www.deepwater.com
2018 Annual General Meeting
and Proxy Statement
2017 Annual Report
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LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION REPORT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.
We are a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of
February 19, 2018, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 47 mobile offshore
drilling units. In addition, we have two newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships under construction or under
contract to be constructed. The company also operates two high-specification jackups that were under drilling
contracts when the rigs were sold, and the company continues to operate these jackups until completion or
novation of the drilling contracts. We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling
business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe we
operate one of the most versatile offshore drilling fleets in the world.
Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RIG.
The symbols in the map above represent the company’s global market presence as of the February 19, 2018 Fleet Status Report.
ABOUT THE COVER
The front cover features one of our high-specification, harsh environment semisubmersibles, the Transocean Barents, currently operating offshore
Eastern Canada. The back cover features another one of our high-specification, harsh environment semisubmersibles, the Transocean Spitsbergen,
currently operating in the Norwegian North Sea.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements included in this Proxy Statement and 2017 Annual Report that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements
regarding future market trends and results of operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Such
statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties beyond our control and our actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking
statements.
819978ifc.indd 1
3/7/18 5:46 PM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Chadwick C. Deaton
Edward R. Muller
Chairman
Transocean Ltd.
Glyn A. Barker
Former Vice Chairman – U.K.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Director and shareholder of EL & EL
Investments, a privately held real
estate investment business
Frederico F. Curado
Former President and
Chief Executive Officer
Embraer S.A.
Former Executive Chairman and
Former Chairman, Chief Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Officer and President
GenOn Energy, Inc.
Vincent J. Intrieri
Founder and CEO of VDA Capital
Management LLC, a private
investment fund
Tan Ek Kia
Former Chairman
Shell Northeast Asia
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Transocean Ltd.
Samuel J. Merksamer
Former Managing Director
Icahn Capital LP
Frederik W. Mohn
Former Chairman Songa Offshore SE
Sole Owner and Managing Director
of Perestroika AS
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
John B. Stobart
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Performance Officer
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Registered Address
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
CH-6312
Steinhausen, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (41) 749-0500
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare
www.computershare.com
Online inquiries: www-us.computershare.com/investor/contact
1 201 680 6570 (for callers outside the United States)
Shareholder inquiries:
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000
1 877 397 7229
Overnight correspondence:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street
Suite 1600
Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000
Proxy solicitor
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Stock Exchange Listing
Transocean Ltd. shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under
the symbol RIG. The following table represents the intraday high and low per-share
prices as reported on the NYSE for the periods indicated.
NYSE (USD)
2017
2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
HIGH
16.16
13.04
10.84
11.78
LOW
11.69
7.67
7.20
9.33
HIGH
13.48
12.05
13.03
16.66
LOW
7.67
8.34
8.68
9.10
Performance Graph1
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return of our
shares, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”), the Standard
& Poor’s MidCap 400 Index (“S&P MidCap 400”) and the Upstream Index
prepared by Simmons & Company International, Energy Specialists of Piper
Jaffray (“SCI”) over our last five fiscal years. In 2017, the Company moved to the
S&P MidCap 400 from the S&P 500 due to a market capitalization below $4.5
billion. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our shares, the S&P 500
and the S&P MidCap 400 on December 31, 2012, and that all dividends were
reinvested on the date of payment. The SCI represents the price movement
of the index.
Indexed Cumulative Total Shareholder Return
December 31, 2012 - December 31, 2017
S&P 500
S&P MidCap 400
SCI
RIG
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, Texas
Swiss Auditor
Ernst & Young Ltd.
Zurich, Switzerland
Financial Information
Financial analysts and shareholders should visit the company’s website
at: www.deepwater.com, or call Investor Relations at +1 713 232 7500 for
information about Transocean Ltd.
DATE
S&P 500
S&P MidCap 400
DEC-12
DEC-13
DEC-14
DEC-15
DEC-16
DEC-17
$100
$100
$100
$100
$132
$134
$133
$114
$151
$147
$90
$46
$153
$143
$54
$33
$171
$173
$74
$39
$208
$201
$61
$28
31-Dec-12
31-Dec-13
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-15
31-Dec-16
31-Dec-17
NYSE Annual CEO Certification and Sarbanes-
Oxley Section 302 Certifications
We submitted the annual chief executive officer certification to the NYSE
as required under the corporate governance rules. We also filed the chief
executive officer certifications required under section 302 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 as an exhibit to our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1The above Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be
“filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the
Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we
specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
250
200
150
100
50
0
SCI
RIG
OUR GLOBAL MARKET PRESENCEDeepwaterMidwaterUltra-Deepwater271226Harsh Environment
March 19, 2018
Letter to Shareholders
While commodity prices improved throughout 2017, customers continued to curtail spending on offshore
exploration and development, further extending what has become one of the worst downturns in the offshore drilling
market. Still, through our continued commitment to fleet quality, operational excellence and organizational and operating
efficiency, Transocean delivered another strong year, producing financial results that once again exceeded expectations.
As we enter 2018, we are encouraged by improving macro conditions, with recent prices for both Brent and WTI
surpassing $65 per barrel for the first time in over three years. This increase in oil prices, coupled with the efficiencies and
resulting cost reductions that the offshore industry has realized over the past three years, has made a significant number of
offshore projects around the world economically viable.
As a testament to this fact, the harsh environment markets of Northern Europe and Eastern Canada are now in
recovery. Fixtures have increased over 70% from 2016, with utilization and dayrates for high-specification, harsh
environment semisubmersibles increasing by approximately 20% and more than 50%, respectively. In fact, growing
concern around asset availability in this market is driving customers to tender for multi-year programs.
While certainly not as promising as the harsh environment market, the world’s ultra-deepwater markets are also
demonstrating signs of improvement. For the first time in over two years, customers are trying to secure some of the more
technically capable assets by entering into multi-year contracts. Unfortunately, utilization rates for ultra-deepwater assets
remain low; therefore, leading-edge dayrates in these markets continue to remain challenged.
In short, we enter 2018 with more optimism than we had in any of the past three years; however, since the precise
timing and trajectory of the eventual recovery continues to elude us, we will continue to be prudent as we take the necessary
actions to maintain our industry-leading position and strategically position Transocean to benefit from the recovery ahead.
We have added contracted rigs to the industry’s most competitive floating fleet, while removing our older, less
competitive assets. Over the past six months, we welcomed to our fleet the fourth and fifth newbuild ultra-deepwater
drillships, Deepwater Pontus and Deepwater Poseidon. All five of our newbuild assets added since 2016 are backed by
long-term contracts, and represent some of the most technically capable rigs in the world. In January of 2018, we closed
the acquisition of Songa Offshore, which added seven semisubmersibles, including four CAT-D high-specification, harsh
environment floaters, the Equinox, Endurance, Encourage and Enabler. These four floaters were designed to the
specification of our customer, Statoil, and the rigs are on long-term contracts extending out as far as 2024, with each asset
including follow-on options for twelve additional years. We also opportunistically upgraded our drillship, the Discoverer
India, which was recently awarded a new contract to work offshore Ivory Coast. The additions of our newbuild drillships
and the harsh environment semisubmersibles, as well as the enhancement to the Discoverer India, have further
strengthened our position as the industry’s largest and most capable ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling
contractor.
We continued our fleet high-grading process with the recycling of nine older, less-competitive assets. In total,
we have retired 39 floaters during the past four years. Also, through the sale of our jackup fleet, we have focused our
efforts exclusively on the floating rig market, where we believe that we clearly differentiate our service offering as we
continue to maintain and grow our market-leading position.
We are adding new contracts to our backlog. In both the improving harsh environment markets and the more
challenged deep and ultra-deepwater markets throughout the rest of the world, we successfully added fixtures in 2017.
Over the course of the year, Transocean added almost $900 million of backlog from 25 awards, winning approximately
20% of the global floater contracts awarded. Our contracting success is directly attributable to our recognized performance
in some of the most challenging harsh environment and ultra-deepwater basins around the world. In some situations, our
success was due to our willingness to propose flexible contracting arrangements that include performance-driven models,
tying our success to the success of our customers’ drilling programs. Our customers’ trust in our ability to execute enabled
us to reactivate an additional four floaters during the year for new contracts. Going forward, these assets will be well-
positioned for future opportunities. As of February 19, 2018, our backlog totaled $12.8 billion and includes the lion’s share
of the industry’s above market, long-term contracts with the industry’s strongest customers.
We are focused on efficient well delivery. In 2017, we commenced a strategic initiative related to our asset and
inventory management system. This initiative will focus on the key areas of well efficiency: inventory optimization,
reliability-centered maintenance, and equipment condition, as well as ensuring the timely availability and precise use of
parts. Through the thorough collection, evaluation and use of data, we are positioning the company to operate our
equipment in the most efficient manner possible while executing our customer’s drilling plans better than previously
possible. These actions support a robust condition-based monitoring program that pinpoints early detection of equipment
issues to best enable us to address these in the most expedient manner, thus reducing downtime and improving our asset
reliability. Our ability to identify root-causes improves our insight into maintenance planning and execution, as well as
overall equipment health. This proactive management tool will enable Transocean to better demonstrate our value
proposition to our customers.
We continue to identify and capitalize on opportunities to further differentiate Transocean. The downturn in
the energy industry has driven change. It is imperative that we have the most capable assets and operate them in a manner
that delivers more effectively and efficiently. Building on our prior success of supplier service arrangements related to the
rigs’ most critical equipment, in 2017, we executed several more agreements again focusing on uptime performance. These
new agreements cover some of the most important equipment on the rig, including the blowout preventers, thrusters, risers,
iron roughnecks, top drives, and the drill floor. These agreements rely significantly on condition-based monitoring and
help keep our rigs drilling while reducing costly downtime and maintenance expenditures. With the involvement of the
original equipment manufacturers, these arrangements also lengthen the time between our costly periodic surveys and
allow for the scheduling of maintenance as needed, as opposed to on a calendar basis. We are excited as we enter 2018.
The strategic and operational improvements we have implemented and expanded upon over the last two years should
continue to enhance our operating performance.
Enhancing our liquidity runway. Following our financing successes in 2016, we again executed financing
transactions during the year that further strengthened our liquidity and balance sheet. These actions provide an extended
runway that enables us to successfully navigate the current industry downturn, while continuing to provide strategic
optionality. In 2017, we issued approximately $1.2 billion of debt maturing in 2022 and 2026, while retiring $1.8 billion
of debt with maturities primarily between 2017 and 2020. We additionally removed approximately $1 billion of shipyard
obligations with the sale of our five uncontracted jackups that were under construction. These transactions, along with our
outstanding operational performance, positioned us with $3.0 billion of cash and short-term investments entering 2018
and a $3 billion undrawn, unsecured revolving credit facility.
We expect 2018 to continue to be challenging as the market remains uncertain and many of our customers remain
cautious. However, we enter the year with more positive data points than we have seen in three years.
• Oil supply and demand fundamentals are improving, as OPEC continues to comply with its committed
production cuts, and the global economy continues to flourish.
• Oil prices have more than doubled from their lows in early 2016, and have demonstrated stability and upward
price momentum since mid-2017.
• Global reserve replacement has plummeted to historic lows and the sanctioning of new offshore projects is
expected to replace only one-third of current offshore production as global demand is anticipated to
accelerate.
• Through eliminating, standardizing, streamlining, automating and/or integrating, the offshore industry has
dramatically reduced the break-even costs for many of our customers’ offshore projects. As (if not more)
important, the offshore industry has shortened the time to deliver first-oil, which is vital in a market where
our customers are focused on shorter time horizons for cash returns.
Needless to say, we believe that we could soon be approaching an inflection point in the offshore drilling industry.
We appreciate your patience and trust as we have battled this downturn together. And, we look forward to ultimately
emerging from this downturn as the undisputed leader in deepwater and harsh environment drilling.
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notice to Shareholders
Proxy Statement Summary
Invitation to 2018 Annual General Meeting of Transocean Ltd.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
Information About the Meeting and Voting
Agenda Item 1. Approval of the 2017 Annual Report, Including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
of Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2017 and the Audited Statutory Financial Statements of Transocean Ltd.
for Fiscal Year 2017
Agenda Item 2. Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team from
Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year 2017
Agenda Item 3. Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2017 and Release of CHF 1,500,000,000
of Statutory Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free Capital Reserves from Capital
Contribution
Agenda Item 4. Renewal of Authorized Share Capital
Agenda Item 5. Reelection of 11 Directors, Each for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual
General Meeting
Agenda Item 6. Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a Term Extending Until Completion of
the Next Annual General Meeting
Agenda Item 7. Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee, Each for a Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Agenda Item 8. Reelection of the Independent Proxy for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual
General Meeting
Agenda Item 9. Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm for Fiscal Year 2018 and Reelection of Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, as the Company’s
Auditor for a Further One-Year Term
Agenda Item 10. Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation
Agenda Item 11. Prospective Votes on the Maximum Compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team
Agenda Item 12. Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Additional
Reserves
Corporate Governance
Board Meetings and Committees
2017 Director Compensation
Audit Committee Report
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Committee Report
Executive Compensation
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Other Matters
Annex A – Proposed Amendments to the Company’s Articles of Association
Annex B – Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Proposed Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015
ii
iv
vii
xiii
P-1
P-6
P-7
P-8
P-9
P-11
P-16
P-17
P-18
P-19
P-21
P-23
P-28
P-34
P-40
P-44
P-46
P-48
P-49
P-50
P-72
P-73
P-82
P-83
A-1
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Appendix A. Non-GAAP Financial Information
B-1
AP-1
i
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
March 19, 2018
Dear Shareholder:
The 2018 annual general meeting of the shareholders (the “2018 Annual General Meeting”) of Transocean Ltd.
(the “Company”) will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Swiss time, at our offices at Turmstrasse 30, CH-
6312, Steinhausen, Switzerland. Information regarding the matters to be acted upon at the meeting is set forth in the
attached invitation to the 2018 Annual General Meeting and the proxy statement, which is available at:
www.deepwater.com by selecting Financial Reports, Annual and Quarterly Reports in the dropdown of the Investors
section.
At the 2018 Annual General Meeting, we will ask you to vote on the following items:
Agenda
Item
Description
Board of
Directors
Recommendation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Approval of the 2017 Annual Report, Including the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year
2017 and the Audited Statutory Financial Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2017
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and Executive
Management Team from Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year
2017
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2017 and
Release of CHF 1,500,000,000 of Statutory Capital Reserves from
Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free Capital Reserves from
Capital Contribution
Renewal of Authorized Share Capital
Reelection of 11 Directors, Each for a Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a Term
Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee, Each for a
Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Reelection of the Independent Proxy for a Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm for Fiscal Year 2018 and
Reelection of Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, as the Company’s Auditor
for a Further One-Year Term
10 Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation
11
Prospective Votes on the Maximum Compensation of the Board of
Directors and the Executive Management Team
12 Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term
Incentive Plan for Additional Reserves
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
FOR
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting, whether you plan to attend or not. If you
are a shareholder registered in our share register, you may submit voting instructions electronically over the internet, or,
if you request that the proxy materials be mailed to you, by completing, signing and returning the proxy card enclosed
with those materials. If you hold your shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions
provided by your bank, broker or nominee for submitting voting instructions, including whether you may submit voting
instructions by mail, telephone or over the internet.
ii
Under rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our
proxy materials over the internet. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the
“Notice”) to our shareholders as of the close of business on March 12, 2018. All shareholders will have the ability to access
the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or to request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials.
Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.
The Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the internet or via mail. If you receive the Notice,
you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one in the manner set forth in the Notice or
as otherwise described in the proxy statement.
A copy of the proxy materials, including a proxy card or voting instruction form, will also be sent to any additional
shareholders who are registered in our share register as shareholders with voting rights, or who become beneficial owners
through a nominee registered in our share register as a shareholder with voting rights, as of the close of business on April
30, 2018, and who were not registered as of March 12, 2018. The proxy statement and form of proxy are first being mailed
to shareholders on or about March 20, 2018.
A note to Swiss and other European investors: Transocean Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, has issued
registered shares and trades on the New York Stock Exchange; however, unlike some Swiss incorporated companies,
share blocking and re-registration are not requirements for any shares of Transocean Ltd. to be voted at the meeting,
and all shares may be traded after the record date.
Thank you in advance for your vote.
Sincerely,
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer
iii
Proxy Statement Summary
2018 Annual General Meeting Details
Date:
Time:
Place:
Friday, May 18, 2018
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
Offices of Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
Record Date: April 30, 2018
Voting:
Shareholders registered in our share register on the record date have the right to attend the 2018 Annual
General Meeting and vote their shares. Such shareholders may designate proxies to vote their shares by
submitting their proxy electronically over the internet, or, if they request that the proxy materials be
mailed to them, by completing, signing and returning the proxy card enclosed with those materials. Please
review the voting instructions in the proxy statement for each of these methods. Shareholders who hold
their shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions provided by
their bank, broker or nominee for voting their shares, including whether they may submit voting
instructions by mail, telephone or over the internet.
Shareholders who wish to attend and vote at the meeting in person are required to present either the
Notice, or any proxy card that is sent to them, or, if they hold their shares in the name of a bank, broker
or other nominee, a legal proxy issued by their bank, broker or other nominee in their name, each with
proof of identification.
Materials:
Our proxy statement and 2017 Annual Report are available at: www.deepwater.com by selecting
Financial Reports/Annual and Quarterly Reports in the dropdown of the Investors section.
Nominees to the Board of Directors
We are asking you to vote FOR all of the director nominees listed below. During 2017, each of the current
directors attended at least 80% of the Board of Directors’ meetings and committee meetings held by committees on which
he or she served during his or her elected term, except for Mr. Frederik Mohn, who was elected to the Board of Directors
effective as of January 30, 2018. Detailed information regarding these individuals is provided under Agenda Item 5:
Directors for Reelection
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Frederik W. Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Tan Ek Kia
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Independent*
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
* As determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Swiss Minder Ordinance
Under the Swiss Ordinance Against Excessive Compensation At Public Companies (the “Minder Ordinance”)
and our Articles of Association, the authority to elect the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the members of the
Compensation Committee is vested in the general meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors recommends that you
iv
elect Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr. as Chairman of the Board of Directors (Agenda Item 6) and Frederico F. Curado, Vincent
J. Intrieri and Tan Ek Kia as members of the Compensation Committee (Agenda Item 7) to serve until completion of the
2019 annual general meeting of the shareholders (the “2019 Annual General Meeting”). Note that under the Minder
Ordinance and our Articles of Association, if any of these individuals were to resign or there were vacancies in the office
of the Chairman or the Compensation Committee for other reasons, the Board of Directors would have the authority to
replace him or her with another member of the Board of Directors for a term expiring at the next Annual General Meeting.
Pursuant to the Minder Ordinance, the Company is not permitted to appoint a corporate representative to act as
the proxy for purposes of voting at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. Swiss companies may only appoint an independent
proxy for these purposes. At the 2017 annual general meeting of the shareholders (the “2017 Annual General Meeting”),
shareholders elected Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat to serve as our independent proxy for the 2018 Annual General
Meeting. Agenda Item 8 asks that you again elect this firm to act as the independent proxy for the 2019 Annual General
Meeting and any extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company that may be held prior to the 2019 Annual
General Meeting.
The Minder Ordinance and our Articles of Association also require that shareholders ratify the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the period between the 2018 Annual General Meeting
and the 2019 Annual General Meeting (Agenda Item 11A) and the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the
Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2019 (Agenda Item 11B). The shareholder vote is binding.
Features of Executive Compensation Program
Our executive compensation program reflects a commitment to retain and attract highly qualified executives. The
elements of our program are designed to motivate our executives to achieve our overall business objectives and create
sustainable shareholder value in a cost-effective manner and reward executives for achieving superior financial, safety and
operational performance, each of which is important to the long-term success of the Company. We believe our executive
v
compensation program includes key features that align the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders and
does not include features that could misalign those interests.
What We Do
What We Don’t Do
(cid:53) Conduct an annual review of our compensation
strategy, including a review of our compensation-
related risk profile
(cid:58) Allow our executives to hedge, sell short or hold
derivative instruments tied to our shares (other than
options issued by us)
(cid:53) Mandate meaningful share ownership requirements for
our executives
(cid:58) Allow our executives or directors to pledge Company
shares
(cid:53) Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the
forfeiture, recovery or adjustment of incentive
compensation paid to executives due to a material
misstatement of financial results
(cid:58) Have pre-arranged individual severance agreements
or special change-in-control compensation
agreements with any Executive Officers; however, to
the extent permitted under Swiss law, our executives
are eligible for severance and change-in-control
provisions pursuant to our policies
(cid:53) Base annual and long-term incentive payments on
quantitative, formulaic metrics
(cid:58) Provide gross-ups for severance payments
(cid:53) Maintain compensation plans that are weighted
significantly toward variable pay to align our executive
compensation with long-term shareholder interests
(cid:58) Guarantee salary increases, non-performance based
bonuses or unrestricted equity compensation
(cid:53) Link long-term incentive compensation to relative
performance metrics to incent strong performance
(cid:58) Provide any payments or reimbursements for tax
equalization
(cid:53) Deliver at least 50% of long-term incentives in
performance-based equity awards
(cid:58) Pay dividend equivalents on performance units that
have not vested
(cid:53) Retain an independent consultant who does not
perform any services for management (i.e., retained by
and reports to our Compensation Committee)
(cid:53) Maintain double trigger change-in-control provisions
(cid:58) Offer executive perquisites
vi
INVITATION TO 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
Friday, May 18, 2018
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
at the Offices of Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
Agenda Items
(1) Approval of the 2017 Annual Report, Including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2017 and the Audited Statutory Financial Statements of Transocean Ltd.
for Fiscal Year 2017.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the 2017 Annual Report, including the audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31 (“fiscal year”) 2017, and the audited statutory financial statements
for fiscal year 2017, be approved.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 1.
(2) Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team from Liability
for Activities During Fiscal Year 2017.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the members of the Board of Directors and Messrs. Jeremy D. Thigpen,
Mark L. Mey and John B. Stobart, who served as members of our Executive Management Team in 2017, be
discharged from liability for activities during fiscal year 2017.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 2.
(3) Appropriation of Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2017 and Release of CHF 1,500,000,000 of Statutory
Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free Capital Reserves from Capital
Contribution.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that (i) the accumulated loss of the Company be carried forward, and (ii) CHF
1,500,000,000 of statutory capital reserves from capital contribution be released and allocated to free capital
reserves from capital contribution.
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Appropriation of Accumulated Loss
Balance brought forward from previous years
Net loss of the year
Total accumulated loss
Appropriation of accumulated loss
Balance to be carried forward on this account
in CHF
thousands
(4,997,032)
(468,002)
(5,465,034)
(5,465,034)
Proposed Release of Statutory Capital Reserves
from Capital Contributions to Free Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
Release to free capital reserves from capital contribution
Remaining statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 3.
(4) Renewal of Authorized Share Capital.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
in CHF
thousands
11,403,842
1,500,000
9,903,842
The Board of Directors proposes that its authority to issue shares out of the Company’s authorized share capital
be renewed for a further two-year period, expiring on May 18, 2020. Pursuant to the proposal, the Board of
Directors’ authority to issue shares in one or several steps will be limited to a maximum of 27,703,889 shares, or
approximately 6% of the Company’s share capital currently recorded in the Commercial Register. The Board of
Directors does not currently have plans to issue shares under this authorization. The Board of Directors believes,
however, that providing the flexibility to issue additional shares out of the authorized share capital quickly is a
strategic benefit for the Company. The proposed amendments to the Company’s Articles of Association are
included in Annex A.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 4.
(5) Reelection of 11 Directors, Each for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual General
Meeting.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the following 11 candidates be reelected to the Board of Directors, each for
a term extending until completion of the next Annual General Meeting.
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5A
5B
5C
Reelection of Glyn A. Barker as a director.
Reelection of Vanessa C.L. Chang as a director.
Reelection of Frederico F. Curado as a director.
5D
Reelection of Chadwick C. Deaton as a director.
5E
Reelection of Vincent J. Intrieri as a director.
5F
Reelection of Samuel J. Merksamer as a director.
5G
Reelection of Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr. as a director.
5H
Reelection of Frederik W. Mohn as a director.
5I
5J
Reelection of Edward R. Muller as a director.
Reelection of Tan Ek Kia as a director.
5K
Reelection of Jeremy D. Thigpen as a director.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” the reelection of each of these nominees to the Board of
Directors.
(6) Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next
Annual General Meeting.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr. be elected as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors for a term extending until completion of the next Annual General Meeting, subject to his re-election as
a member of the Board of Directors.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 6.
(7) Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee, Each for a Term Extending Until Completion
of the Next Annual General Meeting.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the following three candidates be reelected as members of the Compensation
Committee, each for a term extending until completion of the next Annual General Meeting, subject in each case
to such candidate’s re-election as a member of the Board of Directors:
7A Election of Frederico F. Curado as a member of the Compensation Committee.
7B Election of Vincent J. Intrieri as a member of the Compensation Committee.
7C Election of Tan Ek Kia as a member of the Compensation Committee.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” the election of each of these nominees as members of the
Compensation Committee.
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(8) Reelection of the Independent Proxy for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual General
Meeting.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat be reelected to serve as independent proxy
at (and until completion of) the 2019 Annual General Meeting and at any extraordinary general meeting of
shareholders of the Company that may be held prior to the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 8.
(9) Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
for Fiscal Year 2018 and Reelection of Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, as the Company’s Auditor for a
Further One-Year Term.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that Ernst & Young LLP be appointed as the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm for fiscal year 2018 and that Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, be reelected as the Company’s
auditor pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations for a further one-year term, commencing on the date of the
2018 Annual General Meeting and terminating on the date of the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 9.
(10) Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation for Fiscal Year 2018.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to Section 14A of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”),
shareholders are entitled to cast an advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation program for the
Company’s Named Executive Officers. Detailed information regarding the Company’s compensation program
for its Named Executive Officers is set forth in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the accompanying
compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure in this proxy statement. The Board of Directors believes
the Company’s compensation program is designed to reward performance that creates long-term value for the
Company’s shareholders and has proposed the following resolution to provide shareholders with the opportunity
to endorse or not endorse the Company’s Named Executive Officer compensation program by voting on the
below resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the
compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the
accompanying compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure in the proxy statement for the Company’s
2018 Annual General Meeting, is hereby APPROVED.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 10.
(11) Prospective Vote on the Maximum Compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team.
11A Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Amount of Compensation of the Board of Directors for the
Period Between the 2018 Annual General Meeting and the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
x
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $4,121,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the period between the 2018 Annual General
Meeting and the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 11A.
11B Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Amount of Compensation of the Executive Management
Team for Fiscal Year 2019.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $24,000,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2019.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 11B.
(12) Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Additional Reserves
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders approve an increase of 12,000,000 shares in the aggregate
amount of shares available for issuance pursuant to the Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this proposal number 12.
Organizational Matters
A copy of the Notice has been sent to each shareholder registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the
close of business on March 12, 2018. Any additional shareholders who are registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register
as of the close of business on April 30, 2018, will receive after that date a copy of the proxy materials, including a proxy
card. Shareholders not registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of April 30, 2018, will not be entitled to attend,
vote or grant proxies to vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. While no shareholder will be entered in
Transocean Ltd.’s share register as a shareholder with voting rights between the close of business on April 30, 2018, and
the opening of business on the day following the 2018 Annual General Meeting, share blocking and re-registration are
not requirements for any shares of Transocean Ltd. to be voted at the meeting, and all shares may be traded after the
record date. Computershare, which maintains Transocean Ltd.’s share register, will continue to register transfers of
Transocean Ltd. shares in the share register in its capacity as transfer agent during this period.
Shareholders registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of April 30, 2018, have the right to attend the 2018
Annual General Meeting and vote their shares (in person or by proxy), or may grant a proxy to vote on each of the proposals
in this invitation and any modification to any agenda item or proposal identified in this invitation or other matter on which
voting is permissible under Swiss law and which is properly presented at the 2018 Annual General Meeting for
consideration. Such shareholders may designate proxies to vote their shares electronically over the internet or, if they
request that the proxy materials be mailed to them, by completing, signing and returning the proxy card enclosed with
those materials at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting, we
encourage you to submit your voting instructions prior to the meeting.
We urge you to submit your voting instructions electronically over the internet or return the proxy card as soon
as possible. All electronic voting instructions or proxy cards must be received no later than 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight
Time (2:00 p.m. Swiss time), on Friday, May 18, 2018 unless extended by the Company.
xi
If you have timely submitted electronic voting instructions or a properly executed proxy card, your shares will be
voted by the independent proxy in accordance with your instructions. Holders of shares who have timely submitted
their proxy, but have not specifically indicated how to vote their shares, will be deemed to have instructed the
independent proxy to vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors with regard to the
items listed in the notice of meeting. If any modifications to agenda items or proposals identified in this invitation
or other matters on which voting is permissible under Swiss law are properly presented at the 2018 Annual General
Meeting for consideration, you will be deemed to have instructed the independent proxy, in the absence of other
specific instructions, to vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any such modifications or other
matters proposed to come before the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
Shareholders who hold their shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions
provided by their bank, broker or nominee for voting their shares, including whether they may submit voting instructions
by mail, telephone or over the internet.
Shareholders may grant proxies to any third party. Such third party need not be a shareholder.
Directions to the 2018 Annual General Meeting can be obtained by contacting our Corporate Secretary at our
registered office, Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland, telephone number +41 (41) 749 0500, or Investor
Relations at our offices in the United States, at 4 Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046, USA, telephone number +1
(713) 232-7500. If you plan to attend and vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting in person, you are required to present
either the Notice or any proxy card that is sent to you, together with proof of identification, or, if you own shares held in
the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, a legal proxy issued by your bank, broker or other nominee in your name,
together with proof of identification. If you plan to attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting in person, we urge you to
arrive at the meeting location no later than 5:30 p.m., Swiss time on Friday, May 18, 2018. In order to determine attendance
correctly, any shareholder leaving the 2018 Annual General Meeting early or temporarily, will be requested to present
such shareholder’s admission card upon exit.
