5)
Debt issuance costs (0.8) (38.6) -
Issuance of Second Lien Notes - 1,103.0 -
Redemption of First Lien Notes - (571.8) -
Other (1.2) (3.1) (3.9)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (158.3) 285.5 (6.4)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH (255.2) (112.8) 103.9
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 635.7 748.5 644.6
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 380.5 $ 635.7 $ 748.5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VALARIS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this Annual Report are to Valaris Limited, together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
Business
We are a leading provider of offshore contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry with operations in almost every major offshore market across six continents. We own the world's largest offshore drilling rig fleet, including one of the newest ultra-deepwater fleets in the industry and a leading premium jackup fleet. As of February 20, 2025, we own 52 rigs, including 13 drillships, four dynamically positioned semisubmersible rigs, one moored semisubmersible rig, 34 jackup rigs and a 50% equity interest in Saudi Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling Company ("ARO"), our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture with Saudi Aramco, which owns an additional nine rigs.
Our customers include many of the leading international and government-owned oil and gas companies, in addition to many independent operators. We are among the most geographically diverse offshore drilling companies with global operations. The markets in which we operate include the Gulf of Mexico, South America, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
We provide drilling services on a day rate contract basis. Under day rate contracts, we provide an integrated service that includes the provision of a drilling rig and rig crews for which we receive a daily rate that may vary between the full rate and zero rate throughout the duration of the contractual term, depending on the operations of the rig. We also may receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for the mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs. Our customers bear substantially all of the costs of constructing the well and supporting drilling operations as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the well.
Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valaris Limited, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in operating entities in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of the investee. We account for our interest in ARO using the equity method of accounting and only recognize our portion of equity in earnings in our consolidated financial statements. ARO is a variable interest entity; however, we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate ARO.
Reclassification
Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, the Total operating revenues and Total contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation) line items presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, were further disaggregated to separately disclose Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses, respectively, to align with the updated presentation of our segment tables upon the adoption of ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ("Update 2023-07") effective January 1, 2024 (see "Note 13 - Segment Information"). The disaggregation of these line items is presentational only and was retrospectively applied to the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no impacts to the overall Total operating revenues or Total contract drilling expense (exclusive of depreciation) line items.
Pervasiveness of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the related revenues and expenses and disclosures of gain and loss contingencies as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Translation
Our functional currency is the United States (the "U.S.") dollar. As is customary in the oil and gas industry, a majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These transactions are remeasured in U.S. dollars based on a combination of both current and historical exchange rates. Most transaction gains and losses are included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Certain gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances of our non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Net foreign currency exchange gains and losses were $13.8 million of gains, $3.5 million of losses and $12.2 million of gains, and were included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with maturities of greater than three months but less than one year at the date of purchase are classified as short-term investments.
There were no short-term investments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Cash flows from purchases and maturities of short-term investments were classified as investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2022. To mitigate our credit risk, our investments in time deposits have historically been diversified across multiple, high-quality financial institutions.
Property and Equipment
All costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, construction, major enhancement and improvement of assets are capitalized, including allocations of interest incurred during periods that our drilling rigs are under construction or undergoing major enhancements and improvements. Costs incurred to place an asset into service are capitalized, including costs related to the initial mobilization of a newbuild drilling rig. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to contract drilling expense in the period in which they are incurred. Upon the sale or retirement of assets, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and the resulting gain or loss is included in Other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We have identified the significant components of our drilling rigs and ascribe useful lives based on the expected time until the next required overhaul or the end of the expected economic lives of the components.
Our property and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis, after allowing for salvage values, over the estimated useful lives of our assets. Drilling rigs and related equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from three to 35 years. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 30 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the asset useful life or lease term. Other equipment, including computer and communications hardware and software, is depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from two to six years.
We evaluate the carrying value of our property and equipment, primarily our drilling rigs, on a quarterly basis to identify events or changes in circumstances ("triggering events") that indicate that the carrying value of such rigs may not be recoverable. For property and equipment used in our operations, recoverability generally is determined by comparing the carrying value of an asset to the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Property and equipment held-for-sale is recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less cost to sell.
In June 2022, a drilling contract awarded to VALARIS DS-11 was terminated prior to commencement. At that time, we had capitalized certain costs incurred to upgrade the rig pursuant to the requirements of the contract, which upon termination were determined to be impaired. As a result, we recorded pre-tax, non-cash impairment losses related to long-lived assets of $34.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. See "Note 2 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers" for additional information on the contract termination.
Operating Revenues and Expenses
See "Note 2 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers" for information on our accounting policies for revenue recognition and certain operating costs that are deferred and amortized over future periods.
Income Taxes
We conduct operations and earn income in numerous countries. Current income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable based on the laws and income tax rates in the taxing jurisdictions in which operations are conducted and income is earned.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect at year-end. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We do not offset deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities attributable to different tax paying jurisdictions.
We operate in certain jurisdictions where tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are not well developed and change frequently. Furthermore, we may enter into transactions with affiliates or employ other tax planning strategies that generally are subject to complex tax regulations. As a result of the foregoing, the tax liabilities and assets we recognize in our financial statements may differ from the tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in our tax returns. Our tax positions are evaluated for recognition as unrecognized tax benefits using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Interest and penalties relating to income taxes are included in Current income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our drilling rigs frequently move from one taxing jurisdiction to another based on where they are contracted to perform drilling services. The movement of drilling rigs among taxing jurisdictions may involve a transfer of drilling rig ownership among our subsidiaries through an intercompany rig sale. The pre-tax profit resulting from an intercompany rig sale is eliminated from our consolidated financial statements, and the carrying value of a rig sold in an intercompany transaction remains at the historical net depreciated cost prior to the transaction. Our consolidated financial statements do not reflect the asset disposition transaction of the selling subsidiary or the asset acquisition transaction of the acquiring subsidiary. The income tax effects resulting from intercompany rig sales are recognized in earnings in the period in which the sale occurs.
In some instances, we may determine that certain temporary differences will not result in a taxable or deductible amount in future years, as it is more-likely-than-not we will commence operations and depart from a given taxing jurisdiction without such temporary differences being recovered or settled. Under these circumstances, no future tax consequences are expected and no deferred taxes are recognized in connection with such operations. We evaluate these determinations on a periodic basis and, in the event our expectations relative to future tax consequences change, the applicable deferred taxes are recognized or derecognized.
We do not provide deferred taxes on the undistributed earnings of certain subsidiaries because our policy and intention is to reinvest such earnings indefinitely. Should we make a distribution from these subsidiaries in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to additional income taxes.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued Pillar Two rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% applied on a country-by-country basis effective on January 1, 2024. Certain jurisdictions have enacted new tax laws to align with the recommendations under Pillar Two, while other jurisdictions have proposed or are actively considering changes to existing tax laws based on the new rules. The impact of the Pillar Two model rules, which have been enacted to date, was not significant to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. There remains uncertainty as to how global legislation relating to Pillar Two will evolve and we will continue to monitor developments related to this initiative and the potential impact on future periods.
See "Note 10 - Income Taxes" for additional information on our income taxes.
Share-Based Compensation
We sponsor share-based compensation plans that provide equity compensation to our key employees, officers and non-employee directors. Our 2021 Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) allows our board of directors to authorize equity-based grants to be settled in cash, shares or a combination of shares and cash. Compensation expense for time-based equity awards to be settled in shares is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).
Compensation expense for performance awards is recognized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method and is reduced for forfeited awards in the period in which the forfeitures occur. For our performance awards that cliff vest and require the employee to render service through the vesting date, even though attainment of performance objectives might be earlier, our expense under the accelerated method would be a ratable expense over the vesting period. Equity-settled performance awards generally vest at the end of a three-year measurement period based on attainment of performance goals. The estimated probable outcome of attainment of the specified performance goals is based primarily on relative performance over the requisite performance period. Any subsequent changes in this estimate as it relates to performance objectives are recognized as a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost in the period in which the change in estimate occurs, except in the case of objectives based on a market condition, such as our stock price. Compensation cost for awards based on a market performance objective is recognized as long as the requisite service period is completed and will not be reversed even if the market-based objective is never satisfied. Any adjustments to the compensation cost recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for awards that are forfeited are recognized in the period in which the
forfeitures occur. See "Note 8 - Share Based Compensation" for additional information on our share-based compensation.
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans
We measure our actuarially determined obligations and related costs for our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans, retiree life and medical supplemental plan benefits by applying assumptions, the most significant of which include long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates and mortality rates. For the long-term rate of return, we develop our assumptions regarding the expected rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, and we weight the assumptions based on each plan's asset allocation. For the discount rate, we base our assumptions on a yield curve approach. Actual results may differ from the assumptions included in these calculations. If gains or losses exceed 10% of the greater of the plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses into income over either the period of expected future service of active participants, or over the expected average remaining lifetime of all participants. We recognize gains or losses related to plan curtailments at the date the plan amendment or termination is adopted which may precede the effective date. See "Note 9 - Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits" for additional information on our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans.
Fair Value Measurements
We measure certain of our assets and liabilities based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities ("Level 1") and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs ("Level 3"). Level 2 measurements represent inputs that are observable for similar assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included within Level 1. See "Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value measurement of certain of our assets and liabilities.
Noncontrolling Interests
Third parties hold a noncontrolling ownership interest in certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are classified as equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. All income attributable to noncontrolling interest was from continuing operations.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares of Valaris Limited (the "Common Shares") outstanding during the period. Weighted-average shares outstanding used in our computation of diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock method, which includes the effect of all potentially dilutive stock equivalents, including warrants, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards.
The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in our basic and diluted EPS computations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Income attributable to our shares $ 373.4 $ 865.4 $ 176.5
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 72.1 74.1 75.1
Effect of stock equivalents 0.8 1.1 0.5
Diluted 72.9 75.2 75.6
Anti-dilutive share awards totaling 160,000, 147,000 and 192,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We have 5,470,950 warrants outstanding (the "Warrants") as of December 31, 2024 which are exercisable for one Common Share per Warrant at an initial exercise price of $131.88 per Warrant, in each case as may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the applicable warrant agreement. The Warrants expire on April 29, 2028. The exercise of these Warrants into Common Shares would have a dilutive effect to the holdings of Valaris Limited's existing shareholders. These Warrants are anti-dilutive for all periods presented above.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures - In November 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-07, which expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in Update 2023-07 require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to an entity's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. Annual disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim disclosures are required for periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Retrospective application is required for all prior periods presented, and early adoption is permitted. We adopted Update 2023-07 effective for this annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 on a retrospective basis. See "Note 13 - Segment Information" for additional disclosures around our segment information.
Accounting pronouncements to be adopted
Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures - In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ("Update 2024-03"), which requires companies to disclose additional information for certain relevant expense categories in the Statements of Operations and within the notes to the financial statements. Update 2024-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted and can be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date, or retrospectively to prior periods which are presented in the financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures - In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("Update 2023-09"), which expands income tax disclosure requirements to include additional information related to the rate reconciliation of our effective tax rates to statutory rates as well as additional disaggregation of taxes paid. The amendments in Update 2023-09 also remove disclosures related to certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred taxes. Update 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments are required to be applied on a prospective basis, with an option to apply the guidance retrospectively. While the adoption of Update 2023-09 will result in expansion of our income tax disclosures, we do not expect it to impact the recognition or measurement of income taxes within our consolidated financial statements.