Annual Report, Consolidated Financial Statements, Statutory Financial Statements
A copy of the 2017 Annual Report (including the consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2017, the
statutory financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2017 and the audit reports on such consolidated and
statutory financial statements) and the 2017 Compensation Report is available for physical inspection at Transocean Ltd.’s
registered office, Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland. Copies of these materials may be obtained without
charge by contacting our Corporate Secretary at our registered office, Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland,
telephone number +41 (41) 749 0500, or Investor Relations at our offices in the United States, at 4 Greenway Plaza,
Houston, Texas 77046, USA, telephone number +1 (713) 232-7500.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Steinhausen, Switzerland
March 19, 2018
xii
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
You may designate a proxy to vote your shares by submitting your voting instructions electronically over the
internet or, if you requested a printed copy of the proxy materials, by completing, signing and returning by mail
the proxy card you will receive in response to your request. Please review the instructions in the Notice of
Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and the proxy statement.
Shareholders who hold their shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions
provided by their bank, broker or nominee for voting their shares, including whether they may submit voting
instructions by mail, telephone or over the internet.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 18, 2018.
Our proxy statement and 2017 Annual Report are available at:
www.proxyvote.com
xiii
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PROXY STATEMENT
FOR 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
MAY 18, 2018
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Transocean Ltd., on behalf of
the Board of Directors, to be voted at our 2018 Annual General Meeting to be held on May 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m., Swiss
time, at our offices at Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312, Steinhausen, Switzerland. This proxy statement and form of proxy are
first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 20, 2018.
Record Date
Only shareholders of record on April 30, 2018, are entitled to notice of, to attend, and to vote or to grant proxies
to vote at, the 2018 Annual General Meeting. No shareholder will be entered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register with
voting rights between the close of business on April 30, 2018, and the opening of business on the day following the 2018
Annual General Meeting.
While no shareholder will be entered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as a shareholder with voting rights
between the close of business on April 30, 2018, and the opening of business on the day following the 2018 Annual General
Meeting, share blocking and re-registration are not requirements for any shares of Transocean Ltd. to be voted at the
meeting, and all shares may be traded after the record date. Computershare, which maintains Transocean Ltd.’s share
register, will continue to register transfers of Transocean Ltd. shares in the share register in its capacity as transfer agent
during this period.
Quorum
Our Articles of Association provide that the presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a
majority of all the shares entitled to vote at the meeting constitutes a quorum for purposes of convening the 2018 Annual
General Meeting and voting on all of the matters described in the notice of meeting. Abstentions and “broker non-votes”
will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum at the meeting, so long as the broker has
discretion to vote the shares on at least one matter before the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
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Votes Required
The following table sets forth the applicable vote standard required to pass each enumerated agenda item:
Agenda
Item
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Description
Approval of the 2017 Annual Report, Including the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and
Audited Statutory Financial Statements for
Fiscal Year 2017 of Transocean Ltd.
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors
and Executive Management Team from Liability for
Activities During Fiscal Year 2017
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss and Release
of CHF 1,500,000,000 of Statutory Capital Reserves
from Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free
Reserves from Capital Contribution
Renewal of Authorized Share Capital
Reelection of 11 Directors
Election of Chairman of the Board of Directors
Election of Members of the Compensation
Committee
Reelection of Independent Proxy
Appointment of Ernst & Young as Independent
Auditor
Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer
Compensation
Prospective Votes on the Maximum Compensation
of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team
Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015
Long-Term Incentive Plan for Additional Reserves
Relative
Majority(1)
√
Qualified Two-
Thirds Majority
Plurality of
Votes
√
(4)
√
√
√
(2)(5)
(2)
(2)
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
(3)
(1) Affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the 2018 Annual General Meeting on the applicable agenda
item. Abstentions, broker non-votes (if any) or blank or invalid ballots are not counted for such purposes and shall have no impact on the
approval of such agenda item.
(2) Affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. The plurality requirement means
that the nominee who receives the largest number of votes for a board position, or the chair or a position on the Compensation Committee, as
applicable, is elected to that position. Only votes “FOR” are counted in determining whether a plurality has been cast in favor of a nominee.
Abstentions, broker non-votes, blank or invalid ballots are not counted for such purposes and shall have no impact on the election of such
nominees. As described later in this proxy statement, our Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth our procedures if a nominee is elected
but does not receive more votes cast “FOR” than “AGAINST” the nominee’s election.
(3) The proposal is an advisory vote; as such, the vote is not binding on the Company.
(4) The affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes and the absolute majority of the par value of shares, each as present or represented at
the 2018 Annual General Meeting. An abstention, blank or invalid ballot will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal. Broker
non-votes are not counted for this agenda item and therefore will have no impact on the approval of this agenda item.
(5) Even if a nominee receives a plurality of votes that nominee may not ultimately serve as a director if the nominee does not receive more votes
cast for than against the nominee’s election, and the Company’s Board of Directors accepts the resignation of the nominee pursuant to the
Company’s majority vote policy, as described later in this proxy statement.
Outstanding Shares
As of March 12, 2018, there were 460,506,997 Transocean Ltd. shares outstanding, which exclude 1,225,664
issued shares that are held by our subsidiaries. Only registered holders of our shares on April 30, 2018, the record date
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established for the 2018 Annual General Meeting, are entitled to notice of, to attend and to vote at, the meeting. Holders
of shares on the record date are entitled to one vote for each share held.
Voting Procedures
A copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials has been sent to each shareholder registered in
Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the close of business on March 12, 2018. Any additional shareholders who are
registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the close of business on April 30, 2018, but who were not registered in
the share register as of March 12, 2018, will receive a copy of the proxy materials, including a proxy card, after April 30,
2018. Shareholders not registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of April 30, 2018, will not be entitled to attend,
vote or grant proxies to vote at, the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
If you are registered as a shareholder in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of April 30, 2018, or if you hold shares
of Transocean Ltd. in “street name” as of such date, you may grant a proxy to vote on each of the proposals and any
modification to any of the proposals or other matter on which voting is permissible under Swiss law and which is properly
presented at the meeting for consideration in one of the following ways:
By Internet: Go to www.proxyvote.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and follow the instructions. You will
need the 12-digit control number that is included in the Notice, proxy card or voting instructions form that is sent to you.
The internet system allows you to confirm that the system has properly recorded your voting instructions. This method of
submitting voting instructions will be available up until 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (2:00 p.m. Swiss time), on Friday,
May 18, 2018 unless extended by the Company.
By Telephone (available only to beneficial owners of our shares): On a touch-tone telephone, call toll-free +1
(800) 690-6903, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and follow the instructions. You will need the 12-digit control number
that is included in the Notice, proxy card or voting instructions form that is sent to you. As with the internet system, you
will be able to confirm that the telephonic system has properly recorded your votes. This method of submitting voting
instructions will be available up until 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (2:00 p.m. Swiss time), on Friday, May 18, 2018
unless extended by the Company. If you are a holder of record, you cannot vote by telephone.
By Mail: Mark, date and sign your proxy card exactly as your name appears on the card and return it by mail to:
Transocean 2018 AGM
Vote Processing
c/o Broadridge
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, NY 11717
USA
Or
Transocean 2018 AGM
Vote Processing
Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat
Dammstrasse 19
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
All proxy cards must be received no later than 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (2:00 p.m. Swiss time), on Friday,
May 18, 2018 unless extended by the Company. Do not mail the proxy card or voting instruction form if you are submitting
voting instructions over the internet or (if you are a beneficial owner of our shares) by telephone.
Even if you plan to attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting, we encourage you to submit your voting instructions
over the internet or by mail prior to the meeting.
If you hold your shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions
provided by your bank, broker or nominee for voting your shares, including whether you may submit voting instructions
by mail, telephone or over the internet.
Many of our shareholders hold their shares in more than one account and may receive more than one Notice. To
ensure that all of your shares are represented at the 2018 Annual General Meeting, please submit your voting instructions
for each account.
Under New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules, brokers who hold shares in street name for customers, such
that the shares are registered on the books of the Company as being held by the brokers, have the authority to vote on
“routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners, but are precluded from exercising
their voting discretion with respect to proposals for “non-routine” matters. Proxies submitted by brokers without
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instructions from customers for these non-routine or contested matters are referred to as “broker non-votes.” The following
matters are non-routine matters under NYSE Rules:
• Agenda Item No. 2—Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management
Team from Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year 2017
• Agenda Item No. 5—Reelection of 11 Directors
• Agenda Item No. 6—Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors
• Agenda Item No. 7—Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee
• Agenda Item No. 10—Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation
• Agenda Item No. 11A—Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Compensation of the Board of Directors
for the Period Between the 2018 Annual General Meeting and the 2019 Annual General Meeting
• Agenda Item No. 11B—Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Compensation of the Executive
Management Team for Fiscal Year 2019
• Agenda Item No. 12 – Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan for
Additional Reserves
If you hold your shares in “street name,” your broker will not be able to vote your shares on the agenda items set
forth above and may not be able to vote your shares on other matters at the 2018 Annual General Meeting unless the broker
receives appropriate instructions from you. We recommend that you contact your broker to exercise your right to vote your
shares.
If you have timely submitted electronic or telephonic voting instructions or a properly executed proxy card, your
shares will be voted by the independent proxy according to your instructions. Holders of shares who have timely submitted
their proxy, but have not specifically indicated how to vote their shares will be deemed to have instructed the independent
proxy to vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors with regard to the items listed in the
notice of meeting.
If any modifications to agenda items or proposals identified in this invitation or other matters on which
voting is permissible under Swiss law are properly presented at the 2018 Annual General Meeting for consideration,
you will be deemed to have instructed the independent proxy, in the absence of other specific instructions, to vote
in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any such modifications or other
matters to come before the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
You may revoke your proxy card at any time prior to its exercise by taking one of the following actions:
•
•
submitting a properly completed and executed proxy card with a later date and timely delivering it either
directly to the independent proxy or to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge at the addresses indicated below
giving written notice of the revocation prior to the meeting to:
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Transocean 2018 AGM
Vote Processing
c/o Broadridge
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, NY 11717
USA
Or
Transocean 2018 AGM
Vote Processing
Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat
Dammstrasse 19
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
•
appearing at the meeting, notifying the independent proxy, with respect to proxies granted to the independent
proxy, and voting in person.
Your presence without voting at the meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy, and any revocation during
the meeting will not affect votes in relation to agenda items that have already been voted on. If you hold your shares in the
name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or nominee in
revoking your previously granted proxy.
Shareholders may grant proxies to any third party. Such third party need not be a shareholder.
If you wish to attend and vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting in person, you are required to present either
the Notice or any proxy card that is sent to you, together with proof of identification, or, if you own shares held in the
name of a bank, broker or other nominee, a legal proxy issued by your bank, broker or other nominee in your name,
together with proof of identification. If you plan to attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting in person, we urge you to
arrive at the meeting location no later than 5:30 p.m. Swiss time on Friday, May 18, 2018. In order to determine attendance
correctly, any shareholder leaving the 2018 Annual General Meeting early or temporarily will be requested to present such
shareholder’s admission card upon exit.
References to “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” include Transocean Ltd. together with its
subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise.
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AGENDA ITEM 1
Approval of the 2017 Annual Report, Including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2017 and the Audited Statutory Financial Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2017
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the 2017 Annual Report, including the audited consolidated financial
statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2017 and the audited statutory financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for
fiscal year 2017, be approved.
Explanation
The audited consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2017 and the audited Swiss
statutory financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2017 are contained in the 2017 Annual Report, which,
along with this proxy statement, is available at: www.deepwater.com by selecting Financial Reports, Annual and Quarterly
Reports in the Investors section dropdown. In addition, these materials will be available for physical inspection at the
Company’s registered office, Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland. The 2017 Annual Report also contains
information on the Company’s business activities and the Company’s business and financial situation, and the reports of
Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, the Company’s auditors pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations, on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2017 and statutory financial statements for fiscal year 2017. In its reports,
Ernst & Young Ltd recommended without qualification that the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
statutory financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, be approved. Ernst & Young Ltd expresses its
opinion that the “consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 present fairly in all
material respects the consolidated financial position of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2017 and 2016,
and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2017, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and comply with Swiss law.”
Ernst & Young Ltd further expresses its opinion and confirms that the statutory financial statements for fiscal year 2017
comply with Swiss law and the Articles of Association of the Company.
Under Swiss law, the annual report, the consolidated financial statements and Swiss statutory financial statements
must be submitted to shareholders for approval at each annual general meeting.
If the shareholders do not approve this proposal, the Board of Directors may call an extraordinary general meeting
of shareholders for reconsideration of this proposal by shareholders.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 1.
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AGENDA ITEM 2
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team from
Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year 2017
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the members of the Board of Directors and Messrs. Jeremy D. Thigpen,
Mark L. Mey and John B. Stobart, who served as members of our Executive Management Team in 2017, be discharged
from liability for activities during fiscal year 2017.
Explanation
As is customary for Swiss corporations and in accordance with Article 698, subsection 2, item 5 of the Swiss
Code of Obligations, shareholders are requested to discharge the members of the Board of Directors and our Executive
Management Team from liability for their activities during the past fiscal year.
Discharge pursuant to the proposed resolution is only effective with respect to facts that have been disclosed to
shareholders (including through any publicly available information, whether or not included in our filings with the SEC)
and only binds shareholders who either voted in favor of the proposal or who subsequently acquired shares with knowledge
that shareholders have approved this proposal. In addition, shareholders who vote against this proposal, abstain from voting
on this proposal, do not vote on this proposal, or acquire their shares without knowledge of the approval of this proposal,
may bring, as a plaintiff, any claims in a shareholder derivative suit within six months after the approval of the proposal.
After the expiration of the six-month period, such shareholders will generally no longer have the right to bring, as a
plaintiff, claims in shareholder derivative suits against members of the Board of Directors or Executive Management Team
with respect to activities during fiscal year 2017.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 2.
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AGENDA ITEM 3
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2017 and Release of CHF 1,500,000,000 of
Statutory Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free Capital Reserves from
Capital Contribution
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that (1) the accumulated loss of the Company be carried forward and (2) CHF
1,500,000,000 of statutory capital reserves from capital contribution be released and allocated to free capital reserves from
capital contribution.
Appropriation of Accumulated Loss
Balance brought forward from previous years
Net loss of the year
Total accumulated loss
Appropriation of accumulated loss
Balance to be carried forward on this account
in CHF
thousands
(4,997,032)
(468,002)
(5,465,034)
(5,465,034)
Proposed Release of Statutory Capital Reserves
from Capital Contribution to Free Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
Release to free capital reserves from capital contribution
Remaining statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
in CHF
thousands
11,403,842
1,500,000
9,903,842
Explanation
Under Swiss law, the appropriation of available earnings or accumulated loss, as the case may be, as set forth in
the Swiss statutory financial statements must be submitted to shareholders for approval at each annual general meeting.