With the exception of the updated standards discussed above, there have been no accounting pronouncements issued and not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our consolidated financial statements.
2. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Under our drilling contracts with customers, we provide a drilling rig and drilling services, including rig crews, on a day rate contract basis. We receive a daily rate that may vary between the full rate and zero rate throughout the duration of the contractual term, depending on the operations of the rig. We also may receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation generally for the mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs. Our customers bear substantially all of the costs of constructing the well and supporting drilling operations, as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the well.
Our drilling contracts contain a lease component and we have elected to apply the practical expedient provided under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842 to not separate the lease and non-lease components and apply the revenue recognition guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The drilling services provided under each drilling contract is a single performance obligation satisfied over time and is comprised of a series of distinct time increments, or service periods. Total revenue is determined for each individual drilling contract by estimating both fixed and variable consideration expected to be earned over the contract term. Fixed consideration generally relates to activities such as mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs that are not distinct performance obligations within the context of our contracts and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Variable consideration generally relates to distinct service periods during the contract term and is recognized in the period when the services are performed.
The amount estimated for variable consideration is only recognized as revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur during the contract term. We have applied the optional exemption afforded in ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," and have not disclosed the variable consideration related to our estimated future day rate revenues. The remaining duration of our drilling contracts based on those in place as of December 31, 2024 was between approximately 1 month and 5 years.
Day Rate Drilling Revenue
Our drilling contracts provide for payment on a day rate basis and include a rate schedule with higher rates for periods when the drilling rig is operating and lower rates or zero rates for periods when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted. The day rate invoiced to the customer is determined based on the varying rates applicable to specific activities performed on an hourly or other time increment basis. Day rate consideration is allocated to the distinct hourly or other time increment to which it relates within the contract term and is generally recognized consistent with the contractual rate invoiced for the services provided during the respective period. Invoices are typically issued to our customers on a monthly basis and payment terms on customer invoices are typically 30 days.
Certain of our contracts contain performance incentives whereby we may earn a bonus based on pre-established performance criteria. Such incentives are generally based on our performance over individual monthly time periods or individual wells. Consideration related to performance bonus is generally recognized in the specific time period to which the performance criteria was attributed.
We may receive termination fees if certain drilling contracts are terminated by the customer prior to the end of the contractual term. Such compensation is recognized as revenue when our performance obligation is satisfied, the termination fee can be reasonably measured and collection is probable.
Contract Termination - VALARIS DS-11
In June 2022, a customer terminated a contract for VALARIS DS-11 that was expected to commence in mid-2024. As a result of the contract termination, we received an early termination fee of $51.0 million which is included in revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.
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. Fees received for the mobilization or demobilization of equipment and personnel are included in Operating revenues. The costs incurred in connection with the mobilization and demobilization of equipment and personnel are included in Contract drilling expense.
Mobilization fees received prior to commencement of drilling operations are recorded as a contract liability and amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Demobilization fees expected to be received upon contract completion are estimated at contract inception and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. In some cases, demobilization fees may be contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of a future event. In such cases, this may result in cumulative-effect adjustments to demobilization revenues upon changes in our estimates of future events during the contract term.
Capital Upgrade / Contract Preparation Revenue
In connection with certain contracts, we receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation generally for requested capital upgrades to our drilling rigs or for other contract preparation work. Fees received for requested capital upgrades and other contract preparation work are recorded as a contract liability and amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term to Operating revenues.
Revenues Related to Reimbursable Expenses
We generally receive reimbursements from our customers for purchases of supplies, equipment, personnel services and other services provided at their request. Such reimbursable revenue is variable and subject to uncertainty, as the amounts received and timing thereof are highly dependent on factors outside of our influence. Accordingly, reimbursable revenue is recognized during the period in which the corresponding goods and services are consumed once the uncertainty is resolved, which typically occurs when the related costs are incurred on behalf of a customer. We are generally considered a principal in such transactions and record the associated revenue at the gross amount billed to the customer within Operating revenues.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Contract assets represent amounts recognized as revenue but for which the right to invoice the customer is dependent upon our future performance. Once the previously recognized revenue is invoiced, the corresponding contract asset, or a portion thereof, is transferred to accounts receivable.
Contract liabilities generally represent fees received for mobilization, capital upgrades or in the case of our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture with Saudi Aramco, represent the difference between the amounts billed under the bareboat charter arrangements and lease revenues earned. See “Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional details regarding our balances with ARO.
Contract assets and liabilities are presented net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis. Current contract assets and liabilities are included in Other current assets and Accrued liabilities and other, respectively, and noncurrent contract assets and liabilities are included in Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table summarizes our contract assets and contract liabilities (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Current contract assets $ 1.3 $ 1.5
Noncurrent contract assets $ 5.5 $ 4.5
Current contract liabilities (deferred revenue) $ 87.2 $ 116.2
Noncurrent contract liabilities (deferred revenue) $ 71.4 $ 37.6
Changes in contract assets and liabilities during the period are as follows (in millions):
Contract Assets Contract Liabilities
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$ 5.3 $ 119.0
Revenue recognized in advance of right to bill customer 8.4 -
Increase due to revenue deferred during the period - 162.9
Decrease due to amortization of deferred revenue that was included in the beginning contract liability balance - (73.1)
Decrease due to amortization of deferred revenue that was added during the period - (46.5)
Decrease due to transfer to receivables and payables during the period (7.7) (8.5)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$ 6.0 $ 153.8
Revenue recognized in advance of right to bill customer 9.6 -
Increase due to revenue deferred during the period - 213.8
Decrease due to amortization of deferred revenue that was included in the beginning contract liability balance - (104.1)
Decrease due to amortization of deferred revenue that was added during the period - (77.2)
Decrease due to transfer to receivables and payables during the period (8.8) (27.7)
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$ 6.8 $ 158.6
Deferred Contract Costs
Costs incurred for upfront rig mobilizations and certain contract preparations are attributable to our future performance obligation under each respective drilling contract. These costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Demobilization costs are recognized as incurred upon contract completion. Costs associated with the mobilization of equipment and personnel unrelated to contracts are expensed as incurred. Deferred contract costs are included in Other current assets and Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $47.4 million and $85.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, amortization of such costs totaled $108.4 million, $92.9 million and $61.7 million, respectively.
Deferred Certification Costs
We must obtain certifications from various regulatory bodies in order to operate our drilling rigs and must maintain such certifications through periodic inspections and surveys. The costs incurred in connection with maintaining such certifications, including inspections, tests, surveys and drydock, and other compliance costs, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding certification periods. Deferred regulatory certification and compliance costs are included in Other current assets and Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $12.9 million and $14.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, amortization of such costs totaled $10.1 million, $12.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
Future Amortization of Contract Liabilities and Deferred Costs
Our contract liabilities and deferred costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term or corresponding certification period to Operating revenues and Contract drilling expense, respectively, with the exception of the contract liabilities related to our bareboat charter arrangements with ARO which would not be contractually payable until the end of the lease term or termination, if sooner. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional information on ARO and related arrangements. The table below reflects the expected future amortization of our contract liabilities and deferred costs recorded as of December 31, 2024. In the case of our contract liabilities related to our bareboat charter arrangements with ARO, the contract liability is not amortized and as such, the amount is reflected in the table below at the end of the current lease term.
(In millions)
2025 2026 2027 2028 & Thereafter Total
Amortization of contract liabilities $ 87.2 $ 50.1 $ 16.5 $ 4.8 $ 158.6
Amortization of deferred costs $ 38.6 $ 19.7 $ 2.0 $ - $ 60.3
3. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT IN ARO
Background
ARO is a 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture between the Company and Saudi Aramco that owns and operates jackup drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia. As of December 31, 2024, ARO owned nine jackup rigs, had ordered one newbuild jackup rig and leased seven rigs from us through bareboat charter arrangements (the "Lease Agreements") whereby substantially all operating costs are incurred by ARO. At December 31, 2024, the leased rigs were primarily operating under three-year drilling contracts, or related extensions, with Saudi Aramco. The nine rigs owned by ARO are currently operating under contracts with Saudi Aramco, each with a minimum aggregate contract term of 15 years, provided that the rigs meet the technical and operational requirements of Saudi Aramco.
The shareholder agreement governing the joint venture (the "Shareholder Agreement") specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. The first two newbuild jackups were ordered in January 2020, the first of which, Kingdom 1, was delivered and commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the second, Kingdom 2, was delivered in the second quarter of 2024 and commenced operations in the third quarter of 2024. In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3. ARO is expected to commit to order one additional newbuild jackup in the near term. In connection with these plans, we have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. See “Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information.
The joint venture partners agreed in the Shareholder Agreement that Saudi Aramco, as a customer, will provide drilling contracts to ARO in connection with the acquisition of the newbuild rigs. The initial contracts provided by Saudi Aramco for each of the newbuild rigs will be for an eight-year term. The day rate for the initial contracts for each newbuild rig is determined using a pricing mechanism that targets a six-year payback period for construction costs on an EBITDA basis. The initial eight-year contracts will be followed by a minimum of another eight years of term, re-priced in three-year intervals based on a market pricing mechanism.
Summarized Financial Information
The operating revenues of ARO presented below reflect revenues earned under drilling contracts with Saudi Aramco for the ARO-owned jackup rigs as well as the rigs leased from us. Contract drilling expense is inclusive of the bareboat charter fees for the rigs leased from us. See additional discussion below regarding these related-party transactions.
Summarized financial information for ARO is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Revenues $ 512.5 $ 496.6 $ 459.5
Operating expenses
Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) 367.7 365.9 341.8
Loss on impairment (1)
28.4 - -
Depreciation 89.2 65.9 63.4
General and administrative 23.7 22.2 18.7
Operating income 3.5 42.6 35.6
Other expense, net 55.5 31.8 11.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (4.8) 8.3 3.8
Net income (loss) $ (47.2) $ 2.5 $ 20.7
(1)In connection with Saudi Arabia’s announcement to limit oil production capacity and Saudi Aramco's suspension of certain drilling contracts, the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts were suspended and subsequently terminated during the year ended December 31, 2024. Pursuant to the requirements of the contracts, ARO had capitalized certain costs to maintain and upgrade these rigs, which were determined to be impaired due to the contract suspensions and subsequent terminations. As a result, ARO recorded a pre-tax, non-cash loss on impairment of $28.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for more information about the contract terminations.
December 31,
2024 2023
Cash and cash equivalents $ 50.0 $ 92.9
Other current assets 127.7 184.0
Non-current assets 1,291.1 1,081.0
Total assets $ 1,468.8 $ 1,357.9
Current liabilities $ 146.6 $ 136.0
Non-current liabilities 1,202.7 1,056.8
Total liabilities $ 1,349.3 $ 1,192.8
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of ARO
We account for our interest in ARO using the equity method of accounting and only recognize our portion of ARO's net income (loss), adjusted for basis differences as discussed below, which is included in Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. ARO is a variable interest entity; however, we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate ARO. Judgments regarding our level of influence over ARO included considering key factors such as each partner's ownership interest, representation on the board of managers of ARO and ability to direct activities that most significantly impact ARO's economic performance, including the ability to influence policy-making decisions. Our investment in ARO would be assessed for impairment if there are changes in facts and circumstances that indicate a loss in value may have occurred. If a loss were deemed to have occurred and this loss was determined to be other than temporary, the carrying value of our investment would be written down to fair value and an impairment recorded.
Our equity method investment in ARO was recorded at its estimated fair value in fresh start accounting upon emergence from bankruptcy in 2021. We computed the difference between the fair value of ARO's net assets and the carrying value of those net assets in ARO's GAAP financial statements ("basis differences") at that date. These basis differences primarily related to ARO's long-lived assets and the recognition of intangible assets associated with certain of ARO's drilling contracts that were determined to have favorable terms relative to market terms as of the measurement date.
Basis differences are amortized over the remaining life of the assets or liabilities to which they relate and are recognized as an adjustment to the Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amortization of those basis differences is combined with our 50% interest in ARO's net income (loss). A reconciliation of those components is presented below (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
50% interest in ARO net income (loss) $ (23.6) $ 1.3 $ 10.4
Amortization of basis differences 12.6 12.0 14.1
Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO $ (11.0) $ 13.3 $ 24.5
Related-Party Transactions
Revenues recognized by us related to the Lease Agreements are included within Operating revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and were as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Revenues from Lease Agreements
$ 52.6 $ 69.2 $ 56.7
Our balances related to the Lease Agreements were as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Amounts receivable (1)
$ 16.5 $ 10.2
Contract liabilities (2)
$ 14.1 $ 15.9
Accounts payable (2)
$ 43.1 $ 57.7
(1)Amounts receivable from ARO is included in Accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)The per day bareboat charter amount in the Lease Agreements is subject to adjustment based on actual performance of the respective rig and therefore, the corresponding contract liabilities are subject to adjustment during the lease term. Upon completion of the lease term, such amounts become a payable to or a receivable from ARO. As a result of the Net Settlement Agreement, as defined below, a portion of our accounts payable to ARO was reduced by $50.7 million in June 2024.
During 2017 and 2018, the Company contributed assets to ARO in exchange for a 10-year shareholder note receivable due from ARO (the "Notes Receivable from ARO"), which as amended in December 2023, bear interest based on a one-year term SOFR, set as of the end of the year prior to the year applicable, plus 2.10%. The Notes Receivable from ARO were adjusted to the estimated fair value in fresh start accounting in 2021 and the resulting discount to the principal amount is being amortized using the effective interest method to interest income over the remaining terms of the notes.
Under the Shareholder Agreement, a contract liability is created when amounts that the Company bills in accordance with its Lease Agreements are in excess of lease revenues earned. These contract liabilities are required to be settled in cash. In June 2024, the Company and ARO executed a net settlement agreement (the “Net Settlement Agreement”) whereby $50.7 million of accounts payable due to ARO, which related to lease revenue adjustments resulting from the actual performance of rigs leased to ARO between 2018 and early 2023, was net settled against a portion of the Notes Receivable from ARO retroactive to January 1, 2024. As a result of the Net Settlement Agreement, the aggregate principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO was reduced by $50.7 million and we recognized non-cash interest income of $13.9 million related to the discount attributable to the partial settlement in 2024.
Our 2024 interest on the Notes Receivable from ARO of approximately $24.6 million was paid in kind in December 2024 by increasing the principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO.
The principal amount and discount of the Notes Receivable from ARO were as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Principal amount $ 376.6 $ 402.7
Discount (80.4) (120.4)
Carrying value $ 296.2 $ 282.3
Interest income earned on the Notes Receivable from ARO was as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Interest income $ 24.6 $ 30.5 $ 11.3
Non-cash amortization (1)
40.0 28.3 44.9
Total interest income on the Notes Receivable from ARO
$ 64.6 $ 58.8 $ 56.2
(1)Represents the amortization of the discount on the Notes Receivable from ARO using the effective interest method to interest income over the term of the notes. In 2024, we recognized non-cash interest income of $13.9 million related to the discount attributable to the Net Settlement Agreement. In 2022, we recognized non-cash interest income of $14.8 million attributable to a $40.0 million early principal repayment of the Notes Receivable from ARO received in September 2022.
Maximum Exposure to Loss
The following table summarizes the total assets and liabilities as reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as our maximum exposure to loss related to ARO (in millions). Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to (1) our equity investment in ARO; (2) the carrying amount of our Notes Receivable from ARO; and (3) other receivables and contract assets from ARO, partially offset by contract liabilities as well as payables to ARO.
December 31,
2024 2023
Total assets $ 426.1 $ 417.1
Less: total liabilities 57.2 73.6
Maximum exposure to loss $ 368.9 $ 343.5
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of our financial instruments were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Carrying
Value Estimated
Fair
Value Carrying
Value Estimated
Fair
Value
Second Lien Notes (1)
$ 1,082.7 $ 1,112.7 $ 1,079.3 $ 1,126.1
Notes Receivable from ARO (2)(3)
$ 296.2 $ 378.3 $ 282.3 $ 423.5
(1)The estimated fair value of the 8.375% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the "Second Lien Notes") was determined using quoted market prices, which are level 1 inputs.
(2)The estimated fair value of the Notes Receivable from ARO was estimated using an income approach to value the forecasted cash flows attributed to the Notes Receivable from ARO using a discount rate based on a comparable yield with a country-specific risk premium, which are considered to be level 2 inputs.
(3)The aggregate principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO includes a net reduction of $26.1 million, which is comprised of a $50.7 million decrease resulting from the Net Settlement Agreement with ARO (executed in June 2024) and an increase of $24.6 million related to paid in kind interest, which was applied to the principal balance on December 31, 2024. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional information.
The estimated fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and trade payables approximated their carrying values as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Drilling rigs and equipment $ 1,660.9 $ 1,312.5
Work-in-progress
607.6 537.0
Other 40.9 39.5
Total property and equipment, at cost
$ 2,309.4 $ 1,889.0
Assets sold
While taking into account certain restrictions on the sales of assets under our Indenture dated as of April 19, 2023 (the "Indenture”), as part of our strategy, we may act opportunistically from time to time to monetize assets to enhance stakeholder value and improve our liquidity profile, in addition to reducing holding costs by selling or disposing of lower-specification or non-core rigs. Gains recognized on sales of assets are included in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In the first quarter of 2025, we sold VALARIS 75 resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $23.0 million in 2025. Of the proceeds, approximately $14.0 million were collected upon closing, with the remaining $10.0 million expected to be received in equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing. The rig had an immaterial net book value as of December 31, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $27.3 million for the sale of VALARIS 54.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized an aggregate pre-tax gain of $130.5 million for the sales of VALARIS 113, VALARIS 114, VALARIS 36 and VALARIS 67. Additionally, we recognized pre-tax gains of $3.2 million and $7.0 million in 2022 related to additional proceeds received for our 2021 sale of VALARIS 100 and 2020 sale of VALARIS 68, respectively, resulting from post-sale conditions of those sale agreements.
6. DEBT
First Lien Notes
On the April 30, 2021, the Company issued $550.0 million aggregated principal amount of Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2028 (the "First Lien Notes"). The First Lien Notes were scheduled to mature on April 30, 2028 and accrued interest, at our option, at a rate of: (1) 8.25% per annum, payable in cash; (2) 10.25% per annum, with 50% of such interest to be payable in cash and 50% of such interest to be paid in kind; or (3) 12% per annum, with the entirety of such interest to be paid in kind. Interest was due semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year and was computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The Company incurred $5.2 million in issuance costs in 2021 associated with the First Lien Notes. In August 2022, the Company completed a consent solicitation pursuant to which the Company amended the indenture that governed the First Lien Notes to (1) implement a consolidated net income builder basket for restricted payments, increase the general basket for restricted payments from $100.0 million to $175.0 million and make other incremental changes to the Company’s restricted payments capacity and (2) increase the general basket for investments from the greater of $100.0 million and 4.0% of total assets to the greater of $175.0 million and 6.5% of total assets. The Company incurred $3.9 million of costs in connection with the consent solicitation, comprised of a consent fee paid to consenting holders and professional fees. These costs along with the issuance costs incurred in 2021 were amortized into interest expense over the term of the First Lien Notes using the effective interest method.
On April 3, 2023, the Company issued a notice of conditional redemption to the holders of the First Lien Notes at a redemption price equal to 104.0% of the aggregate $550.0 million principal amount of the First Lien Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date (the “Redemption Price”). On April 19, 2023, in connection with the issuance of our Second Lien Notes, as discussed below, the Company discharged its obligations under the indenture governing the First Lien Notes and deposited the Redemption Price with Wilmington Savings Fund Society, as trustee under such indenture. The First Lien Notes were redeemed on May 3, 2023 for an aggregate redemption price of $571.8 million (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) with a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Initial Second Lien Notes, as discussed below. We accounted for the redemption as an extinguishment of debt and recognized a corresponding loss of $29.2 million, which is included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Second Lien Notes
On April 19, 2023, the Company and Valaris Finance Company LLC (“Valaris Finance”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, issued and sold $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes (the "Initial Second Lien Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Initial Second Lien Notes were issued at par for net proceeds of $681.4 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and offering expenses. A portion of the proceeds were used to fund the redemption of all of the outstanding First Lien Notes as discussed above.
On August 21, 2023, the Company and Valaris Finance issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes (the "Additional Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Additional Notes were issued at 100.75% of par, plus accrued interest from April 19, 2023. The net proceeds were approximately $396.9 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and estimated offering expenses, and excluding accrued interest received of $11.4 million.
The Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Notes (together, the "Second Lien Notes") were issued under the Indenture, and mature on April 30, 2030. The Second Lien Notes bear an interest rate of 8.375% per annum with an effective interest rate of 8.76%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 30 of each year, beginning on October 30, 2023. The Second Lien Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the Guarantors and by each of the Company’s future restricted subsidiaries (other than Valaris Finance) that guarantees any debt of the Issuers or any guarantor under certain future debt in an aggregate principal amount in excess of a certain amount. The Second Lien Notes and the related guarantees are secured on a second-priority basis by the Collateral (as defined below).
On or after April 30, 2026, the Issuers may, at their option, redeem all or any portion of the Second Lien Notes, at once or over time, at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. The following prices are for Second Lien Notes redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on April 30 of the years set forth below, and are expressed as percentages of principal amount:
Redemption Year Price
2026 104.188%
2027 102.094%
2028 and thereafter 100.000%
At any time prior to April 30, 2026, the Issuers may, on any one or more occasions, redeem up to 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes issued under the Indenture (including any additional Second Lien Notes issued in the future) with an amount equal to or less than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 108.375% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but not including, the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to April 30, 2026, the Issuers may redeem up to 10.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes during any twelve-month period at a redemption price equal to 103.0% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date.
At any time prior to April 30, 2026, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the Second Lien Notes at a price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Second Lien Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium.
Upon the occurrence of certain Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture), the Issuers may be required to make an offer to repurchase all of the Second Lien Notes then outstanding at a price equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the repurchase date.
The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional debt and issue certain preferred stock; (ii) incur or create liens; (iii) make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments; (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; (v) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and (vi) merge, consolidate, amalgamate or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. In addition, many of these covenants will be suspended with respect to the Second Lien Notes during any time that the Second Lien Notes have investment grade ratings from at least two rating agencies and no default with respect to the Second Lien Notes has occurred and is continuing. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance in all material respects with our covenants under the Indenture.
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On April 3, 2023, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, which is scheduled to mature on April 3, 2028, provides for commitments permitting borrowings of up to $375.0 million (which may be increased, subject to the agreement of lenders to provide such additional commitments and the satisfaction of certain conditions, by an additional $200.0 million pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement) and includes a $150.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. Valaris Finance and certain other subsidiaries of the Company (together with Valaris Finance, the “Guarantors”) guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the lenders have a first priority lien on the assets securing the Credit Agreement. The commitments under the Credit Agreement became available to be borrowed on April 19, 2023 (the "Availability Date").