The accumulated loss subject to the vote of the Company’s shareholders at the 2018 Annual General Meeting is the
accumulated loss of Transocean Ltd., on a standalone basis.
The total accumulated loss as of December 31, 2017, has resulted in our net assets covering about 53% of our
statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves. Under Swiss law, if assets cover less than 50% of our statutory share
capital and statutory capital reserves, the Board of Directors must propose measures to address such a capital loss. In light
of the continuing market uncertainty the Board of Directors believes it is advisable and in the best interest of the Company
to ensure now that it maintains excess coverage. The Board of Directors proposes that CHF 1,500,000,000 of statutory
capital reserves from capital contribution be released and allocated to free capital reserves from capital contribution,
thereby reducing the statutory capital reserves from capital contribution which, unlike free capital reserves, are part of the
equity capital against which excess coverage is measured. The Board of Directors believes such a release and reallocation
is in the best interest of shareholders.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 3.
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AGENDA ITEM 4
Renewal of Authorized Share Capital
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that its authority to issue shares out of the Company’s authorized share capital
be renewed for an additional two-year period, expiring on May 18, 2020. Pursuant to the proposal, the Board of Directors’
authority to issue shares in one or several steps under this authorization will be limited to a maximum of 27,703,889 shares,
or approximately 6% of the Company’s share capital currently recorded in the Commercial Register. The Board of
Directors does not currently have plans to issue shares under this authorization. The Board of Directors believes, however,
that providing the flexibility to issue shares out of the authorized share capital quickly is a strategic benefit for the
Company.
The proposed amendments to the Articles of Association are included in Annex A.
Explanation
Under the Swiss Code of Obligations, the authority of the Board of Directors to issue shares out of the Company’s
authorized share capital is limited to a maximum two-year period. The Company’s Articles of Association currently
include authorized share capital in Articles 5 and 5 bis.
The authorized share capital in Article 5 is limited to a maximum of 22,258,043 common shares, par value CHF
0.10, which will expire on May 12, 2018. At the time of shareholder approval in connection with the Company’s 2016
annual general meeting of shareholders, the authorized share capital pursuant to the current Article 5 represented
approximately 6% of the Company’s share capital recorded in the Commercial Register. The proposal of the Board of
Directors maintains the approximately 6% authorized share capital approved by the shareholders at the Company’s 2016
annual general meeting of shareholders. Although the Board of Directors has not issued, and does not currently have plans
to issue, shares from this portion of the authorized share capital, it believes the proposed renewal of authorized share
capital will provide the Company with the flexibility to make acquisitions and access equity capital markets when
opportunities arise, rather than being subject to the delays and cost associated with the need to call a shareholders’ meeting
and obtain further shareholder approval, except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations, including the rules
of the NYSE. Without the Board of Directors’ authority to issue shares, the Company would be required to first call a
general meeting of the Company’s shareholders and obtain the favorable vote of shareholders to increase the Company’s
share capital and amend our Articles of Association. Such a meeting would require us, among other things, to prepare and
distribute a proxy statement in accordance with the rules of the SEC. This could result in a substantial delay in the ability
of the Company to issue shares. The Board of Directors believes that providing the flexibility to issue shares out of the
authorized share capital quickly is a strategic benefit for the Company.
The separate authorized share capital in Article 5bis was approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting of
Shareholders convened by the Company on January 16, 2018, related to the previously-disclosed acquisition of Songa
Offshore SE that closed on January 30, 2018. Article 5bis was approved by our shareholders solely for use in connection
with the compulsory acquisition of or mandatory offer for the shares of Songa Offshore SE that were not acquired by the
Company in the voluntary tender offer for all issued and outstanding shares of Songa Offshore SE. It is therefore unrelated
to the proposed renewal of authorized share capital in Article 5.
If the proposed renewal of authorized share capital is approved, and the Board of Directors resolves to use the
authorized share capital in one or several steps, the Board of Directors will determine the time of the issuance, the issuance
price, the manner in which the shares have to be paid, the date from which the shares carry the right to dividends and,
subject to the provisions of our Articles of Association, the conditions for the exercise of the preemptive rights with respect
to the issuance and the allotment of preemptive rights that are not exercised. Further authorization for the issuance of the
shares by a vote of our shareholders will not be solicited prior to such issuance.
To the extent that shares are issued out of the authorized share capital in the future, the issuance may decrease
the existing shareholders’ percentage of equity ownership and, depending on the price at which such shares are issued,
could be dilutive to the existing shareholders up to the amount of the authorized capital proposed above.
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The Board of Directors may allow preemptive rights that are not exercised to expire, or it may place such rights
or shares, the preemptive rights of which have not been exercised, at market conditions or use them otherwise in the
Company’s interest. Further, under our Articles of Association, in connection with the issuance of shares from authorized
capital, the Board of Directors is authorized to limit or withdraw the preemptive rights of the existing shareholders in
various circumstances, including financing and acquisitions purposes.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 4.
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AGENDA ITEM 5
Reelection of 11 Directors, Each for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual General
Meeting
Nominations of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has nominated Glyn A. Barker, Vanessa C.L. Chang, Frederico F. Curado, Chadwick C.
Deaton, Vincent J. Intrieri, Samuel J. Merksamer, Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr., Frederik W. Mohn, Edward R. Muller, Tan
Ek Kia and Jeremy D. Thigpen for reelection to the Board of Directors of the Company, each for a term extending until
completion of the next Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Directors does not have a specific policy regarding diversity in the selection of director nominees.
However, the Board of Directors does consider diversity in the director nominee selection process. The Board of Directors
takes an expansive view of the diversity of its members, with the goal of having directors who bring diverse expertise in
environmental, health, safety, industry, market and financial matters and who reflect the global diversity of our workforce,
our customers and the cultures in which we operate. We are a multinational company with six different nationalities
represented in our director and executive officer group and over 55 in our global workforce. We have a presence in over
25 countries worldwide.
Voting Requirement to Elect Nominees
The election of each nominee requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy
at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. The plurality requirement means that the nominee who receives the largest number
of votes for a board seat is elected. Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share for each of the directors to be elected.
We have adopted a majority vote policy in the election of directors as part of our Corporate Governance
Guidelines. This policy provides that the Board of Directors may nominate only those candidates for director who have
submitted an irrevocable letter of resignation, which would be effective upon and only in the event that (1) such nominee
fails to receive more votes cast “FOR” than “AGAINST” his or her election in an uncontested election and (2) the Board
of Directors accepts the resignation. If a nominee who has submitted such a letter of resignation does not receive more
votes cast for than against the nominee’s election, the Corporate Governance Committee must promptly review the letter
of resignation and recommend to the Board of Directors whether to accept the tendered resignation or reject it. The Board
of Directors must then act on the Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation within 90 days following the
certification of the shareholder vote. The Board of Directors must promptly disclose its decision regarding whether or not
to accept the nominee’s resignation letter in a Form 8-K furnished to the SEC or other broadly disseminated means of
communication. Full details of this policy are set out in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our
website at: www.deepwater.com by selecting the Governance page in the Investors section dropdown.
The Board of Directors has received from each nominee for election at the 2018 Annual General Meeting listed
below an executed irrevocable letter of resignation consistent with these guidelines described above. Each letter of
resignation is effective only in the event that (1) such director fails to receive a sufficient number of votes from
shareholders in an uncontested election of such director and (2) the Board of Directors accepts such resignation.
The information regarding the nominees presented below is as of March 12, 2018.
Nominees for Director
MERRILL A. “PETE” MILLER, JR., age 67, U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since
2014, as Vice Chairman from 2014 to 2015 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2015. Mr. Miller previously
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE: NOV), a supplier of oilfield
services and equipment to the oil and gas industry from 2001 to 2014, and as Chairman of NOV’s Board from 2002 to
2014. Mr. Miller also served as Executive Chairman of NOW Inc., a spinoff of the distribution business of National Oilwell
Varco, Inc. from 2014 to 2017. Before joining NOV in 1996, Mr. Miller served as President of Anadarko Drilling Company
from 1995 to 1996. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Company (NYSE: HP) in
Tulsa, Oklahoma, serving in various senior management positions, including Vice President, U.S. Operations. Mr. Miller
currently is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Ranger Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: RNGR) (since 2017), a
provider of well service rigs and associated onshore services in the United States, and a director of Chesapeake Energy
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Corporation (NYSE: CHK) (since 2007), one of the largest producers of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids in the U.S.,
where he served as Lead Independent Director from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Miller is also a director of Borets International
Limited (since 2016) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Offshore Energy Center, Petroleum Equipment Suppliers
Association and Spindletop International. He is a member of the National Petroleum Council. Mr. Miller graduated from
the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York in 1972 and, upon graduation, served five years in the United
States Army. Mr. Miller received his Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1980.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Miller should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. Mr. Miller has significant experience in the oilfield services industry, is
highly knowledgeable and provides both customer and supplier perspectives to matters directly relevant to the Company.
Mr. Miller served as a chief executive officer and thus adds helpful executive perspective to the Board of Directors’
deliberations in advising the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors believes that these qualities, as
well as his demonstrated leadership on boards and in executive roles, will enhance the Board’s effectiveness and
performance.
GLYN A. BARKER, age 64, United Kingdom citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2012.
Mr. Barker served as Vice Chairman-U.K. of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) from 2008 to 2011. He was also
responsible for PwC’s strategy and business development for the geographic areas of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and
India. Mr. Barker joined PwC in 1975 and became an audit partner in 1987. He then established PwC’s private equity-
focused Transactions Services business and led it globally. He joined the Management Board of PwC in the United
Kingdom as Head of the Assurance Practice in 2002. In 2006, he became U.K. Managing Partner and served in that role
until 2008. Mr. Barker is a director of Berkeley Group Holdings plc (LON: BKG) (since 2012), Aviva plc (LON: AV)
(since 2012) and Interserve plc (LON: IRV) (since 2016), and the Chairman of Irwin Mitchell Holdings Ltd (since 2012).
He served as a director (from 2014 to 2016) and the Chairman (from 2015 to 2016) of Transocean Partners LLC
(“Transocean Partners”). Mr. Barker was Deputy Chairman of the English National Opera Company from 2009 to 2016.
Mr. Barker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics & Accounting from the University of Bristol in 1975
and is a Chartered Accountant.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Barker should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. Mr. Barker’s experience in international business and financial and
strategic expertise enhance the Board of Directors’ understanding of key issues in its global business operations.
VANESSA C.L. CHANG, age 65, Canadian and U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since
2012. Ms. Chang has been a director and shareholder of EL & EL Investments, a privately held real estate investment
business, since 1998. She previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolveitnow.com from 2000
until 2002 and was the Senior Vice President of Secured Capital Corp in 1998. From 1986 until 1997, Ms. Chang was the
West Coast partner in charge of Corporate Finance for KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. Ms. Chang is a director or trustee of 17
funds advised by Capital Group and its subsidiaries, seven of which are members of the American Funds family and ten
of which are members of Capital Group’s Private Client Services (since 2000). Ms. Chang is also a director of Edison
International (NYSE: EIX) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Southern California Edison Company (each since 2007), and
of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: SYKES) (since 2016). She is also a director of Forest Lawn Memorial
Parks Association, a non-profit organization (since 2005) and SCO America, Inc., a non-profit organization (since 2013).
She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the California State Board of Accountancy
and Women Corporate Directors. Ms. Chang received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia
in 1973 and is an inactive Certified Public Accountant.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Ms. Chang should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that she serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Chang’s experience and
background in diverse industries, along with her financial and accounting background, will enhance the Board of Directors’
ability to assess and guide the Company’s financial strategy.
FREDERICO F. CURADO, age 56, Brazilian citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2013.
Mr. Curado is the Chief Executive Officer of Ultrapar S.A. (NYSE: UGP) since 2017 and previously served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ) from 2007 to 2016. He joined Embraer in 1984 and served in
a variety of management positions during his career, including Executive Vice President, Airline Market from 1998 to
2007 and Executive Vice President, Planning and Organizational Development from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Curado has been
a director of ABB Ltd (NYSE: ABB) since 2016 and a member of the Executive Board of the ICC - International Chamber
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of Commerce since 2013. Mr. Curado was a director of Iochpe-Maxion S.A. from 2015 to 2016, served as the President
of the Brazilian Chapter of the Brazil-United States Business Council from 2011 to 2016 and was a director of the
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum from 2014 to 2017. Mr. Curado received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Mechanical-Aeronautical Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica in Brazil in 1983 and an Executive
Master’s in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1997.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Curado should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Curado’s significant senior
management experience operating an international corporation, including experience with Brazilian business and
governmental sectors, will benefit the Board of Directors’ ability to guide the Company with respect to its global
operations.
CHADWICK C. DEATON, age 65, U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2012.
Mr. Deaton served as Executive Chairman of Baker Hughes Incorporated from 2012 to 2013, prior to which he served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2004. He began his career with Schlumberger in 1976 and served in a variety
of international capacities, including as Executive Vice President, Oilfield Services from 1998 to 1999 and as a Senior
Advisor from 1999 until 2001. From 2002 until 2004, Mr. Deaton was the President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
of Hanover Compressor Company. Mr. Deaton is a director of Ariel Corporation (since 2005), Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD) (since 2010), CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE: CRR) (since 2013; and previously from 2004
to 2009), and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) (since 2014). Mr. Deaton is a member of the Society of Petroleum
Engineers (since 1980) and has served on its Industrial Advisory Council. He is also a director of the University of
Wyoming Foundation and of the Houston Achievement Place. Mr. Deaton served as co-chair of the Wyoming Governor’s
Task Force for the build out of the University of Wyoming’s new Engineering and Applied Sciences Center. He was a
member of the National Petroleum Council (from 2007 to 2013). Mr. Deaton received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Geology from the University of Wyoming in 1976.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Deaton should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. Mr. Deaton has significant experience in the oilfield services industry. This
experience and the perspective it brings benefit the Board of Directors’ understanding of the Company’s industry and its
customers.
VINCENT J. INTRIERI, age 61, U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2014. Mr. Intrieri
is the Founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management LLC, a private investment fund founded in January 2017.
Mr. Intrieri was previously employed by Carl C. Icahn-related entities in various investment-related capacities from 1998
to 2016. From 2008 to 2016, Mr. Intrieri served as Senior Managing Director of Icahn Capital LP, the entity through which
Carl C. Icahn manages private investment funds. In addition, from 2004 to 2016, Mr. Intrieri was a Senior Managing
Director of Icahn Onshore LP, the general partner of Icahn Partners LP, and Icahn Offshore LP, the general partner of
Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, entities through which Mr. Icahn invests in securities. Mr. Intrieri is a director of Energen
Corporation (NYSE: EGN) (since 2018), Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT) (since 2017), Hertz Global
Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) (since 2014) and Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) (since 2012). Mr. Intrieri
previously served as a director of Chesapeake Energy Corporation from 2012 to 2016, CVR Refining, GP, LLC, the
general partner of CVR Refining, LP, from 2012 to 2014, Ferrous Resources Limited from 2015 to 2016, Forest
Laboratories Inc. from 2013 to 2014, CVR Energy, Inc. from 2012 to 2014, Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation from
2007 to 2013, Icahn Enterprises L.P. from 2006 to 2012, and was Senior Vice President of Icahn Enterprises L.P. from
2011 to 2012. Mr. Intrieri was also a director of Dynegy Inc. from 2011 to 2012, and Chairman and a director of PSC
Metals Inc. from 2007 to 2012. He served as a director of Motorola Solutions, Inc. from 2011 to 2012, XO Holdings from
2006 to 2011, National Energy Group, Inc. from 2006 to 2011, American Railcar Industries, Inc. from 2005 to 2011,
WestPoint Home LLC from 2005 to 2011, and as Chairman and a director of Viskase Companies, Inc. from 2003 to 2011.