The Credit Agreement and the related guarantees are secured on a first-priority basis, subject to permitted liens, by (a) first preferred ship mortgages over each vessel owned by us and the Guarantors as of the Availability Date, with certain exceptions (the “Collateral Vessels”); (b) first priority assignments of certain insurances and requisition compensation in respect of the Collateral Vessels; (c) first priority pledges of all equity interests in our subsidiaries that own Collateral Vessels and certain subsidiaries that hold equity interests in entities that own vessels (the “Collateral Rig Owners”); (d) first priority assignments of earnings of the Collateral Vessels from the Collateral Rig Owners; (e) any vessels and other assets of ours and the Guarantors that are pledged, at our option, to secure the Credit Agreement; and (f) all proceeds thereof (the "Collateral").
Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are subject to an interest rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined as the greatest of (i) a prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (iii) Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for a one month interest period plus 1.1% (such base rate to be subject to a 1% floor) or (b) Term SOFR plus 0.10% (subject to a 0% floor), plus, in each case of clauses (a) and (b) above, an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 3.00% and 2.50% to 4.00%, respectively, based on the credit ratings that are one notch higher than the corporate family ratings provided by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) with respect to Valaris Limited.
Additionally, we are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee to the lenders under the Credit Agreement with respect to the average daily unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on the credit ratings that are one notch higher than the corporate family ratings provided by S&P and Moody’s with respect to Valaris Limited. With respect to each letter of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we are required to pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin in effect for Term SOFR loans and a fronting fee in an amount to be mutually agreed between us and the issuer of such letter of credit. We are also required to pay customary agency fees in respect of the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens; dispose of certain assets; make certain acquisitions and investments; redeem or prepay other debt or make other restricted payments such as distributions to shareholders; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; and enter into a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or sale of assets. Further, the Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require us to maintain (i) a minimum book value of equity to total assets ratio, (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio and (iii) a minimum amount of liquidity.
As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance in all material respects with our covenants under the Credit Agreement. We had no amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2024.
Interest Expense
Interest expense totaled $84.8 million, $68.9 million and $45.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 which was net of capitalized interest of $15.9 million, $5.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, for capital projects.
Amortization of debt premium and issuance costs was $6.6 million, $5.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included within interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Activity in our various shareholders' equity accounts for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in millions):
Shares
Issued
Par Value Additional
Paid-in
Capital Warrants Retained Earnings (Deficit) AOCI Treasury
Shares Non-controlling
Interest
BALANCE, December 31, 2021
75.0 $ 0.8 $ 1,083.0 $ 16.4 $ (16.4) $ (9.1) $ - $ 2.7
Net income - - - - 176.5 - - 5.3
Share-based compensation cost - - 17.4 - - - - -
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans, net 0.2 - - - - - - -
Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits - - - - - 23.8 - -
Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards - - (2.5) - - - - -
BALANCE, December 31, 2022 75.2 $ 0.8 $ 1,097.9 $ 16.4 $ 160.1 $ 14.7 $ - $ 8.0
Net income - - - - 865.4 - - 1.4
Share-based compensation cost - - 27.3 - - - -
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans, net 0.2 - - - - - - -
Repurchase of Common Shares - - - - - - (200.1) -
Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits - - - - - 10.8 - -
Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards - - (5.4) - - - - -
Foreign currency translation adjustments
- - - - - (0.3) - -
BALANCE, December 31, 2023 75.4 $ 0.8 $ 1,119.8 $ 16.4 $ 1,025.5 $ 25.2 $ (200.1) $ 9.4
Net income (loss) - - - - 373.4 - - (3.6)
Share-based compensation cost - - 27.7 - - - - -
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans, net 0.8 - - - - - - -
Repurchase of Common Shares - - - - - - (125.0) -
Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits - - - - - 10.9 - -
Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards - - (29.9) - - - - -
Purchase of noncontrolling ownership interest in a non-U.S. subsidiary (1)
- - 4.1 - - - - (8.4)
Sale of noncontrolling ownership interest in a non-U.S. subsidiary (1)
- - (8.4) - - - - 8.4
Foreign currency translation adjustments
- - - - - (1.9) - -
BALANCE, December 31, 2024 76.2 $ 0.8 $ 1,113.3 $ 16.4 $ 1,398.9 $ 34.2 $ (325.1) $ 5.8
(1)In 2024, the Company purchased the 51% noncontrolling interest related to a certain non-U.S. subsidiary and concurrently transferred the 51% noncontrolling interest to new partners. The net transactions did not result in a change to our ownership or controlling interest in the non-U.S. subsidiary.
Share Repurchase Program
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") under which we may purchase up to $600.0 million of our outstanding Common Shares. The Share Repurchase Program does not have a fixed expiration, may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time and any repurchases made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program are subject to compliance with applicable covenants and restrictions under our financing agreements.
The following table summarizes shares repurchase, aggregate cost (exclusive of fees) and the average per share price (in millions, except average per share price):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Shares repurchased (1)
2.2 3.0
Aggregate cost
$ 125.0 $ 200.0
Average price per share
$ 56.11 $ 66.77
(1)There were no share repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $275.0 million available for share repurchases pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program.
8. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Valaris Limited adopted the MIP as of April 30, 2021 and authorized and reserved 9.0 million Common Shares for issuance pursuant to equity incentive awards to be granted under the MIP, which may be in the form of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents and cash awards or any combination thereof. As of December 31, 2024, there were 6.9 million shares available for issuance under the MIP.
Time-Based Share Awards
Under the Company's MIP, time-based restricted stock unit awards have been granted to certain employees and senior officers which generally vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant. The grant-date fair value per share for these time-based restricted stock awards is equal to the closing price of the Company's stock on the grant date. For senior officers, delivery of the shares underlying certain vested restricted stock unit awards is deferred until the third anniversary of the date of grant.
Non-employee directors received a one-time grant of time-based restricted awards in 2021, which vested ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant. Additionally, non-employee directors receive an annual grant of time-based restricted awards which vest in full on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the next annual meeting of shareholders following the grant. Non-employee directors are permitted to elect to receive deferred share awards which can be settled and delivered on the six-month anniversary following the termination of the director's service or a specific pre-determined date.
Our time-based share awards do not have voting or participating rights as the dividend equivalent provided for in the award agreement is forfeitable (except in certain limited circumstances) and further our debt agreements limit our ability to pay dividends and none have been declared. Compensation expense for share awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). Our compensation cost is reduced for forfeited awards in the period in which the forfeitures occur.
Compensation expense for our time-based share awards is allocated to Contract drilling expense and General and administrative expense within our Consolidated Statement of Operations based on the award holder's employment function. The following table summarizes time-based share award compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Contract drilling $ 8.8 $ 6.8 $ 3.9
General and administrative 8.7 9.0 6.8
17.5 15.8 10.7
Tax benefit (1.1) (1.6) (0.9)
Total $ 16.4 $ 14.2 $ 9.8
As of December 31, 2024, there was $24.7 million of total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based share awards, which has a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.4 years.
The following table summarizes the value of time-based share awards granted and vested:
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Weighted-average grant date fair value of share awards granted during the period (per share)
$ 69.89 $ 63.22 $ 45.39
Total fair value of share awards vested during the period (in millions)
$ 30.0 $ 25.2 $ 12.8
The following table summarizes time-based share awards activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 (shares in thousands):
Share Awards
Awards Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Share awards as of December 31, 2023
758 $ 45.29
Granted 312 $ 69.89
Vested
(408) $ 39.88
Forfeited (65) $ 56.66
Share awards as of December 31, 2024
597 $ 60.58
Performance Awards
Under the Company's MIP, performance awards may be issued to our senior officers. Performance awards generally vest at the end of a three-year measurement period based on attainment of performance goals.
The performance awards granted in 2021 and 2022 were based on three performance goals and subject to achievement of those performance goals based on (a) designated share price hurdles whereby our closing stock price must equal or exceed certain market price targets for ninety consecutive trading days (the "Share Price Objective"); (b) relative return on capital employed ("ROCE") as compared to a specified peer group, all as defined in the award agreements (the "ROCE Objective"), and (c) specified strategic goals as established by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors (the "Strategic Goal Objective" and together with the ROCE Objective, the "Performance-Based Objectives"). These awards were paid in equity during 2024 following a three-year performance period and were subject to attainment of such objectives ranging from 0% to 150% of target performance under such objectives.
The performance awards granted in 2023 and 2024 include awards which are subject to the achievement of goals based on our absolute total shareholder return and our total shareholder return relative to a specified peer group (the "TSR Objectives" and together with the Share Price Objective, the "Market-Based Objectives"). These awards are payable in equity at a range from 0% to 200% of target performance following three-year performance periods. Also, in 2023, incremental awards based on the Strategic Goal Objective were granted.
The estimated probable outcome of attainment of the specified performance goals is based primarily on relative performance over the requisite performance period. Any subsequent changes in this estimate as it relates to the Performance-Based Objectives are recognized as a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost in the period in which the change in estimate occurs. Compensation cost for the Market-Based Objectives is recognized as long as the requisite service period is completed and will not be reversed even if the Market-Based Objectives are never satisfied. Compensation expense for performance awards is recognized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method and is reduced for forfeited awards in the period in which the forfeitures occur.
The fair value of the performance awards is measured on the date of grant. The grant-date fair value per unit for the portion of the performance awards related to Performance-Based Objectives was equal to the closing price of the Company's stock on the grant date. The portion of these awards that were based on the Company's achievement of Market-based Objectives were valued at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following weighted average assumptions for the grants made in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Expected price volatility 49 % 60 % 61 %
Expected dividend yield - - -
Risk-free interest rate 4.31 % 4.32 % 3.49 %
The expected price volatility assumption is estimated using market data for certain peer companies during periods in which our own trading history is limited. As our trading history increases, it will bear greater weight in determining our expected price volatility assumption.
The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $63.05, $62.09 and $38.08, respectively.
The following table summarizes the performance award activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 (shares in thousands):
Awards(2)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Price(2)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
894 $ 27.49
Granted - Market-Based Objectives(1)
173 $ 63.05
Vested - Market-Based Objectives
(557) $ 17.72
Vested - Performance-Based Objectives
(234) $ 38.54
Total Vested
(791) $ 23.88
Forfeited - Performance-Based Objectives
(5) $ 71.63
Balance as of December 31, 2024
271 $ 61.69
(1)The number of awards granted reflects the shares that would be granted if the target level of performance were to be achieved. The number of shares actually issued after considering forfeitures may range from zero to 381,000.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $10.6 million, $11.7 million and $6.7 million of compensation expense for performance awards, respectively, which was included in General and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2024, there was $9.2 million of total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to performance awards, which has a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.8 years.
9. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
We have defined-benefit pension plans and post-retirement health and life insurance plans that provide benefits upon retirement for certain full-time employees. The defined-benefit pension plans include: (1) a pension plan which was amended in 2018 to freeze any future benefit accrual whereby eligible employees no longer receive pay credits in the plan and newly hired employees are not eligible to participate; and (2) supplemental executive retirement plans, which are also frozen, that provided eligible employees an opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation for use after retirement. Additionally, we have frozen retiree life and medical supplemental plans which provide post-retirement health and life insurance benefits.
The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the funded status and weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at the measurement date (dollars in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Pension Benefits Other Benefits Total Pension Benefits Other Benefits Total
Projected benefit obligation:
BALANCE at the beginning of the period $ 606.5 $ 11.0 $ 617.5 $ 611.5 $ 11.6 $ 623.1
Interest cost 29.3 0.5 29.8 30.6 0.6 31.2
Actuarial loss (gain) (22.1) (0.7) (22.8) 6.1 (0.4) 5.7
Benefits paid (42.4) (0.6) (43.0) (41.7) (0.8) (42.5)
BALANCE at the end of the period $ 571.3 $ 10.2 $ 581.5 $ 606.5 $ 11.0 $ 617.5
Plan assets
Fair value, at the beginning of the period $ 471.2 $ - $ 471.2 $ 458.5 $ - $ 458.5
Actual return 20.2 - 20.2 48.5 - 48.5
Employer contributions 20.9 - 20.9 5.9 - 5.9
Benefits paid (42.4) - (42.4) (41.7) - (41.7)
Fair value, at the end of the period $ 469.9 $ - $ 469.9 $ 471.2 $ - $ 471.2
Net benefit liabilities $ 101.4 $ 10.2 $ 111.6 $ 135.3 $ 11.0 $ 146.3
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Accrued liabilities $ (4.1) $ (1.0) $ (5.1) $ (3.6) $ (1.1) $ (4.7)
Other liabilities (long-term) (97.3) (9.2) (106.5) (131.7) (9.9) (141.6)
Net benefit liabilities $ (101.4) $ (10.2) $ (111.6) $ (135.3) $ (11.0) $ (146.3)
Accumulated contributions less than net periodic benefit cost $ (129.5) $ (18.5) $ (148.0) $ (152.9) $ (18.9) $ (171.8)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost:
Actuarial gain 28.3 8.3 36.6 17.8 7.9 25.7
Prior service cost (0.2) - (0.2) (0.2) - (0.2)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income $ 28.1 $ 8.3 $ 36.4 $ 17.6 $ 7.9 $ 25.5
Net benefit liabilities $ (101.4) $ (10.2) $ (111.6) $ (135.3) $ (11.0) $ (146.3)
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate 5.54 % 5.52 % 4.97 % 5.00 %
Cash balance interest credit rate 3.26 % N/A 3.26 % N/A
The projected benefit obligations for pension benefits in the preceding table reflect the actuarial present value of benefits accrued based on services rendered to date assuming the actual or assumed expected date of separation for retirement.
The accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2024 and 2023 as the pension and other post-retirement benefit plans were frozen in prior years.
The components of net periodic pension, retiree medical income and the weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension and retiree medical income were as follows (dollars in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Interest cost
$ 29.8 $ 31.2 $ 22.4
Expected return on plan assets
(31.6) (31.4) (38.3)
Amortization of net gain (0.6) (0.7) (0.1)
Settlement gain recognized (1)
- - (0.4)
Net periodic pension and retiree medical income (2)
$ (2.4) $ (0.9) $ (16.4)
Discount rate 4.97 % 5.21 % 2.73 %
Expected return on assets 6.88 % 7.10 % 6.26 %
Cash balance interest credit rate 3.26 % 3.23 % 3.05 %
(1) Settlement accounting is necessary when actual lump sums paid during a fiscal year exceed the sum of the service cost and interest cost for the year. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the settlement threshold was reached for certain of our pension plans and we recognized a corresponding settlement gain in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) All components of Net periodic pension and retiree medical income are included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We currently expect to contribute approximately $16.2 million to our pension plans and to directly pay other post-retirement benefits of approximately $1.0 million in 2025. These amounts represent the minimum contributions we are required to make under relevant statutes. We do not expect to make contributions in excess of the minimum required amounts.
The pension plans' investment objectives for fund assets are to: achieve a rate of return such that contributions are minimized and future assets are available to fund liabilities, maintain liquidity sufficient to pay benefits when due, diversify among asset classes so that assets earn a reasonable return with an acceptable level of risk and gradually de-risk the plan by increasing the allocation of investments which track the overall liabilities of the plan as the ratio of assets to liabilities improves and economic conditions warrant. The plans employ several active managers with proven long-term records in their specific investment discipline.
Target allocations among asset categories as of December 31, 2024, and the fair value of each category of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, are presented below. The plans will reallocate assets in accordance with the allocation targets, after giving consideration to the expected level of cash required to pay current benefits and plan expenses (dollars in millions):
December 31,
Target range (1)
2024 2023
Equities:
U.S. equity: 21.7% to 27.7%
U.S. large cap $ 93.3 $ 105.5
U.S. small/mid cap 24.6 28.7
Global Low Volatility Equity 4.2% to 10.2%
34.1 38.5
Non-U.S. equity: 18.1% to 24.1%
International all cap 42.7 51.3
International small cap 18.9 23.1
Emerging markets 34.1 39.3
Real estate equities 4% to 10%
36.5 40.4
Fixed income: 35% to 45%
Long-term corporate bonds 102.8 46.6
U.S. Treasury STRIPS 76.7 93.0
Cash and equivalents $0 - $5.0
6.2 4.8
Total $ 469.9 $ 471.2
(1)Our investment policy only sets allocation target ranges for general asset classes and not specific investment types.
All of our investments, other than cash and cash equivalents, are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and therefore are not categorized in the fair value hierarchy. Cash and cash equivalents are considered Level 1 as they were valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
Assets in the U.S. equities category include investments in common and preferred stocks (and equivalents such as American Depository Receipts and convertible bonds) and may be held through separate accounts, commingled funds or an institutional mutual fund. Assets in the global low volatility equities include investments in a broad range of developed market global equity securities and may be held through a commingled or institutional mutual fund. Assets in the international equities category include investments in a broad range of international equity securities, including both developed and emerging markets, and may be held through a commingled or institutional mutual fund. The real estate category includes investments in pooled and commingled funds whose objectives are diversified equity investments in income-producing properties. Each real estate fund is intended to provide broad exposure to the real estate market by property type, geographic location and size and may invest internationally. Additionally, this category includes real estate investment trusts, which are represented in the Dow Jones US Select REIT Index. Securities in the fixed income categories include U.S. government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and Yankee bonds and should be rated investment grade or above. Investments in this category should have an average investment rating of “A” or better.
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we considered the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the plan's other asset classes and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based upon the current asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the plan, which decreased to 6.44% at December 31, 2024 from 6.88% at December 31, 2023.
Estimated future annual benefit payments from plan assets are presented below. Such amounts are based on existing benefit formulas and include the effect of future service (in millions):
Pension Benefits Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Years ended December 31,
2025 $ 43.3 $ 1.0
2026 41.0 0.9
2027 40.7 0.9
2028 40.4 0.8
2029 40.2 0.8
2030 through 2034 192.6 3.6
Savings Plans
We have savings plans, (the "Savings Plan", the "Limited Retirement Plan", the "Multinational Savings Plan"), which cover eligible employees as defined within each plan. The Savings Plan includes a 401(k) savings plan feature, which allows eligible employees to make tax-deferred contributions to the plans. The Limited Retirement Plan allows eligible employees in the United Kingdom (the "U.K.") to make tax-deferred contributions to the plan. Contributions made to the Multinational Savings Plan may or may not qualify for tax deferral based on each plan participant's local tax requirements.
Employee contributions are matched up to a maximum of 5%. The following table summarizes the employer matching contributions for each plan (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Savings Plan
$ 9.2 $ 8.0 $ 4.7
Limited Retirement Plan
3.8 3.2 2.2
Multinational Savings Plan
2.6 2.0 1.2
Total matching contributions
$ 15.6 $ 13.2 $ 8.1
Effective January 1, 2025, the employer contributions increased whereby employee contributions are now matched up to a maximum of 6%.
10. INCOME TAXES
We generated profits of $49.8 million, $30.7 million and $39.7 million before income taxes in the U.S. for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We generated profits of $320.4 million, $53.5 million and $185.2 million before income taxes in non-U.S. jurisdictions for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The components of our provision for income taxes are summarized as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Current income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. $ 11.5 $ (30.3) $ 12.4
Non-U.S. (16.9) 34.1 22.8
(5.4) 3.8 35.2
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. (4.4) 1.9 8.5
Non-U.S. 10.2 (788.3) (0.6)
5.8 (786.4) 7.9
Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 0.4 $ (782.6) $ 43.1
Deferred Taxes
The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 3,071.8 $ 3,308.9
Property and equipment 1,555.4 1,535.1
Interest limitation carryforwards 126.0 123.4
Foreign tax credits 16.4 44.7
Employee benefits, including share-based compensation 36.6 41.6
Premiums on long-term debt 4.0 6.0
Other 17.9 14.4
Valuation allowance (3,971.3) (4,192.4)
Total deferred tax assets 856.8 881.7
Deferred tax liabilities (26.7) (26.8)
Net deferred tax asset $ 830.1 $ 854.9
The realization of substantially all of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income during future periods in various jurisdictions in which we operate. We rely on projected taxable income from both current and future drilling contracts for the recognition of deferred tax assets. Realization of certain of our deferred tax assets is not assured. We recognize a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could increase or decrease in the near-term if our estimates of future taxable income change.
As of December 31, 2024, we had gross deferred tax assets of $3.1 billion relating to $13.5 billion of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards, $16.4 million of U.S. foreign tax credits (“FTCs”) and $126.0 million of interest limitation carryforwards, primarily related to the U.S., Luxembourg and the U.K., which can be used to reduce our income taxes payable in future years. NOL carryforwards, which were generated in various jurisdictions worldwide, include $13.1 billion that do not expire and $0.4 billion that will expire, if not utilized, between 2025 and 2034. Deferred tax assets for NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2024 include $2.2 billion, $612.4 million, $78.0 million, $42.6 million and $39.8 million pertaining to NOL carryforwards in Luxembourg, the U.S., the U.K., Bermuda and Switzerland, respectively. The U.S. FTCs expire in 2025. Interest limitation carryforwards generally do not expire. Additionally, as a result of our emergence from bankruptcy, the utilization of certain U.S. deferred tax assets including, but not limited to, NOL carryforwards, FTCs, and interest limitation carryforwards is limited to $0.5 million annually.
We had a $4.0 billion and a $4.2 billion valuation allowance as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, on deferred tax assets relating to those assets for which we are not more likely than not to realize due to the inability to generate sufficient taxable income in the period prior to expiration and/or of the character necessary to use the benefit of the deferred tax assets. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $8.5 million, a deferred tax benefit of $802.9 million and a deferred tax expense of $1.5 million, respectively, associated with changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances. The deferred tax benefit in 2023 primarily related to a $799.5 million reduction of our valuation allowance due to changes in the balance of relevant positive and negative evidence considered when assessing the realization of our deferred tax assets in certain operating jurisdictions. After considering the balance of evidence, which included historical financial results, projected earnings, contract backlog, day rates and market outlook, we determined that sufficient positive evidence existed to conclude that this portion of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was no longer needed. We intend to continue maintaining a valuation allowance on a substantial portion of our deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support a reversal of such allowances. The timing and amount of future valuation allowance reductions are subject to future levels of contracting and profitability achieved.
Effective Tax Rate
Valaris Limited is domiciled and a resident for tax purposes in Bermuda. Our subsidiaries conduct operations and earn income in numerous countries and are subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries. The income of our non-Bermuda subsidiaries is not subject to Bermuda taxation.