Ferrous Resources Limited, CVR Refining, CVR Energy, American Railcar Industries, Federal-Mogul, Icahn Enterprises,
XO Holdings, National Energy Group, WestPoint Home, Viskase Companies and PSC Metals each are or previously were
indirectly controlled by Carl C. Icahn. Mr. Icahn also has or previously had a noncontrolling interest in Dynegy, Hertz,
Forest Laboratories, Navistar, Chesapeake Energy, Motorola Solutions and Transocean through the ownership of
securities. Mr. Intrieri graduated, with Distinction, from The Pennsylvania State University (Erie Campus) with a B.S. in
Accounting in 1984. Mr. Intrieri was a certified public accountant.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Intrieri should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Intrieri’s significant financial,
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corporate transactions, executive management and board of directors’ experience will benefit the Board of Directors’
decision-making process.
SAMUEL J. MERKSAMER, age 37, U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2013.
Mr. Merksamer was a Managing Director of Icahn Capital LP, a subsidiary of Icahn Enterprises L.P., from 2008 to 2016.
From 2003 until 2008, Mr. Merksamer was an analyst at Airlie Opportunity Capital Management. Mr. Merksamer is a
director of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) (since 2016). Mr. Merksamer previously served as a director
of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) from 2014 to 2017, Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) from
2012 to 2017, Cheniere Energy Inc. (NYSE: LNG) from 2015 to 2017, Transocean Partners from 2014 to 2016,
Hologic Inc. from 2013 to 2016, Talisman Energy Inc. from 2013 to 2015, Ferrous Resources Limited from 2012 to 2016,
CVR Refining, GP, LLC, the general partner of CVR Refining, LP, from 2012 to 2014, CVR Energy, Inc. from 2012 to
2014, American Railcar Industries, Inc. from 2011 to 2013, Dynegy Inc. from 2011 to 2012, Viskase Companies, Inc.
from 2010 to 2013, Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation from 2010 to 2014, and PSC Metals Inc. from 2009 to 2012.
Ferrous Resources Limited, CVR Refining, CVR Energy, American Railcar Industries, Federal-Mogul, Viskase
Companies and PSC Metals are each indirectly controlled by Carl C. Icahn. Mr. Icahn also has or previously had a
noncontrolling interest in Dynegy, Hologic, Talisman Energy, Navistar, Hertz, Cheniere Energy, Transocean, Transocean
Partners and American International Group, Inc. through the ownership of securities. Mr. Merksamer received an A.B. in
Economics from Cornell University in 2002.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Merksamer should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Merksamer’s expertise in finance
aids the Board of Directors in reviewing financial strategies for the Company.
FREDERIK W. MOHN, age 41, Norwegian citizen, has served as a director of the Company since January 30,
2018, when Transocean acquired Songa Offshore SE (OSE: SONG). Previously, Mr. Mohn served as a director of Songa
Offshore SE from 2013 to 2014, and as Chairman of the Songa Board from 2014 to 2018. Mr. Mohn is the sole owner and
managing director of Perestroika, a Norwegian investment company with investments in oil and gas, shipping,
infrastructure, real estate development and financial services. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Mohn served as managing director
of the worldwide family business Frank Mohn AS, a supplier of pumping systems to the oil and gas industry. Mr. Mohn
also currently serves on the board of directors of public companies Dof ASA (OSE: DOF), a Norwegian shipping company,
and Fjord 1 (OSE: FJORD), a Norwegian transport company, and private companies Viken Crude AS, Gjettumgrenda AS,
Fornebu Sentrum AS, Fornebu Sentrum Utvikling AS and Høvik Stasjonsby AS og KS. Mr. Mohn received his Bachelor
of Science degree from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2001.
Mr. Mohn was proposed as a nominee to serve on the Board of Directors by Perestroika pursuant to the terms of
the Transaction Agreement entered into between the Company and Songa Offshore SE on August 13, 2017, pursuant to
which the Company also acquired Songa. The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Mohn should remain on the
Board of Directors and has recommended that he serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mohn’s
knowledge of the oil and gas industry, his previous position as Chairman of the Board of Songa Offshore SE and his
expertise in finance aids the Board of Directors in reviewing financial and other strategic decisions for the Company.
EDWARD R. MULLER, age 65, U.S. citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2007. He served
as a director of GlobalSantaFe Corporation from 2001 to 2007 and of Global Marine, Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Muller
served as Vice Chairman of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) after the merger of NRG Energy, Inc. with GenOn
Energy, Inc. from 2012 until 2017. Prior to the merger, he served as GenOn Energy, Inc.’s Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer (since 2010) and President (since 2011). Mr. Muller previously served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Mirant Corporation from 2005 to 2010 when Mirant Corporation merged with RRI Energy, Inc. to form GenOn
Energy, Inc. Mr. Muller is a director of AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) (since 2013). He was a private investor
from 2000 until 2005. Mr. Muller served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Edison Mission Energy, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Edison International, from 1993 until 2000. During his tenure, Edison Mission Energy was engaged
in developing, owning and operating independent power production facilities worldwide. Since 2004, Mr. Muller has been
a trustee of the Riverview School and is currently its Chairman, a position he also held from 2008 to 2012. Mr. Muller
received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College in 1973 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1976.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Muller should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. Mr. Muller is an attorney by education with extensive executive experience
in a capital-intensive energy business. His previous experience as a chief executive officer adds helpful executive
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perspective in advising Company management. Mr. Muller’s background and education assist the Board of Directors in
assessing key strategies for the Company.
TAN EK KIA, age 69, Malaysian citizen, has served as a director of the Company since 2011. Mr. Tan is the
retired Vice President, Ventures and Developments, Asia Pacific and Middle East Region of Shell Chemicals, a position
in which he served from 2003 to 2006. Mr. Tan joined the Shell group of companies in 1973 as an engineer and served in
a variety of positions in Asia, the United States and Europe during his career, including as Chairman, Shell Companies,
Northeast Asia from 2000 to 2003, Managing Director of Shell Nanhai from 1997 to 2000 and Managing Director of Shell
Malaysia Exploration and Production from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Tan also served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of
SMRT Corporation Ltd from January to October 2012. Mr. Tan is a director of Dialog Systems Asia Pte Ltd (since 2008),
Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (since 2009), SMRT Corporation Ltd (since 2009), Keppel Corporation Ltd (SGX:
KPELY) (since 2010), PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk (IDX: TPIA) (since 2011) and Singapore LNG Corporation
Pte Ltd. (since 2013). He is also a director (since 2013) and the Chairman of KrisEnergy Ltd (SGX: SK3) (since 2017),
the Chairman of Star Energy Group Holdings Pte Ltd (since 2012) and a director of two of Star Energy Group Holdings’
subsidiaries, Star Energy Oil and Gas Pte Ltd and Star Energy Geothermal Pte Ltd. Mr. Tan served as Chairman of City
Gas Pte Ltd from 2009 to 2015 and as a director of City Spring Infrastructure Trust Pte Ltd. from 2010 to 2014, InterGlobal
Offshore Pte Ltd from 2007 to 2012 and PowerSeraya Ltd and Orchard Energy Pte Ltd from 2007 to 2009. Mr. Tan
received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham in 1973. He is a
Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Tan should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. Mr. Tan has significant senior management, large project and engineering
experience in the international energy sector, particularly in Asia. This international energy experience and the perspective
it brings benefit the Board of Directors’ ability to assess opportunities in the international energy sector.
JEREMY D. THIGPEN, age 43, U.S. citizen, is President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the
Company since 2015. Mr. Thigpen served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at National Oilwell Varco,
Inc. (NYSE: NOV) from 2012 to 2015. During his tenure at National Oilwell Varco, Mr. Thigpen spent five years from
2007 to 2012 as the company’s President of Downhole and Pumping Solutions business, and four years from 2003 to 2007
as President of its Downhole Tools group. He also served in various management and business development capacities,
including Director of Business Development and Special Assistant to the Chairman for National Oilwell Varco.
Mr. Thigpen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University in 1997, and
he completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School in 2001.
The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Thigpen should remain on the Board of Directors and has
recommended that he serve an additional term. The Board of Directors believes that it is important for the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company to serve on the Board of Directors, as it ensures an efficient flow of information between the
Board of Directors and executive management. In addition, Mr. Thigpen has substantial industry experience and a
competitive perspective, which assists the Board of Directors in considering strategic decisions for the Company.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” the reelection of these candidates as directors.
P-15
AGENDA ITEM 6
Election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next
Annual General Meeting
Nomination of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the Minder Ordinance and our Articles of Association, the authority to elect the Chairman of the
Board of Directors is vested with the general meeting of shareholders. The term of office of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors is the same as the other directors’ terms and extends until completion of the next Annual General Meeting. The
Chairman elected at the 2018 Annual General Meeting will have the powers and duties as provided for in our Articles of
Association and organizational regulations.
Upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has nominated
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr. for election by the shareholders as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Miller has
served as a director since the extraordinary general meeting held on September 22, 2014, as Vice-Chairman of the Board
of Directors from November 2014 to May 2015, and as Chairman of the Board since May 2015. Biographical information
regarding Mr. Miller may be found above under Agenda Item 5.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominee for the Chairman of the Board of
Directors.
P-16
AGENDA ITEM 7
Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee, Each for a Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Nominations of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the Minder Ordinance and our Articles of Association, the authority to elect the members of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is vested with the general meeting of shareholders. The term of office
of the members of the Compensation Committee is the same as the other directors’ term and extends until completion of
the next Annual General Meeting.
Upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has nominated for
election by the shareholders at the 2018 Annual General Meeting Frederico F. Curado, Vincent J. Intrieri and Tan Ek Kia
as members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Biographical information regarding the nominees
may be found above under Agenda Item 5.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominees of the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors.
P-17
AGENDA ITEM 8
Reelection of the Independent Proxy for a Term Extending Until Completion of the Next Annual
General Meeting
Pursuant to the Minder Ordinance and our Articles of Association, the authority to elect the independent proxy is
vested with the general meeting of shareholders. The independent proxy elected at the 2018 Annual General Meeting will
serve as independent proxy at the 2019 Annual General Meeting and at any extraordinary general meeting of shareholders
of the Company that may be held prior to the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Directors has nominated for reelection as independent proxy Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat,
Dammstrasse 19, CH-6300 Zug, Switzerland. Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat was elected at the 2017 Annual General
Meeting to serve as independent proxy at the 2018 Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meeting of
shareholders of the Company held prior to the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 8.
P-18
AGENDA ITEM 9
Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm for Fiscal Year 2018 and Reelection of Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, as the Company’s Auditor for
a Further One-Year Term
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that Ernst & Young LLP be appointed as Transocean Ltd.’s independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2018 and that Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, be reelected as
Transocean Ltd.’s auditor pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations for a further one-year term, commencing on the day
of election at the 2018 Annual General Meeting and terminating on the day of the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Representatives of Ernst & Young Ltd will be present at the 2018 Annual General Meeting, will have the
opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to questions you may ask. Information regarding the fees
paid by the Company to Ernst & Young appears below.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 9.
FEES PAID TO ERNST & YOUNG
Audit fees for Ernst & Young LLP and its affiliates for each of the fiscal years 2017 and 2016 and audit-related
fees, tax fees and total of all other fees for services rendered in 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Fiscal year 2017
Fiscal year 2016(4)
Audit
Fees(1)
U.S. $
6,179,212
6,039,210
Audit-Related
Fees(2)
U.S. $
345,008
443,482
Tax
Fees
U.S. $
Total of All
Other Fees(3)
U.S. $
12,580
—
2,160
2,057
(1) The audit fees include those associated with our annual audit, reviews of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, statutory
audits of our subsidiaries, services associated with documents filed with the SEC and audit consultations.
(2) The audit-related fees include services in connection with accounting consultations, employee benefit plan audits and
attest services related to financial reporting.
(3) All other fees were for other publications and subscription services.
(4) Excludes U.S. $273,100 of fees incurred and paid by Transocean Partners, a consolidated subsidiary and formerly a
separate SEC registrant, in the year ended December 31, 2016. On December 9, 2016, Transocean Partners completed
a merger with one of our subsidiaries and became our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services, review or attest engagements and permitted non-audit
services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has considered
whether the provision of services rendered in 2017 other than the audit of our financial statements and reviews of quarterly
financial statements was compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young LLP and determined that the
provision of such services was compatible with maintaining such independence.
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all audit and non-audit services
performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. The policy requires advance approval by the Audit
Committee of all audit and non-audit work; provided, that the Chairman of the Audit Committee may grant pre-approvals
of audit or non-audit work, so long as such pre-approvals are presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled
meeting. Unless the specific service has been previously pre-approved with respect to the 12-month period following the
advance approval, the Audit Committee must approve a service before the independent registered public accounting firm
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is engaged to perform the service. The Audit Committee has given advance approval for specified audit, audit-related and
other services for 2018. Requests for services that have received this pre-approval are subject to specified fee or budget
restrictions, as well as internal management controls.
P-20
AGENDA ITEM 10
Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation
Proposal of the Board of Directors
At the Company’s 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Company’s shareholders followed the Board of Directors’
recommendation to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation every year for the Company’s Named Executive
Officers. In light of these results, the Board of Directors determined that the Company will hold an advisory vote on
executive compensation once every year until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on
compensation of Named Executive Officers of the Company, which in accordance with applicable law, will occur no later
than the Company’s annual general meeting of shareholders in 2023. Accordingly, and as required by Section 14A of the
Exchange Act, the Company is providing its shareholders the opportunity to vote on an advisory basis to approve the
compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote for the
approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as described in this proxy statement.
Accordingly, you may vote on the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the
compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables,
and the narrative disclosure in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2018 Annual General Meeting is hereby
APPROVED.