Income tax rates and taxation systems in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries conduct operations vary and our subsidiaries are frequently subjected to minimum taxation regimes. In some jurisdictions, tax liabilities are based on gross revenues, statutory deemed profits or other factors, rather than on net income, and our subsidiaries are frequently unable to realize tax benefits when they operate at a loss. Accordingly, during periods of declining profitability, our income tax expense may not decline proportionally with income, which could result in higher effective income tax rates. Furthermore, we will continue to incur income tax expense in periods in which we operate at a loss.
Our drilling rigs frequently move from one taxing jurisdiction to another to perform contract drilling services. In some instances, the movement of drilling rigs among taxing jurisdictions will involve the transfer of ownership of the drilling rigs among our subsidiaries. As a result of frequent changes in the taxing jurisdictions in which our drilling rigs are operated and/or owned, changes in profitability levels and changes in tax laws, our annual effective income tax rate may vary substantially from one reporting period to another.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, differs from the Bermuda statutory income tax rates as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Bermuda statutory income tax rate
- % - % - %
Non-Bermuda taxes
25.6 74.0 22.8
Valuation allowance (2.3) (953.6) 0.6
Resolution of prior year items
(23.2) (49.9) (7.0)
Other - - 2.8
Effective income tax rate 0.1 % (929.5) % 19.2 %
Our 2024 consolidated effective income tax rate includes discrete tax benefit of $85.8 million, primarily attributable to change in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years.
Our 2023 consolidated effective income tax rate includes discrete tax benefit of $42.0 million primarily attributable to changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years.
Our 2022 consolidated effective income tax rate includes $10.3 million associated with the impact of various discrete items, including $17.2 million income tax benefit associated with changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and resolution of other prior period tax matters, offset primarily by tax expense attributable to income associated with a contract termination.
Excluding the impact of the aforementioned discrete tax items, our consolidated effective income rates for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were 21.8%, (872.3)% and 73.6%, respectively. The changes in our consolidated effective income tax rate excluding discrete tax items during the three-year period result primarily from changes in the relative components of our earnings from the various taxing jurisdictions in which our drilling rigs are operated and/or owned and differences in tax rates in such taxing jurisdictions.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Our tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $93.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $82.8 million was included in Other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and $10.7 million, which is associated with tax positions taken in tax years with NOL carryforwards, was presented as a reduction of deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $201.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $171.7 million was included in Other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, $29.7 million, which is associated with tax positions taken in tax years with NOL carryforwards, was presented as a reduction of deferred tax assets.
If recognized, $82.8 million of the $93.5 million unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2024 would impact our consolidated effective income tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in millions) were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Balance, beginning of period $ 201.4 $ 217.6 $ 235.1
Settlements with taxing authorities (103.5) (41.8) (16.5)
Impact of foreign currency exchange rates (7.9) 0.6 (9.7)
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during prior years
4.1 88.6 3.0
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current year
2.7 13.4 11.2
Lapse of applicable statutes of limitations (1.9) (73.6) (4.5)
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during prior years
(1.4) (3.4) (1.0)
Balance, end of period $ 93.5 $ 201.4 $ 217.6
Accrued interest and penalties totaled $45.5 million and $52.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and were included in Other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognized a net benefit of $8.0 million, $35.4 million and $12.5 million associated with interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest and penalties are included in Current income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Three of our subsidiaries file or previously filed U.S. tax returns and the tax returns of one or more of these subsidiaries is under exam for tax years 2014 and subsequent years. None of these examinations are expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and cash flows. Tax years as early as 2005 remain subject to examination in the other major tax jurisdictions in which we operated.
Statutes of limitations applicable to certain of our tax positions lapsed during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, resulting in net income tax benefits, inclusive of interest and penalties, of $2.7 million, $77.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
Absent the commencement of examinations by tax authorities, statutes of limitations applicable to certain of our tax positions will lapse during 2025, but we do not expect these to have a material impact to our unrecognized tax benefits or effective income tax rate.
Tax Assessments
In February 2024, one of our Malaysian subsidiaries received an unfavorable court decision regarding a tax assessment for the 2012-2017 tax years totaling approximately MYR117.0 million (approximately $26.0 million converted at current period-end exchange rates), including a late payment penalty. In July 2024, we received a payment demand from the Malaysian tax authority for the full assessment amount. In order to further contest the assessment, we agreed to a seven-month payment plan which commenced in August 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we had made payments of approximately $18.0 million, which are included within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and had approximately $8.0 million of remaining payments. We have not recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024 related to this assessment based on a more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe our tax returns are materially correct as filed and we will vigorously contest this assessment.
In December 2023, one of our Luxembourg subsidiaries received tax assessments for fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. In February 2024, the Luxembourg tax authorities rescinded the portion of the assessment relating to 2023, resulting in a revised aggregate tax assessment of approximately €60.0 million (approximately $65.0 million converted at then-current exchange rates). We recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions for this amount during the fourth quarter of 2023 and contested the validity and amount of the assessments. In April 2024, we received a favorable decision from the Luxembourg tax authorities stating that the assessments for the 2019-2021 tax years are not enforceable. As a result, we reversed the uncertain tax position liability for the previously issued assessments and recognized a tax benefit of approximately $65.0 million in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During 2019, the Australian tax authorities issued aggregate tax assessments totaling approximately A$101.0 million (approximately $63.0 million converted at current period-end exchange rates) plus interest related to the examination of certain of our tax returns for the years 2011 through 2016. During the third quarter of 2019, we made a A$42.0 million payment (approximately $29.0 million at then-current exchange rates) to the Australian tax authorities to litigate the assessment. In December 2024, we reached a settlement agreement with the Australian tax authorities for A$4.0 million (approximately $2.0 million at current period-end exchange rates). As a result, we expect to receive a refund of A$38.0 million (approximately $24.0 million at current period-end exchange rates) in the first half of 2025. Accordingly, we released approximately $18.0 million of the uncertain tax position liability previously recognized and recognized a corresponding tax benefit in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for these assessments in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Undistributed Earnings
Dividend income received by Valaris Limited from its subsidiaries is exempt from Bermuda taxation. We do not provide deferred taxes on undistributed earnings of certain subsidiaries because our policy and intention is to reinvest such earnings indefinitely. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries for which we maintain a policy and intention to reinvest earnings indefinitely totaled $271.9 million. Should we make a distribution from these subsidiaries in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional income taxes. The unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these undistributed earnings was not practicable to estimate as of December 31, 2024.
Tax Legislation
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued Pillar Two rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% applied on a country-by-country basis effective on January 1, 2024. Certain jurisdictions have enacted new tax laws to align with the recommendations under Pillar Two while other jurisdictions have proposed or are actively considering changes to existing tax laws based on the new rules. The impact of the Pillar Two model rules which have been enacted to date was not significant to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Additionally, Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 on December 27, 2023 (the “CIT Act”) which stipulates a tax on 15% of the net income of certain Bermuda constituent entities (as determined in accordance with the CIT Act, including after adjusting for any relevant foreign tax credits applicable to the Bermuda constituent entities). No tax is chargeable under the CIT Act until tax years starting on or after January 1, 2025. Deferred taxes of $27.5 million with an offsetting valuation allowance of $27.5 million were established as of December 31, 2023, upon enactment.
While we are still closely monitoring developments of these rules and evaluating the potential impact on future periods, we do not expect they will have a significant impact on our financial results in the near term.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
ARO Newbuild Funding Obligations
In connection with our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture, we have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. The Shareholder Agreement specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. The joint venture partners intend for the newbuild jackup rigs to be financed out of available cash on hand and from ARO's operations and/or funds available from third-party financing. The first newbuild jackup, Kingdom 1, was delivered and commenced operations in 2023, and the second newbuild jackup, Kingdom 2, was delivered and commenced operations in 2024.
In January 2020, ARO paid 25% of the purchase price from cash on hand for each of the two newbuilds, and in October 2023, entered into a $359.0 million term loan to finance the remaining newbuild payments due upon delivery and for general corporate purposes. The term loan matures in eight years following the related drawdown under the term loan and requires equal quarterly amortization payments during the term, with a 50% balloon payment due at maturity. The term loan bears interest based on the three-month SOFR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.4%. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2024, ARO entered into a revolving credit facility which provides for borrowings of up to $100.0 million. At December 31, 2024, there was $10.0 million outstanding under this facility. Our Notes Receivable from ARO are subordinated and junior in right of payment to both ARO’s term loan and credit facility.
In the event ARO has insufficient cash or is unable to obtain third-party financing, each partner may periodically be required to make additional capital contributions to ARO, up to a maximum aggregate contribution of $1.25 billion from each partner to fund the newbuild program. Beginning with the delivery of the second newbuild, each partner's commitment is reduced by the lesser of the actual cost of each newbuild rig or $250.0 million, on a proportionate basis. Following the delivery of Kingdom 2, our commitment to fund the newbuild program has been reduced to $1.1 billion.
In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3, for a purchase price of approximately $300.0 million, and paid the 25% down payment from cash on hand. The final payment will be due upon delivery of the rig.
Letters of Credit
In the ordinary course of business with customers and others, we have entered into letters of credit to guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, customs duties, tax appeals and other obligations in various jurisdictions. Letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2024 totaled $27.0 million and are issued under facilities provided by various banks and other financial institutions, but none were issued under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under these letters of credit are not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirements. As of December 31, 2024, we had collateral deposits in the amount of $10.8 million with respect to these agreements.
Patent Litigation
In December 2022, a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. commenced an arbitration proceeding against us alleging breach of a license agreement related to certain dual-activity drilling patents. We believe this claim is without merit, and we are defending ourselves vigorously against this claim.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, we attempted to reach an agreement that would have resolved the litigation efficiently and resulted in additional commercial concessions. In accordance with GAAP requirements, we accrued $25.0 million in Accrued liabilities and other within our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024 related to these efforts, however, we were unable to reach an agreement. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to this claim may be higher or lower than the amount accrued.
Brazil Administrative Proceeding
In July 2023, we received notice of an administrative proceeding initiated against us in Brazil. Specifically, the Federal Court of Accounts ("TCU") is seeking from us, Samsung Heavy Industries (“SHI”) and others, on a joint and several basis, a total of approximately BRL 601.0 million (approximately $97.0 million at the current year-end exchange rates) in damages that TCU asserts arose from the overbilling to Petrobras in 2015 in relation to the drilling services agreement with Petrobras for VALARIS DS-5 (the “DSA”). As fully disclosed in our prior periodic reports, the DSA was previously the subject of (1) investigations by the SEC and the U.S Department of Justice, each of which closed their investigation of us in 2018 without any enforcement action, (2) an arbitration proceeding against SHI in which we prevailed, resulting in SHI making a $200.0 million cash payment to us in December 2019, and (3) a settlement with Petrobras normalizing our business relations in August 2018. We plan to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations made by the TCU. We are unable to estimate our potential exposure, if any, at this time. In May 2024, the Brazilian prosecutor issued an opinion recommending that the TCU close this matter against us. While this matter is still pending, we believe the likelihood of loss is remote.
Other Matters
In addition to the foregoing, we are named defendants or parties in certain other lawsuits, claims or proceedings incidental to our business and are involved from time to time as parties to governmental investigations or proceedings, including matters related to taxation, arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted accurately, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.