Our compensation program for our Named Executive Officers is designed to reward performance that creates
long-term value for the Company’s shareholders through the following features, which are discussed in more detail in our
Compensation Discussion and Analysis:
•
•
•
annual cash bonuses based on performance as measured against pre-determined performance goals;
a compensation mix weighted toward long-term incentives to allow our Named Executive Officers to
participate in the long-term growth and profitability of the Company;
long-term incentives include performance share units that vest based upon the Company’s total shareholder
return compared to the companies in our performance peer group;
• median pay positioning for target performance, above median pay for above target performance, and below
median pay for below target performance;
•
•
•
a share ownership policy that requires our executive officers to build and maintain an appropriate equity
stake in the Company to further align our executive officers’ interests with the long-term interests of our
shareholders;
hedging and pledging policies that prohibit any of our executive officers from hedging or pledging our shares
or holding derivative instruments tied to our shares, other than derivative instruments issued by us; and
the Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy, a clawback policy that allows the Company to recover or
adjust incentive compensation to the extent the Compensation Committee determines that payments or
awards have exceeded the amount that would otherwise have been received due to a restatement of our
financial results or if the Compensation Committee determines that an executive has engaged in, or has
knowledge of and fails to prevent or disclose, fraud or intentional misconduct pertaining to any financial
reporting requirements.
The vote on this proposal is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee
or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our shareholders.
Following the 2018 Annual General Meeting, we will consider our shareholders’ feedback and the Compensation
Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address this feedback.
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Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the compensation of the Company’s
Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and the narrative disclosure in this proxy statement.
P-22
AGENDA ITEM 11
Prospective Vote on the Maximum Compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team
11A Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Amount of Compensation of the Board of Directors for the Period
Between the 2018 Annual General Meeting and the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $4,121,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the period between the 2018 Annual General Meeting
and the 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Explanation
As required by our Articles of Association and the Minder Ordinance, the shareholders are provided the
opportunity to vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation that can be paid or granted to the members of the
Board of Directors for the period between the 2018 Annual General Meeting and the 2019 Annual General Meeting (the
“2018/2019 Term”). The shareholder vote is of binding nature.
Directors’ Compensation Principles
The general principles of the compensation for our Board of Directors are described in article 29b of our Articles
of Association.
We use a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our
Board of Directors. Our directors’ compensation consists of (1) cash retainers, (2) grants of restricted share units and
(3) dividend equivalents on vested and unvested restricted share units.
Set forth below is an overview of the non-employee director compensation elements for the term of office between
the 2016 Annual General Meeting and the 2017 Annual General Meeting (the “2016/2017 Term”), and the term of office
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between the 2017 Annual General Meeting and the 2018 Annual General Meeting (the “2017/2018 Term”). Additionally,
the compensation elements currently contemplated for the 2018/2019 Term are also provided:
Term of Office
2016 AGM – 2017 AGM
U.S.$
Term of Office
2017 AGM – 2018 AGM
U.S.$
Term of Office
2018 AGM – 2019 AGM
U.S.$
Cash Retainers
Retainer for non-executive chairman
Retainer for non-executive
vice-chairman(1)
Retainer for non-employee directors
(other than the chairman and the
vice-chairman)
Additional retainer for Committee
Chairmen:
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance Committee,
Finance Committee, and Health,
Safety and Environment
Committee
Grant of Restricted Share Units
Grant of restricted share units to
non-executive chairman
Grant of restricted share units to
non-executive vice-chairman
Grant of restricted share units to
325,000
250,000
325,000
250,000
100,000
100,000
35,000
20,000
35,000
20,000
325,000
250,000
100,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
325,000
210,000
325,000
210,000
325,000
210,000
210,000
non-employee directors (other than
the chairman and the vice-chairman)
210,000
210,000
Dividend equivalents on vested
restricted share units
Amount depends on (1) dividends paid and (2) the number of restricted share
units held by the respective director.
(1) Currently, the Company does not have any director serving in a Vice Chairman role.
A more detailed description of the compensation principles currently in effect for our Board of Directors can be
found under “Board Meetings and Committees—Director Compensation Strategy.” The actual amounts paid to each
member of the Board of Directors for fiscal year 2017 are disclosed under “2017 Director Compensation” and in our Swiss
Compensation Report under the caption “Board of Directors’ Compensation.”
Proposal for Ratification of Maximum Aggregate Amount
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $4,121,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the 2018/2019 Term. This amount is the maximum amount
that the Company can pay or grant to the members of the Board of Directors for the 2018/2019 Term. The proposed
aggregate maximum amount has been calculated based on the directors’ compensation elements as outlined above.
The table below shows the aggregate compensation paid to our Board of Directors for the 2016/2017 Term, and
the shareholder-approved, maximum aggregate compensation payable to our Board of Directors for the 2017/2018 Term.
The 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 Terms include 10 non-employee directorships, one of whom was Chairman of the Board
of Directors. Further, the table explains our proposal for the maximum aggregate amount of compensation for our Board
of Directors for the 2018/2019 Term. This proposal is unchanged from the maximum aggregate compensation proposed
for the 2016/2017 Term and the 2017/2018 Term, which were previously approved by our shareholders, and includes
consideration in the 2018/2019 Term for 10 non-employee directors, one of whom will be Chairman and one of whom
may be Vice-Chairman.
P-24
Term of Office
2016 AGM-2017 AGM
(based on 10 non-employee
directors and the
assumptions
described above) (1)
U.S.$
1,510,000
Term of Office
2017 AGM-2018 AGM
(based on 10 non-employee
directors and the
assumptions
described above)
U.S.$
1,510,000
Term of Office
2018 AGM-2019 AGM
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Amount
U.S.$
1,510,000
2,575,000(3)(4)
2,575,000(3)(4)
2,575,000(3)(4)
300,000
4,121,000
300,000
4,121,000
300,000
4,121,000
Cash Retainers
Grant of Restricted
Share Units(2)
Dividend
Equivalents(5)
Total(6)
(1) The cash retainer and the restricted share units include the compensation paid by Transocean Partners to two of our directors for their role as
directors of Transocean Partners; each received a cash retainer and a grant of restricted share units of Transocean Partners.
(2) Restricted share units are granted to each non-employee director annually immediately following the Board of Directors meeting held in connection
with our Annual General Meeting. On the date of grant, the restricted share units have an aggregate value equal to the U.S. dollar figure indicated
in “2017 Director Compensation” table, and the restricted share units vest on the date first to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant
or (ii) the Annual General Meeting next following the date of grant, subject to continued service through the vesting date. Vesting of the restricted
share units is not subject to any performance measures.
(3) Aggregate grant date fair value under accounting standards for recognition of share-based compensation expense for restricted share units granted
to our non-employee directors, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(4) Aggregate target amount.
(5) Dividend equivalents paid or to be paid during the respective terms of office on all vested restricted share units. For an overview of our directors’
vested and unvested restricted share units, please see Note 6—Share Ownership in the Company’s statutory financial statements for fiscal year
2017.
(6) Mandatory employer-paid social taxes pursuant to applicable law are not included in the total amount. In 2017, employer-paid social taxes totaled
U.S. $33,487.
The aggregate compensation paid to date and expected to be paid to the members of the Board of Directors during
the 2017/2018 Term is within the maximum aggregate amount approved by shareholders at the 2017 Annual General
Meeting. The actual payout and grants will be disclosed in the 2019 and 2020 Proxy Statements, respectively, and the
Swiss Compensation Report for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 11A.
11B
Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Amount of Compensation of the Executive Management Team for
Fiscal Year 2019.
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $24,000,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2019.
Explanation
As required by our Articles of Association and the Minder Ordinance, our shareholders are provided the
opportunity to vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation that can be paid or granted to the members of the
Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2019. The shareholder vote is of binding nature.
Executive Management Team Compensation Principles
The general principles of the compensation for the Executive Management Team are described in article 29b of
our Articles of Association.
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We use a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract, motivate and retain leaders from the global
executive talent market within and outside our highly competitive industry and to achieve our objective of pay and
performance alignment by delivering the vast majority of our Executive Management Team’s compensation opportunity
as performance-based, ‘at-risk’ compensation. Our Executive Management Team’s compensation consists of (1) base
salary, (2) annual performance bonus, (3) long-term incentives, which may comprise grants of restricted share units,
performance share units and stock options and (4) other compensation, including Company contributions to savings and
pension plans, life insurance premiums, dividend equivalents on vested and unvested restricted share units, expatriate
assignment allowances and expatriate relocation pay.
Our Executive Management Team comprises our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, and our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Performance Officer.
For a detailed description of our compensation principles currently in effect for the Executive Management Team
(and our other Named Executive Officers who are not members of the Executive Management Team), please refer to the
section of this proxy statement under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” We recommend that our
shareholders read our Articles of Association and the Compensation Discussion and Analysis to understand our Executive
Management Team compensation principles and process when considering this proposal. The actual amounts paid to each
member of the Executive Management Team for fiscal years 2015-2017 are disclosed in this proxy statement under the
caption “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table,” and in our Swiss Compensation Report under the
caption “Executive Management Team Compensation.”
In addition to this binding prospective vote on maximum Executive Management Team compensation,
shareholders have had the opportunity since 2011 under U.S. law, subject to an advisory vote by shareholders and a
determination by the board of directors as to the frequency of such opportunity, to cast a retrospective advisory vote to
approve the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers (including our Executive Management Team members)
for the fiscal year preceding the Annual General Meeting. Since 2011, our shareholders have consistently expressed their
strong support for the Company’s executive compensation principles. For fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and
2016, the shareholder approval levels have been 86%, 81%, 92%, 80%, 87%, and 96%, respectively. Our shareholders are
again provided the opportunity to cast a retrospective advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to our Named
Executive Officers (including our Executive Management Team members) for fiscal year 2017, as is explained in detail
in Agenda Item No. 10.
The proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the Executive Management Team for fiscal year
2019 is derived substantially from the Company’s executive compensation principles receiving strong historical
shareholder support as noted above. Consistent with the Company’s historical practice in setting executive compensation,
as reflected in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we do not anticipate that the aggregate amount actually paid to
our Executive Management Team members for fiscal year 2019 will be at the proposed maximum aggregate amount.
Proposal for Ratification of Maximum Aggregate Amount
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $24,000,000, excluding employer-
paid social taxes, as the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Management Team for fiscal year
2019. This amount is unchanged from the approved maximum aggregate amount of compensation for fiscal year 2018,
and is the maximum amount that the Company can pay or grant to its members of the Executive Management Team for
fiscal year 2019, subject to the authority of the Board of Directors to grant or pay a “supplementary amount” pursuant to
article 29c of our Articles of Association without additional shareholder ratification to persons who newly assume an
Executive Management Team function after the prospective vote at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
The table below shows the maximum aggregate amount of compensation that could have been paid or granted in
the fiscal year 2017 under our compensation principles and plans, the maximum aggregate amount of compensation
available to be paid or granted for fiscal year 2018 under our compensation principles and plans currently in effect, and
our proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for fiscal year 2019.
The proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for fiscal year 2019 is based on our estimated
compensation levels and is unchanged from the maximum aggregate amount of compensation for fiscal year 2018, which
was approved by shareholders at last year’s annual general meeting.
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Base Salary
Annual Performance
Bonus(5)
Long-Term Incentives(6)
All Other Compensation(7)
Total
Fiscal Year 2017
Maximum Payable(1)
U.S.$
2,430,000(3)
Fiscal Year 2018
Maximum Payable(1)
U.S.$
2,750,000 (4)
Fiscal Year 2019
Proposed Maximum
Amount(1)(2)
U.S.$
2,750,000
6,570,000
16,483,000
3,540,000
29,023,000
6,250,000
12,500,000
2,500,000
24,000,000
6,250,000
12,500,000
2,500,000
24,000,000
(1) Assumes that the base salary, the annual performance bonus and all other compensation have been, or will be, paid or granted at the
maximum level as provided under our compensation principles and plans (e.g., in relation to the annual performance bonus,
assuming a payout of annual incentive bonuses at the maximum payout level of 200%). In relation to the long-term incentive plans,
the fair value calculations are based on an assumed achievement of performance targets at 100%; see note 6 below for further
information.
(2) The proposal of the Board of Directors for ratification by our shareholders only relates to the maximum aggregate amount of total
compensation as shown in the “Total” row. The subtotals shown for each compensation category are included for illustration
purposes only.
(3) Reflects actual base salaries paid to our Executive Management Team members.
(4) Reflects actual base salaries paid to, and base salaries for the remaining fiscal year to be paid to, our Executive Management Team
members, based on base salary levels effective for fiscal year 2017.
(5) Based on individual target award opportunities and maximum payout at 200%. As further described under “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Annual Performance Bonus,” the potential payout ranges from 0% to 200% of the individual target award
opportunity. Maximum payout is only available upon achievement of superior performance. Individual target award opportunities
ranged, and will range, between 85% and 125% of the base salary, depending on the level of responsibility.
(6) Based on target amounts and fair value calculations. With regard to performance-based long-term incentives such as performance
share units, the fair value calculations are based on an assumed achievement of performance targets at 100%. For the 2019 grant
cycle, the actual number of shares to be allocated under such long-term incentive plans will be determined in 2022 depending on
performance achievement over a three-year performance cycle and may range between 0-200%.
(7) Assumes that all compensation has been paid or granted at the maximum level as provided under our compensation principles and
plans. Mandatory employer-paid social taxes pursuant to applicable law are excluded from the proposed maximum amount. In 2017,
employer-paid social taxes totaled U.S. $208,015.
Shareholder approval is based on the maximum aggregate amounts that could be payable in accordance with our
compensation principles as set out in the 2018 Proxy Statement’s “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Therefore,
actual aggregate amounts paid to our Executive Management Team members for fiscal year 2019 will fall within the range
that may be payable. And although historical compensation paid to our Executive Management Team, as disclosed in the
Compensation Report, has been substantially less (2017: U.S. $18,130,016) than the maximum amount payable (2017:
U.S. $29,023,000) we request our shareholders approve the proposed maximum aggregate amount in order to comply with
our Articles of Association and to ensure that the authorized compensation is set at a level that allows us to honor our
compensation obligations and promises under our compensation principles and plans if the Executive Management Team
or its individual members deliver superior performance and achieve all of the performance objectives at maximum
performance level.
The 2019 Executive Management Team compensation will be disclosed in the proxy statement for our 2020
annual general meeting and the Swiss Compensation Report for fiscal year 2019.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 11B.
P-27
AGENDA ITEM 12
Approval of Amendment to Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Additional Reserves
Proposal of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders approve an amendment to the Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-
Term Incentive Plan for additional reserves in the aggregate amount of 12,000,000 shares issuable pursuant to the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”), which was originally approved by shareholders on May
15, 2015.
Background and Purpose of the Proposal
The use of share-based awards is a key component of our compensation program and the 2015 LTIP is designed
to attract and retain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, to attract and retain qualified non-employee directors
of the Company, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such employees and directors and to stimulate the active
interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries. These objectives
are to be accomplished by making awards under the 2015 LTIP and thereby providing award recipients with a proprietary
interest in the growth and performance of the Company and its subsidiaries.
At the time of our shareholders’ approval of the 2015 LTIP, we estimated based on granting practices and the
trading price of the Company’s shares that the 2015 LTIP would cover awards for at least three years. As of March 1,
2018, following the 2018 annual equity grant cycle, approximately 3.25 million shares remain available under the 2015
LTIP, from the 20,712,966 shares available for awards under the 2015 LTIP, which includes the 19,500,000 shares
originally approved by shareholders on May 15, 2015, as well as unawarded shares under the Long-Term Incentive Plan
of Transocean Ltd., as amended and restated as of February 12, 2009 (the “Prior LTIP”). Shareholder approval of an
additional 12,000,000 shares will offer the Company the necessary flexibility to continue making share-based grants over
the next three to four years in amounts determined appropriate by the Compensation Committee. This timeline is an
estimate, as future circumstances may require a change to expected equity grant practices; including the future price of our
common stock, award levels and our hiring activity.
As of December 31, 2017, we had the following with regard to all of our share-settled equity plans:
Total Stock Options Outstanding
Total Restricted Share Awards/Units Outstanding
Total Shares Outstanding
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Stock Options Outstanding
Weighted-Average Remaining Duration of Stock Options Outstanding
Total Shares Available for Grant Under the Prior LTIP
2,753,463
6,421,219
391,237,308
$ 34.98
6.37
9,881,169
We believe we have demonstrated our commitment to sound equity compensation practices. Management and
our Board are cognizant of the expense attributable to compensatory share awards, as well as dilution, and strive to
maintain both at appropriate levels in order to realize the significant motivational and performance benefits that may be
achieved from making such awards.
As of December 31, 2017, dilution attributed to the 2015 LTIP was approximately 4.4% and would increase by
approximately 2.8% upon approval of 12,000,000 additional reserves. The three-year average annual percentage of the
Company’s outstanding shares issued under the Company’s various equity incentive plans or the Company’s “burn rate”
was 1.25%, well below the Institutional Shareholder Services cap for our industry of 2.0%. We calculated our burn rate
by (a) applying a factor of two and a half to restricted share and restricted share unit awards and a factor of one to stock
option awards during the calendar year and (b) dividing the resulting number by the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during such year.
The full text of the 2015 LTIP and the proposed amendment to the 2015 LTIP are attached to this proxy statement
as Annex B. Highlights of the 2015 LTIP include:
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• Fungible share pool. The 2015 LTIP uses a fungible share pool under which each share issued pursuant to a
restricted share award or restricted share unit (including performance awards) will reduce the number of
shares available under the 2015 LTIP by 1.68 shares, and each share issued pursuant to awards other than
restricted share awards and restricted share units will reduce the number of shares available by 1.0 share.
• No liberal share counting. The 2015 LTIP prohibits the reuse of shares withheld or delivered to satisfy the
exercise price of, or to satisfy tax withholding requirements for any awards under the 2015 LTIP. The 2015
LTIP also prohibits “net share counting” upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights (or SARs)
and the use of shares reacquired in the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of
stock options.
• No repricing or reloading of stock options or SARs; no cash outs. The 2015 LTIP prohibits the direct or
indirect repricing of stock options or SARs without shareholder approval and also prohibits the repurchase
by the Company of outstanding stock options or SARs with an exercise price higher than the current fair
market value.
• No discounted stock options or SARs. All stock options and SARs must have an exercise price or base price
equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant.
• Definition of change of control. The 2015 LTIP defines “change of control” in a manner such that a change
of control would not be deemed to occur until the actual consummation of the event that results in the change
of control.
• No automatic vesting on a change of control. The terms of the 2015 LTIP do not provide for automatic single-
trigger vesting upon the occurrence of a change of control.
• Minimum vesting. Awards granted to employees under the 2015 LTIP may not vest earlier than the first
anniversary of the grant date and awards granted to directors may not vest earlier than the first to occur of
(i) the first anniversary of the grant date or (ii) the date of the annual general meeting of the Board next
following the grant date.
• No dividend equivalents on options, SARs or unvested awards. The terms of the 2015 LTIP do not permit
dividend equivalents to be made a part of an award of stock options or SARs and do not permit payment of
dividend equivalents with respect to awards that are unvested.
• Administered by an independent committee. The Compensation Committee, which is made up entirely of
independent directors, has ultimate administration authority for the 2015 LTIP.
Shares Available for Award and Share Counting
When originally adopted, the 2015 LTIP reserved a total of 20,712,966 shares for awards, which included shares
from the Prior LTIP that had not been granted. Subject to shareholders’ approval of the proposed amendment to the 2015
LTIP, an additional 12,000,000 shares will be reserved for awards under the 2015 LTIP. Awards under the 2015 LTIP will
reduce the shares available for grant under the 2015 LTIP as follows: each share issued pursuant to a restricted share award
or restricted share unit will reduce the number of shares available under the 2015 LTIP by 1.68 shares, and each share
issued pursuant to awards other than restricted share awards and restricted share units will reduce the number of shares
available by 1.0 share.
Any of the authorized shares may be used for any of the types of awards described in the 2015 LTIP. Shares
related to performance awards that are payable solely in cash, which include performance share units to be awarded under
the 2015 LTIP, will not be counted against the aggregate number of shares available under the 2015 LTIP. The aggregate
number of shares underlying options and SARs and the aggregate number of shares pursuant to restricted share, restricted
share units or other share-based awards that may be granted to any participant in any calendar year each may not exceed
600,000 shares. In addition, the maximum amount granted to an employee participant pursuant to awards that may be
settled in cash in any calendar year may not exceed a grant date value of $5,000,000. The maximum award value granted
to a non-employee director in any calendar year may not exceed $1,000,000.
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If any shares subject to an award under the 2015 LTIP or, after May 15, 2015, any shares subject to an award
under the Prior LTIP, are forfeited, expire, are settled for cash or otherwise cancelled, then, in each case, the shares subject
to the award may be used again for awards under the 2015 LTIP to the extent of the forfeiture, expiration, cash settlement
or cancellation. The shares will be added back as (a) 1.68 shares for every share if the shares were subject to restricted
share awards or restricted share units granted under the 2015 LTIP or restricted shares, restricted share units or performance
units granted under the Prior LTIP between May 15, 2009 and May 15, 2015 and (b) as 1.0 share for every share if the
shares were subject to awards other than restricted share awards or restricted share units granted under the 2015 LTIP and
other than restricted shares, restricted share units or performance units granted under the Prior LTIP between May 15,
2009 and May 15, 2015.
The following shares will not be added to the shares authorized for grant as described above:
(i)
(ii)
shares tendered by the participant or withheld by us in payment of the purchase price of an option;
shares tendered by the participant or withheld by us to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect
to an award;
(iii)
shares that are not issued due to net settlement of an award; and
(iv)
shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the
exercise of options.
The 2015 LTIP provides for appropriate adjustments in the event of a merger, demerger, consolidation,
recapitalization, stock split, combination of shares, plan of exchange, share dividend or similar transaction involving the
Company.
Administration
The Compensation Committee of the Board has overall authority to administer the 2015 LTIP. The Board may
designate another committee or committees to administer the 2015 LTIP.
Eligible Participants
As of January 31, 2018, the Company had approximately 5,360 employees (of which six employees were
executive officers) and 10 non-employee directors who would be eligible to participate in the 2015 LTIP.
Types of Awards
The 2015 LTIP authorizes the issuance of the following types of awards:
• Nonqualified and Incentive Stock Options. Nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options may be
granted under the 2015 LTIP. The exercise price of options may not be less than the fair market value of our
shares on the date of grant and no option may be exercised after the expiration of ten years from the date of
grant. The fair market value of our shares is determined by reference to the reported closing price on the
NYSE. An option may be exercised only to the extent that the option is vested in accordance with a schedule
determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
•
Stock appreciation rights or SARs. SARs may be granted to participants under the 2015 LTIP. The exercise
price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value of our shares on the date of grant and no SAR may
be exercised after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant. The payment of the appreciation
associated with the exercise of a SAR will be made by the Company in shares of our common stock or in
cash as determined by the Compensation Committee. A SAR may be exercised only to the extent that the
SAR is vested in accordance with a schedule determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole
discretion.
• Restricted share awards and restricted share units. Restricted share awards and restricted share units, or
RSUs, may be granted under the 2015 LTIP. Restricted share awards and RSUs granted under the 2015 LTIP
will vest in accordance with a schedule or achievement of certain performance or other criteria as determined
by the Compensation Committee. Upon termination of service or employment prior to vesting, the restricted
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shares or RSUs will be forfeited, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee has the discretion to grant a holder of restricted shares the right to vote such shares
and to receive dividends. RSUs do not entitle a holder to any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to
the shares; however, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to grant dividend equivalents with
respect to the RSUs provided that no dividend equivalents may be paid with respect to an award that has not
vested.
• Performance awards. Performance awards may be granted under the 2015 LTIP. Performance awards issued
under the 2015 LTIP will become payable in accordance with the achievement of certain performance or
other criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee, provided that a performance period may be no
less than one year in duration. Performance measures may be based on the achievement of one or more of
the following: (1) increased revenue; (2) net income measures (including but not limited to income after
capital costs and income before or after taxes); (3) share price measures (including but not limited to growth
measures and total shareholder return); price per share; market share; earnings per share (actual or targeted
growth); (4) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”); (5) economic value
added (or an equivalent metric); (6) market value added; (7) debt to equity ratio; (8) cash flow measures
(including but not limited to cash flow return on capital, cash flow return on tangible capital, net cash flow
and net cash flow before financing activities, cash flow value added, cash flow return on market
capitalization); (9) return measures (including but not limited to return on equity, return on average assets,
return on capital, risk-adjusted return on capital, return on investors’ capital and return on average equity);
(10) operating measures (including operating income, funds from operations, cash from operations, after-tax
operating income; sales volumes, production volumes and production efficiency); (11) expense measures
(including but not limited to overhead cost and general and administrative expense cost control and project
management); (12) margins; (13) shareholder value; (14) total shareholder return; (15) proceeds from
dispositions; and (16) total market value and corporate values measures (including ethics compliance,
environmental, human resources development and safety).
• Cash awards. Cash awards may be granted under the 2015 LTIP and may be made subject to a vesting
schedule or other performance measures as determined by Compensation Committee.
Non-Employee Director Awards
The Compensation Committee may grant awards of restricted share awards or restricted share units to non-
employee directors under the 2015 LTIP.
Minimum Vesting Requirements
The 2015 LTIP does not permit employee awards to vest earlier than the first anniversary of the grant date and
does not permit non-employee director awards to vest earlier than the first to occur of (a) the first anniversary of the grant
date or (b) the date of the annual general meeting of the Board next following the grant date.
Prohibitions Related to Stock Options and SARs
Unless the approval of shareholders is obtained first, the 2015 LTIP does not permit (a) repricing of stock options
or SARs after the grant date, (b) accepting outstanding stock options or SARs for surrender as consideration for the grant
of a new option or SAR with a lower exercise price or for the grant of another award, (c) repurchasing from award
recipients any outstanding stock options or SARs that have an exercise price higher than the current fair market value of a
share, or (d) granting any stock option or SAR that contains a "reload" feature under which additional stock options, SARs
or other awards are granted automatically upon exercise of the original stock option or SAR. The 2015 LTIP also prohibits
dividend equivalents with respect to stock options and SARs.
Treatment of Awards Upon Certain Events
Retirement, Death, Disability or Change of Control. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the
vesting of unvested awards or waive, eliminate or make less restrictive the restrictions or provisions governing awards or
otherwise amend or modify awards in the case of retirement from employment or service on the Board, death, disability,
change of control, or any other reason, except that any modification may not be materially adverse to the award recipient
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unless the recipient has consented to the modification or the modification relates to a merger, reorganization or similar
transaction.
Termination and Agreement
The 2015 LTIP may be terminated or amended by the Board. Shareholder approval is required for any amendment
to the 2015 LTIP if (i) such approval is necessary or desirable to qualify or comply with any tax or regulatory requirement
for which or with which the Board deems it necessary or desirable to qualify or comply; or (ii) in the opinion of counsel
to the Company, shareholder approval is required by any federal or state laws or regulations or the rules of any stock
exchange on which the shares may be listed.
Transferability
Awards are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
Under current federal tax law, the following are the U.S. federal income tax consequences generally arising with
respect to restricted shares, performance shares, options and other awards granted under the 2015 LTIP. The discussion is
not a complete analysis of all federal income tax consequences and does not cover all specific transactions which may
occur.
Absent the filing of a Section 83(b) election with the IRS, no income will be recognized by a participant for U.S.
federal income tax purposes upon the grant of restricted shares, performance shares or other stock awards. Upon the vesting
of an award for which no payment was made by the participant, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an
amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on the vesting date. Income recognized upon vesting by a participant
who is an employee will be considered compensation subject to withholding at the time the income is recognized and,
therefore, the Company must make the necessary arrangements with the participant to ensure that the amount of tax
required to be withheld is available for payment. Stock awards provide the Company with a deduction equal to the amount
of income recognized by the participant, subject to certain deduction limitations. A participant's adjusted basis in the shares
received through stock awards is equal to any ordinary income related to the award recognized by the participant. If a
participant thereafter sells the shares, any amount realized over (under) the adjusted basis of the shares will constitute
capital gain (loss) to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a participant forfeits an award prior to its
vesting, the participant will not recognize any ordinary income as a result of such forfeiture, and no deduction will be
provided to the Company.
Upon the grant of restricted shares, the participant may file an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to
accelerate the recognition of ordinary income to the grant date of the award. Such ordinary income is equal to the fair
market value of the shares on the grant date (assuming no payment by the participant for the shares) and is considered
compensation subject to withholding for employees.
There are no tax consequences associated with the grant or timely exercise of an incentive stock option. If a
participant holds the shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option for at least one year after exercise and
two years after the grant of the option, the participant will recognize capital gain or loss upon sale of the shares equal to
the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the exercise price. If the shares are not held for the required
period, the participant will recognize ordinary income upon disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market
value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price, up to the amount of the gain on disposition. Any
additional gain realized by the participant upon disposition will be capital gain. The excess of the fair market value of
shares received upon the exercise of an incentive stock option over the option price for the shares is a preference item for
purposes of the alternative minimum tax. An expense deduction by the Company in connection with the exercise of an
incentive stock option is not allowed unless the participant recognizes ordinary income.
Generally, no income will be recognized by a participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the grant of
a nonqualified stock option. Upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary income
in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the amount of the
exercise price. Income recognized by a participant who is an employee, upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option,
will be considered compensation subject to withholding at the time the income is recognized and, therefore, the Company
must make the necessary arrangements with the participant to ensure that the amount of tax required to be withheld is
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available for payment. Nonqualified stock options provide the Company with a deduction equal to the amount of income
recognized by the participant, subject to certain deduction limitations. The adjusted basis of shares transferred to a
participant pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified stock option is the price paid for the shares plus an amount equal to
any income recognized by the participant as a result of the exercise of the option. If a participant thereafter sells shares
acquired upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, any amount realized over (under) the adjusted basis of the shares
will constitute capital gain (loss) to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a participant surrenders shares which the participant already owns as payment for the exercise price of a stock
option, the participant will not recognize gain or loss as a result of such surrender. The number of shares received upon
exercise of the option equal to the number of shares surrendered will have a tax basis equal to the tax basis of the
surrendered shares. The holding period for such shares will include the holding period for the shares surrendered. The
remaining shares received will have a basis equal to the amount of income the participant recognizes upon receipt of such
shares. The participant's holding period for such shares will commence on the day after such exercise.