12. LEASES
We have operating leases for office space, facilities, equipment, employee housing and certain rig berthing facilities. For all asset classes, except office space, we account for the lease component and the non-lease component as a single lease component. Short-term leases with a term of one year or less are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than one month to seven years, some of which include options to extend. The lease term used for calculating our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities is determined by considering the non-cancelable lease term, as well as any extension options that we are reasonably certain to exercise. Our right-of-use assets, current lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities are included within Other assets, Accrued liabilities and other, and Other liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We evaluate the carrying value of our right-of-use assets on a periodic basis to identify events or changes in circumstances, such as lease abandonment, which indicate that the carrying value of such right-of-use assets may be impaired.
The components of lease expense are as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Long-term operating lease cost $ 35.4 $ 24.6 $ 13.4
Short-term operating lease cost 17.6 13.2 15.2
Variable lease cost (1)
9.8 11.3 1.0
Total operating lease cost $ 62.8 $ 49.1 $ 29.6
(1)Variable lease costs are excluded from the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and consist primarily of variable fees related to offshore equipment rentals.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases is as follows (in millions, except lease term and discount rate):
December 31,
2024 2023
Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 84.5 $ 74.6
Current lease liability $ 28.0 $ 27.2
Long-term lease liability 56.9 48.9
Total operating lease liabilities $ 84.9 $ 76.1
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 3.2 3.6
Weighted-average discount rate (1)
7.75 % 8.21 %
(1)Represents our estimated incremental borrowing cost on a secured basis for similar terms as the underlying leases.
Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
$ 39.4 $ 80.3 $ 14.7
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of our operating lease liabilities
$ 34.9 $ 26.2 $ 14.0
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows (in millions):
2025 $ 32.7
2026 31.3
2027 20.9
2028 5.4
2029 3.1
Thereafter 3.0
Total lease payments $ 96.4
Less imputed interest (11.5)
Total $ 84.9
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our business consists of four operating segments, which have been determined based on the asset type and specifications and services we provide. These operating segments are: Floaters, Jackups, ARO and Other. These operating segments are Floaters, Jackups, ARO and Other. The Floaters segment consists of our drillships and semisubmersible rigs, which can generally drill in water depths up to 12,000 feet and 8,500, respectively. Floaters are generally considered to be more advanced, typically earn higher day rates and require a larger crew compliment to operate. The Jackups segment consists of our jackup rigs, which generally operate in water depths of 400 feet or less. As Jackups have a simpler design and operate in shallow waters, they typically earn lower day rates and require a smaller crew to operate. The ARO segment consists of the full operations of ARO, which operates jackup drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Aramco. The Other segment consists of management services on rigs owned by third parties and the activities associated with our arrangements with ARO under the Lease Agreements.
Each of the reporting segments earn revenues through drilling contracts, in which we provide a drilling rig and/or drilling services, inclusive of rig crews, on a day rate basis. Floaters, Jackups and ARO are also reportable segments.
Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the executive management committee, which is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, General Counsel & Secretary, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President - Strategy and Sustainability and Vice President - Operational Integrity. The CODM assesses segment performance based on their review of the operating income (loss) of each segment, which measures profitability after deducting normal operating costs. Components within operating income (loss), such as revenues and contract drilling expense, are used to monitor actual performance against budget and monthly forecasted results for each segment. Further, the CODM utilizes revenue to derive a segment’s asset utilization, average daily revenue and revenue efficiency. Using these metrics, the CODM can identify potentially underperforming segments and develop strategies to increase profits or reduce costs, make investment decisions and allocate resources as needed. The disaggregated segment information, as presented in the tables below, aligns with the segment level information that is regularly provided to the CODM.
Our onshore support costs included within Contract drilling expenses are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and as such, those costs are included in “Reconciling Items.” Further, General and administrative expense and Depreciation expense incurred by our corporate office are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and are included in "Reconciling Items." We measure segment assets as Property and equipment, net.
The full operating results included below for ARO are not included within our consolidated results and thus deducted under "Reconciling Items" and replaced with our equity in earnings of ARO. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional information on ARO and related arrangements.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, we adopted Update 2023-07 (see "Note 1 Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for further discussion on Update 2023-07). In connection with this, we have updated our segment disclosure presentation for the year ended December 31, 2024, to break out Reimbursable revenues and Reimbursable expenses from Revenues and Contract drilling expense, respectively, and have retrospectively applied the changes to the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are presented below (in millions).
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Floaters Jackups ARO Other Reconciling Items Consolidated Total
Operating revenues:
Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues)
$ 1,382.8 $ 686.5 $ 512.5 $ 142.6 $ (512.5) $ 2,211.9
Reimbursable revenues 57.9 68.4 - 24.4 - 150.7
Total operating revenues
1,440.7 754.9 512.5 167.0 (512.5) 2,362.6
Operating expenses:
Contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses)
930.3 477.1 367.7 63.6 (220.2) 1,618.5
Reimbursable expenses
54.9 64.3 - 23.2 - 142.4
Total contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation)
985.2 541.4 367.7 86.8 (220.2) 1,760.9
Loss on impairment - - 28.4 - (28.4) -
Depreciation 58.1 45.0 89.2 9.5 (79.7) 122.1
General and administrative - - 23.7 - 92.6 116.3
Equity in losses of ARO - - - - (11.0) (11.0)
Operating income $ 397.4 $ 168.5 $ 3.5 $ 70.7 $ (287.8) $ 352.3
Property and equipment, net $ 1,174.2 $ 575.3 $ 1,253.1 $ 132.8 $ (1,202.5) $ 1,932.9
Capital expenditures $ 239.7 $ 213.1 $ 285.0 $ - $ (282.7) $ 455.1
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Floaters Jackups ARO Other Reconciling Items Consolidated Total
Operating revenues:
Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues)
$ 902.8 $ 620.6 $ 496.6 $ 152.6 $ (496.6) $ 1,676.0
Reimbursable revenues 45.9 39.0 - 23.3 - 108.2
Total operating revenues
948.7 659.6 496.6 175.9 (496.6) 1,784.2
Operating expenses:
Contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) 768.4 480.4 365.9 52.6 (226.9) 1,440.4
Reimbursable expenses 43.6 37.0 - 22.6 - 103.2
Total contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) 812.0 517.4 365.9 75.2 (226.9) 1,543.6
Depreciation 55.8 40.0 65.9 5.0 (65.6) 101.1
General and administrative - - 22.2 - 77.1 99.3
Equity in earnings of ARO - - - - 13.3 13.3
Operating income $ 80.9 $ 102.2 $ 42.6 $ 95.7 $ (267.9) $ 53.5
Property and equipment, net $ 1,035.5 $ 480.8 $ 1,036.6 $ 52.1 $ (971.2) $ 1,633.8
Capital expenditures $ 562.0 $ 132.3 $ 300.8 $ - $ (299.0) $ 696.1
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Floaters Jackups ARO Other Reconciling Items Consolidated Total
Operating revenues:
Revenues (exclusive of reimbursable revenues)
$ 649.3 $ 713.4 $ 459.5 $ 134.6 $ (459.5) $ 1,497.3
Reimbursable revenues 51.2 30.8 - 23.2 - 105.2
Total operating revenues
700.5 744.2 459.5 157.8 (459.5) 1,602.5
Operating expenses:
Contract drilling expenses (exclusive of depreciation and reimbursable expenses) 598.3 509.4 341.8 54.1 (219.9) 1,283.7
Reimbursable expenses 47.7 29.5 - 22.3 - 99.5
Total contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) 646.0 538.9 341.8 76.4 (219.9) 1,383.2
Loss on impairment 34.5 - - - - 34.5
Depreciation 50.0 36.1 63.4 4.6 (62.9) 91.2
General and administrative - - 18.7 - 62.2 80.9
Equity in earnings of ARO - - - - 24.5 24.5
Operating income (loss) $ (30.0) $ 169.2 $ 35.6 $ 76.8 $ (214.4) $ 37.2
Property and equipment, net $ 487.5 $ 391.7 $ 775.6 $ 56.8 $ (734.4) $ 977.2
Capital expenditures $ 152.9 $ 53.5 $ 103.7 $ - $ (103.1) $ 207.0
Information about Geographic Areas
As of December 31, 2024, our Floaters segment consisted of 13 drillships, four dynamically positioned semisubmersible rigs and one moored semisubmersible rig deployed in various locations. Our Jackups segment consisted of 28 jackup rigs which were deployed in various locations and our Other segment consisted of seven jackup rigs which are leased to our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture with Saudi Aramco. As of December 31, 2024, the geographic distribution of our and ARO's drilling rigs was as follows:
As of December 31, 2024, the geographic distribution of our and ARO's drilling rigs was as follows:
Floaters Jackups Other Total Valaris ARO
Middle East & Africa 3 6 7 16 9
North & South America 9 7 - 16 -
Europe
4 11 - 15 -
Asia & Pacific Rim 2 4 - 6 -
Total 18 28 7 53 9
We provide management services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on two rigs owned by a third party not included in the table above.
ARO ordered one newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3, during the fourth quarter of 2024, which is under construction in the Middle East and is not included in the table above.
Information by country for those countries that account for more than 10% of our long-lived assets was as follows (in millions):
Long-lived Assets
December 31,
2024 2023
Spain $ 484.8 $ 438.9
Brazil 413.9 374.5
United States 314.3 206.5
United Kingdom 290.4 277.8
Other countries(1)
514.0 410.7
Total $ 2,017.4 $ 1,708.4
(1)Other countries includes countries where individually we had long-lived assets representing less than 10% of total long-lived assets.
For purposes of our geographic disclosures above, we attribute assets to the geographic location of the drilling rig or operating lease, in the case of our right-of-use assets, as of the end of the applicable year.
14. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Trade $ 502.4 $ 375.2
Income tax receivables 76.2 83.2
Other 9.2 16.2
587.8 474.6
Allowance for doubtful accounts (16.6) (15.3)
$ 571.2 $ 459.3
Other current assets consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Prepaid taxes
$ 48.5 $ 49.1
Deferred costs 38.6 75.3
Prepaid expenses 13.0 23.6
Other 26.9 29.2
$ 127.0 $ 177.2
Accrued liabilities and other consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2024 2023
Personnel costs
$ 89.2 $ 76.6
Current contract liabilities (deferred revenues)
87.2 116.2
Income and other taxes payable 57.2 52.9
Accrued claims 39.5 20.4
Lease liabilities 28.0 27.2
Accrued interest
15.3 15.4
Other 34.6 35.5
$ 351.0 $ 344.2
Other liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Unrecognized tax benefits (inclusive of interest and penalties) $ 128.3 $ 224.0
Pension and other post-retirement benefits 106.5 141.6
Noncurrent contract liabilities (deferred revenues)
71.4 37.6
Lease liabilities
56.9 48.9
Other 20.1 19.6
$ 383.2 $ 471.7
Consolidated Statements of Operations Information
Repair and maintenance expense related to continuing operations was as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Repair and maintenance expense $ 239.6 $ 203.3 $ 175.2
Other, net, consisted of the following (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Net foreign currency exchange gains (losses) $ 13.8 $ (3.5) $ 12.2
Net periodic pension and retiree medical income
2.4 0.9 16.4
Net gain (loss) on sale of property (0.2) 28.6 141.2
Loss on extinguishment of debt
- (29.2) -
Other income (expense) 0.6 1.4 (2.3)
$ 16.6 $ (1.8) $ 167.5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information
Our restricted cash consists primarily of $10.8 million and $12.6 million of collateral on letters of credit as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See "Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies" for more information regarding our letters of credit.
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities attributable to the net change in operating assets and liabilities was as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable $ (64.9) $ 44.9 $ (6.9)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
22.4 (5.9) 0.5
Increase (decrease) in liabilities (91.7) 82.8 (0.2)
$ (134.2) $ 121.8 $ (6.6)
Additional cash flow information was as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Cash paid for interest and taxes
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 78.3 $ 32.3 $ 44.2
Income taxes paid (refunded), net $ 55.6 $ (8.3) $ 5.6
Non-cash investing activities
Accruals for capital expenditures as of period end (1)
$ 36.2 $ 71.5 $ 22.1
(1)Accruals for capital expenditures were excluded from investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
We received U.S. income tax refunds totaling $35.9 million in 2024 primarily related to an Internal Revenue Service examination of one of our subsidiaries' 2009-2012 tax returns.
We received an income tax refund of $45.9 million in 2023 related to the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the capitalized interest totaled $15.9 million, $5.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Concentration of Risk
Credit Risk - We are exposed to credit risk relating to our cash and cash equivalents and receivables from customers. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by various well-capitalized and credit-worthy financial institutions. We monitor the credit ratings of these institutions and limit the amount of exposure to any one institution and therefore, do not believe a significant credit risk exists for these balances. We mitigate our credit risk relating to receivables from customers, which consist primarily of major international, government-owned and independent oil and gas companies, by performing ongoing credit evaluations. We also maintain reserves for potential credit losses, which generally have been within our expectations.
Customer Concentration - Consolidated revenues with customers that individually contributed 10% or more of revenue in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Floaters Jackups Other Total
BP plc ("BP") 9 % 3 % 5 % 17 %
Other customers (1)
52 % 29 % 2 % 83 %
61 % 32 % 7 % 100 %
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Floaters Jackups Other Total
BP
- % 5 % 6 % 11 %
Other customers (1)
53 % 32 % 4 % 89 %
53 % 37 % 10 % 100 %
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Floaters Jackups Other Total
BP
6 % 3 % 6 % 15 %
Other customers (1)
38 % 43 % 4 % 85 %
44 % 46 % 10 % 100 %
(1)Other customers includes customers that individually contributed to less than 10% of our total revenues.
Geographic Concentration - For purposes of our geographic disclosure, we attribute revenues to the geographic location where such revenues are earned. Consolidated revenues for locations that individually had 10% or more of revenue were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Floaters Jackups Other Total
Brazil
$ 497.9 $ - $ - $ 497.9
United Kingdom
- 375.2 - 375.2
U.S. Gulf of Mexico 245.4 10.3 111.7 367.4
Australia
172.1 104.3 - 276.4
Angola
196.7 - - 196.7
Other countries (1)
328.6 265.1 55.3 649.0
$ 1,440.7 $ 754.9 $ 167.0 $ 2,362.6
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Floaters Jackups Other Total
U.S. Gulf of Mexico $ 220.9 $ 27.2 $ 104.7 $ 352.8
United Kingdom - 267.2 - 267.2
Angola
210.9 - - 210.9
Brazil
195.0 - - 195.0
Australia
157.0 29.9 - 186.9
Other countries (1)
164.9 335.3 71.2 571.4
$ 948.7 $ 659.6 $ 175.9 $ 1,784.2
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Floaters Jackups Other Total
U.S. Gulf of Mexico $ 230.9 $ 21.3 $ 99.0 $ 351.2
United Kingdom - 264.5 - 264.5
Australia
113.0 30.0 - 143.0
Brazil
111.5 - - 111.5
Angola
78.5 - - 78.5
Other countries (1)
166.6 428.4 58.8 653.8
$ 700.5 $ 744.2 $ 157.8 $ 1,602.5
(1)Other countries includes locations that individually contributed to less than 10% of total revenues.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
CONCLUSION REGARDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and made known to the officers who certify the Company’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the board of directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, are effective.
Changes in Internal Controls - There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item with respect to our directors, corporate governance matters, committees of the board of directors and Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained in our Proxy Statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("Proxy Statement") to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers is set forth in "Executive Officers" in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The guidelines and procedures of the board of directors are outlined in our Corporate Governance Policy. The committees of the board of directors operate under written charters adopted by the board of directors. The Corporate Governance Policy and committee charters are available on our website at www.valaris.com in the Governance Documents section and are available in print without charge by contacting our Investor Relations Department.
We have a Code of Conduct that applies to all directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.valaris.com in the Governance Documents section and is available in print without charge by contacting our Investor Relations Department. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers from our Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website. Our Proxy Statement contains governance disclosures, including information on our Code of Conduct, our Corporate Governance Policy, the director nomination process, shareholder director nominations, shareholder communications to the board of directors and director attendance at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is contained in our Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes certain information related to our compensation plans under which our shares are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2024:
Plan category Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))(1)
(a) (b)(1)
(c)
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders
- $ - -
Equity compensation
plans not approved by
security holders (2)
868,284 - 6,857,784
Total 868,284 $ - 6,857,784
(1)Restricted share units do not have an exercise price and, thus, are not reflected in this column.
(2)The number of awards granted for performance awards reflect the shares that would be issued if the target level of performance were to be achieved.
Additional information required by this item is included in our Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is contained in our Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item is contained in our Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Index to Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this report:
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (KPMG LLP, Houston, Texas, Auditor Firm ID: 185)
Consolidated Statements of Operations 77
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 78
Consolidated Balance Sheets 79
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 80
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 81
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All required schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
2.1 Fourth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Valaris plc and its Debtor Affiliates Pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Order Confirming the Debtor's Fourth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2021, File No . 001-08097).
3.1 Memorandum of Association of Valaris Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2021, File No. 18097).
3.2 Bye-laws of Valaris Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
4.1 Indenture, dated April 19, 2023, among Valaris Limited, Valaris Finance Company LLC, the guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee and collateral agent (including the form of Second Lien Note attached thereto) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2023, File No, 1-8097)
4.2
Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2021, by and between Valaris Limited and Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
4.3
Description of the Company’s Common Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2022, File No. 001-08097).
4.4
Description of the Company’s Warrants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2022, File No. 001-08097).
10.1 Rowan Asset Transfer and Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2016, between Rowan Rex Limited and Saudi Aramco Development Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on August 1, 2019, File No. 1-8097).
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to Rowan Asset Transfer and Contribution Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2017, by and between Saudi Aramco Development Company, Rowan Rex Limited and Saudi Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on August 1, 2019, File No. 1-8097).
10.3 Shareholders’ Agreement dated 21 November 2016 (G) between Saudi Aramco Development Company and Rowan Rex Limited Relating to the Offshore Drilling Joint Venture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on August 1, 2019, File No. 1-8097).
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to the Shareholders' Agreement dated December 18, 2017 between Saudi Aramco Development Company, Rowan Rex Limited and ARO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on March 2, 2021).
10.5 Amendment No. 2 to the Shareholders' Agreement dated June 28, 2018 between Saudi Aramco Development Company, Rowan Rex Limited, ARO and Mukamala Oil Field Services Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on March 2, 2021).
10.6 Amendment No. 3 to the Shareholders' Agreement dated August 13, 2020 between Rowan Rex Limited, Mukamala Oil Field Services Limited and ARO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on March 2, 2021)
10.7 Amendment No. 4 to the Shareholders' Agreement dated December 1, 2020 between Rowan Rex Limited, ARO and Mukamala Oil Field Services Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on March 2, 2021)
+10.8 ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, File No. 1-8097).
+10.9 Amendment No. 1 to the ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), dated March 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, File No. 1-8097).
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
+10.10 Amendment No. 2 to the ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), dated November 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8097).
+10.11 Amendment No. 3 to the ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), dated August 4, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, File No. 1-8097).
+10.12 Amendment No. 4 to the ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), dated December 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2009, File No. 1-8097).
+10.13 Amendment No. 5 to the Ensco Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), dated May 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2012, File No. 1-8097).
+10.14 Amendment No. 6 to the ENSCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2004), effective as of July 1, 2021, by ENSCO International Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on August 3, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
+10.15 ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated November 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8097).
+10.16 Amendment No. 1 to the ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated August 4, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, File No. 1-8097).
+10.17 Amendment No. 2 to the ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated November 3, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, File No. 1-8097).
+10.18 Amendment No. 3 to the ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated December 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2009, File No. 1-8097).
+10.19 Amendment No. 4 to the Ensco 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated May 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2012, File No. 1-8097).
+10.20 Amendment No. 5 to the Ensco 2005 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), dated May 21, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2013, File No. 1-8097).
+10.21 Amendment No. 6 to the ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005), dated December 19, 2019. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, File No. 1-8097).
+10.22 Amendment No. 7 to the ENSCO 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2005), effective as of July 1, 2021, by ENSCO International Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on August 3, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
+10.23 ENSCO 2005 Benefit Reserve Trust, effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2005, File No. 1-8097).
+10.24 Restoration Plan of Rowan Companies, Inc. (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2013), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Rowan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 1-5491).
+10.25 Valaris Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q on July 30, 2020, File No. 1-8097)
+10.26
Valaris Limited 2021 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
+10.27
Form of PSU Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 2, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
+10.28
Form of Deferred RSU Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 2, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
+10.29
Form of Director RSU Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 2, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
+10.30
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2016, File No. 1-8097).
10.31
Equity Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2021, by and among Valaris Limited and the holders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
10.32
Support Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2021, among Valaris Limited, Famatown Financial Limited and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2021, File No. 1-8097).
10.33
Amendment No. 1 to Support Agreement dated as of January 25, 2023, among Valaris Limited, Famatown Financial Limited and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2023, File No. 1-8097).
+10.34
Amended and Restated Valaris Executive Severance Plan, dated as of April 14, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 2, 2022, File No. 1-8097).
+10.35
Employment Agreement, effective as of December 8, 2021, by and between Anton Dibowitz, Ensco Corporate Resources LLC and Valaris Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2022, File No. 001-08097).
+10.36
Employment Agreement, commencing as of September 24, 2022, by and between Ensco Services Limited and Matthew Lyne (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2022, File No. 1-8097).
+10.37
Form of Indemnification Agreement, by and between Valaris and its officers and directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 14, 2021, File No. 001-08097).
+10.38
2023 Form of PSU Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2023, File No. 001-8097).
+10.39
2023 Form of RSU Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2023, File No. 001-8097).
+10.40
2024 Form of PSU Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2024, File No. 001-08097).
+10.41
2024 Non-Employee Director Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2024, File No. 001-08097).
10.42
Credit Agreement, dated April 3, 2023, among Valaris Limited, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as collateral trustee, the issuing banks party thereto and Citibank, N.A., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and DNB Markets, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and lead bookrunners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2023, File No. 001-8097).
10.43
Collateral Trust Agreement, dated April 19, 2023, by and among Valaris Limited, Valaris Finance Company LLC, the guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filled on April 19, 2023, File No, 1-8097).
*19.1
Valaris Securities Trading Policy
*21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
*23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
**32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
**32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*97.1
Valaris Limited Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on February 22, 2024).
*101.INS XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
*101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*104 The cover page of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (included with Exhibit 101 attachments).
*
**
+ Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.
Management contracts or compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.
Certain agreements relating to our long-term debt have not been filed as exhibits as permitted by paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K since the total amount of securities authorized under any such agreements do not exceed 10% of our total assets on a consolidated basis. Upon request, we will furnish to the SEC all constituent agreements defining the rights of holders of our long-term debt not filed herewith.