Generally, no income will be recognized by a participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the grant of
a SAR. Upon exercise of a SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the
fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the amount of the exercise price. Income recognized by a
participant who is an employee, upon the exercise of a SAR, will be considered compensation subject to withholding at
the time the income is recognized and, therefore, the Company must make the necessary arrangements with the participant
to ensure that the amount of tax required to be withheld is available for payment. SARs provide the Company with a
deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the participant, subject to certain deduction limitations. The
adjusted basis of shares transferred to a participant pursuant to the exercise of a SAR is the price paid for the shares plus
an amount equal to any income recognized by the participant as a result of the exercise of the SAR. If a participant
thereafter sells shares acquired upon exercise of a SAR, any amount realized over (under) the adjusted basis of the shares
will constitute capital gain (loss) to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Upon the receipt of a cash award, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the cash
received. Income recognized upon the receipt of a cash award by a participant who is an employee will be considered
compensation subject to withholding at the time the cash is received and, therefore, the Company must properly withhold
the required tax.
Section 162(m) limits the annual tax deduction to $1 million for compensation paid by a publicly held company
to its chief executive officer and each of the company's three other most highly compensated named executive officers,
unless certain performance-based requirements are met. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”),
effective for our taxable year beginning January 1, 2018, the exception under Section 162(m) for performance-based
compensation will no longer be available, subject to transition relief for certain grandfathered arrangements in effect as of
November 2, 2017. In addition, the covered employees will be expanded to include our chief financial officer, and once
one of our named executive officers is considered a covered employee, the named executive officer will remain a covered
employee so long as he or she receives compensation from us. Given the lack of regulatory guidance to date, the
Compensation Committee is not yet able to determine the full impact of the 2017 Tax Act changes to Section 162(m) on
the Company and our compensation programs, including the 2015 LTIP.
Code Section 409A generally provides that any deferred compensation arrangement must satisfy specific
requirements, both in operation and in form, regarding (1) the timing of payment, (2) the election of deferrals, and
(3) restrictions on the acceleration of payment. Failure to comply with Code Section 409A may result in the early taxation
(plus interest) to the participant of deferred compensation and the imposition of a 20% penalty on the participant on such
deferred amounts included in the participant's income. The Company intends to structure awards under the 2015 LTIP in
a manner that is designed to be exempt from or comply with Code Section 409A.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” this Agenda Item 12.
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Corporate Governance
We are committed to upholding high standards of corporate governance and business conduct and believe that
we have maintained good corporate governance practices for many years.
We regularly review and, as necessary, update our Code of Integrity. Accordingly, in November 2016, the Board
of Directors adopted a Code of Integrity that updated and replaced our previous Code of Integrity. We conduct online
mandatory training for our employees and officers on our Code of Integrity and other relevant compliance topics. We also
require all of our officers and managerial and supervisory employees to certify compliance with our Code of Integrity
each year and to proactively report any non-compliance they may discover.
The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors evaluates the Company’s and the Board of
Directors’ governance practices and formally reviews all committee charters along with recommendations from the various
committees of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors’ governance principles at least annually. The Corporate
Governance Committee receives updates at each meeting regarding new developments in the corporate governance arena.
Our committee charters also require, among other things, that the committees and the Board of Directors annually evaluate
their own performance.
Director Share Holding Requirement. We have equity ownership guidelines for directors that require each current
non-management director to acquire and retain a number of our shares, restricted share units and/or deferred units at least
equal in value to an amount five times the director’s annual cash retainer. Each new director is required to acquire and
retain such number of shares, restricted share units and/or deferred units over his or her initial five years as a director.
Jeremy D. Thigpen, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is subject to separate officer share ownership guidelines
providing for a more stringent requirement of six times his base pay. In connection with such ownership requirement, the
Board of Directors currently grants restricted share units to each of our non-management directors. See “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis” for more information about these guidelines.
Restrictions on Pledging, Hedging and Margin Accounts. Pursuant to our Insider Trading Policy, employees,
officers and directors are restricted from pledging, hedging or holding shares in a margin account.
Our current governance documents may be found on our website at: www.deepwater.com by selecting the
Governance page in the Investors section dropdown. Among the information you can find there is the following:
• Articles of Association;
• Organizational Regulations;
• Corporate Governance Guidelines;
• Audit Committee Charter;
• Corporate Governance Committee Charter;
• Compensation Committee Charter;
• Finance Committee Charter;
• Health, Safety and Environment Committee Charter;
• Our Mission Statement;
• Our FIRST Shared Values;
• Code of Integrity;
• Our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement; and
• Our Tax Principles Statement.
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Information contained on our website is not part of this proxy statement.
We will continue to monitor our governance practices and update policies and procedures, as appropriate, in order
to maintain our high standards.
Board Leadership. Except during extraordinary circumstances, the Board of Directors has chosen not to combine
the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that separating these positions
allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while our Chairman of the Board presides over
the Board as it provides advice to, and independent oversight of, management and the Company’s operations. The Board
recognizes the time, effort, and energy that our Chief Executive Officer is required to devote to his position and the
additional commitment the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors requires. The Board of Directors believes that
having separate positions and having an independent outside director serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors is the
appropriate leadership structure for us at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance.
Risk Management. Executive management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face,
while the Board of Directors, as a whole and through its various committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk
management for the Company. Through the Board of Directors’ oversight role and review of management’s active role,
the directors satisfy themselves that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management (as more
particularly described below) are adapted to and integrated with the Company’s corporate strategy, are functioning as
designed and that steps are taken to foster a culture in which each employee understands his or her impact on the assessment
and management of risk, his or her responsibility for acting within appropriate limits, and his or her ultimate accountability.
The Company has an Enterprise Risk Management process and framework, which includes an executive risk
management committee and a risk committee working group. The executive risk management committee is composed of
members of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and other members of management in key
functions and selected divisions of the Company. The duties of the executive risk management committee include the
following: reviewing and approving appropriate changes to the Company’s policies and procedures regarding risk
management; identifying and assessing operational, commercial, strategic, financial, macroeconomic and geopolitical
risks facing the Company; identifying risks and taking corrective actions, if appropriate; monitoring key indicators to
assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the Company’s risk management activities; and communicating with the Board
of Directors at least once a year with respect to risk management. The executive risk management committee and/or
members of management present a report on risk management activities to the Board of Directors at least annually. The
risk committee working group identifies risks facing the Company, makes an assessment of each risk, identifies preventive
and mitigating controls and then makes recommendations for improvement opportunities to the Board of Directors or our
Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate.
Compensation and Risk. We regularly assess risks related to our compensation programs, including our executive
compensation programs, and do not believe that the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices are
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee reviews information
and solicits input from an independent compensation consultant regarding compensation factors, which could mitigate or
encourage excessive risk-taking. In its review in 2017, the Compensation Committee considered the attributes of our
programs, including the metrics used to determine incentive awards, the weight of each metric, the timing and processes
for setting performance targets and validating results, the performance measurement periods and time horizons, the total
mix of pay and the maximum compensation and incentive award payout opportunities.
Independence of Board Members. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that at least a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors meet the independence standards set by the NYSE. In order to meet the NYSE’s
independence standards, a member of the Board of Directors must not have a relationship with the Company that falls
within certain objective categories established by the NYSE. In addition, the Board of Directors must then affirmatively
determine, with respect to each director and nominee, that he or she did not otherwise have a material relationship with
the Company.
The Board of Directors has determined that its current members, with the exception of Jeremy D. Thigpen (the
Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer), are independent and meet the applicable independence standards set
by the NYSE, the SEC and our guidelines. Additionally, our Compensation, Audit and Corporate Governance Committees
are composed solely of directors who meet the applicable NYSE and SEC independence standards.
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In making its independence determinations, the Board of Directors considered the fact that certain directors, as
described below, are or within the past three years have been directors or officers of companies with which we conduct
business in the ordinary course. After evaluating these relationships in light of applicable SEC and NYSE standards, the
Board of Directors concluded that they have no effect on the independence of these directors.
The Board of Directors also considered the below transactions and believes they were on arm’s-length terms that
were reasonable and competitive. Accordingly, the Board of Directors concluded that the relationships described below
have no effect on the independence of these directors. Because of our extensive operations, transactions and director
relationships, transactions of this nature are expected to take place in the ordinary course of business in the future.
• Since 2012, Mr. Barker has served as a non-executive director and as a member of the audit committee of
Aviva plc, a company that provides insurance-related services to the Company. Additionally, from 2014 to
2016, Mr. Barker served as a director, and from July 2015 until December 2016, as chairman of the board of
directors, of Transocean Partners, formerly a publicly-held subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. to which we
provided operating, support and administrative services, in addition to being the majority unitholder.
Transocean Partners merged into a subsidiary of the Company in December 2016 and is now indirectly
wholly-owned by the Company.
• Mr. Barker’s son is a Transaction Services strategy consultant at PwC UK, an assurance, advisory and tax
services firm that provides services to the Company, but is not the Company’s independent registered public
accounting firm. Although Mr. Barker’s son is employed by PwC, his son does not, directly or indirectly,
provide any services to the Company or any of its affiliates, and his son works within a division of PwC that
does not provide any services to the Company or any of its affiliates. Moreover, Mr. Barker’s son is not a
partner or principal of PwC, but is instead one of more than 200,000 persons employed by PwC worldwide.
Further, the Company’s relationship with PwC predates both the Company’s relationship with Mr. Barker
and PwC’s relationship with Mr. Barker’s son.
• Mr. Curado’s son began working in GE’s corporate audit department in 2017 and his son-in-law works as an
engineer for Mitsubishi Industries, both of which provide services or products to the Company; and Mr.
Muller’s son worked through July 2017 as an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson, a law firm that provided
and may in the future provide legal services to the Company.
• Since 2010, Mr. Deaton has served as a non-executive director of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., from
which the Company rented and purchased rig-related products and equipment.
• From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Merksamer served as a non-executive director of Talisman Energy, from which we
received revenues for performing services, and, from 2014 to 2017, Mr. Merksamer served as a director of
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., the subsidiaries of which provide the Company with car rental services. Since
May 2016, Mr. Merksamer has served as non-executive director of American International Group, Inc., a
company that provides insurance-related services to the Company. Mr. Merksamer was a member of the
board of directors of Transocean Partners from 2014 until 2016.
• Since 2014, Mr. Intrieri has served as a director of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
• From 2001 to 2014, Mr. Miller served as President & Chief Executive Officer of National Oilwell Varco,
Inc., from which the Company regularly purchases drilling equipment and services, and from 2014 to 2017,
Mr. Miller served as the executive chairman of NOW Inc., from which the Company regularly purchases
drilling equipment and services.
• Since 2010, Mr. Tan has served as a non-executive director of Keppel Corporation, which provides the
Company with services related to rig construction and shipyard work.
• Upon and following the closing of the Company’s acquisition of Songa Offshore in January 2018, Mr. Mohn
became the beneficial owner of approximately 67,740,289 Company shares, consisting of 31,120,553
Company shares issued in connection with the acquisition, an additional 2,000,000 shares purchased on the
open market on or before March 12, 2018, and 34,619,736 Company shares that may be issued in the future
upon exchange of the 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023 issued in connection with the acquisition.
As a result, assuming the conversion of the Exchangeable Bonds beneficially owned by Mr. Mohn, he will
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possess voting rights with respect to approximately 13.68% of the Company’s outstanding shares as of March
12, 2018. The Board of Directors evaluated Mr. Mohn’s overall beneficial ownership of Company shares
and concluded that his ownership of Company shares is not a material relationship that would affect his
independence or service as a director of the Company, and that he meets the standards for independence
adopted by the SEC and the NYSE.
Executive Sessions. Our independent directors met in executive session without management at each of the
regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meetings held in 2017. During 2018, the independent directors are again scheduled
to meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting. The independent directors generally
designate the Chairman of the Board of Directors to act as the presiding director for executive sessions.
Director Nomination Process. The Board of Directors has designated the Corporate Governance Committee as
the committee authorized to consider and recommend nominees for the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes
that all members of the Corporate Governance Committee meet the applicable NYSE independence requirements.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Corporate Governance Committee should periodically
assess the needs of the Company and the Board of Directors, so as to recommend candidates who will further our goals.
In making that assessment, the Corporate Governance Committee has determined that a recommended nominee must have
the following minimum qualifications:
•
•
•
•
high professional and personal ethics and values;
a record of professional accomplishment in his/her chosen field;
relevant expertise and experience; and
a reputation, both personal and professional, consistent with our Shared Values.
In addition to these minimum qualifications, the Corporate Governance Committee considers other qualities in
nominees that may be desirable. In particular, the Board of Directors is committed to having a majority of independent
directors and, accordingly, the Corporate Governance Committee evaluates the independence status of any potential
director. The Corporate Governance Committee evaluates whether or not a candidate contributes to the Board of Directors’
overall diversity, the candidate’s contribution to Board’s existing chemistry and collaborative culture, and whether or not
the candidate can contribute positively to the Board’s diverse expertise in environmental, health, safety, industry, market
and financial matters. The Corporate Governance Committee also considers whether or not the candidate may have
professional or personal experiences and expertise relevant to our business (such as expertise in the industry and in critical
health, safety and environmental matters) and the Company’s position as the leading international provider of offshore
drilling services.
As described above, in accordance with the majority vote provisions of our Corporate Governance Guidelines,
the Board of Directors may nominate only those candidates for director who have submitted an irrevocable letter of
resignation, which would be effective upon and only in the event that (1) such nominee fails to receive more votes cast
“FOR” than “AGAINST” his or her election in an uncontested election and (2) the Board of Directors accepts the
resignation. The Board of Directors will also request a statement from any person nominated as a director by anyone other
than the Board of Directors as to whether that person will also submit an irrevocable letter of resignation upon the same
terms as a person nominated by the Board of Directors. For purposes of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, an
uncontested election occurs in an election of directors that does not constitute a contested election, and a contested election
occurs when (i) the Secretary of the Company receives a notice that a shareholder has nominated a person for election to
the Board of Directors in compliance with the advance notice requirements for shareholder nominees for director set forth
in our Articles of Association and (ii) such nomination has not been withdrawn by such shareholder on or prior to the day
next preceding the date the Company first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the shareholders.
The Corporate Governance Committee has several methods of identifying Board of Directors candidates. First,
the Corporate Governance Committee considers and evaluates annually whether each director nominee is qualified to be
nominated for election or reelection to the Board of Directors. Second, the Corporate Governance Committee requests
from time to time that its members and the other Board members identify possible candidates for any vacancies or potential
vacancies. Third, the Corporate Governance Committee has the authority to retain one or more executive search firms to
aid in its search. Each executive search firm assists the Corporate Governance Committee in identifying potential Board
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of Directors candidates, interviewing those candidates and conducting investigations relative to their background and
qualifications.
The Corporate Governance Committee considers nominees for director who are recommended by our
shareholders. Recommendations may be submitted in writing, along with:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the name of and contact information for the candidate;
a statement detailing the candidate’s qualifications and business and educational experience;
information regarding the qualifications and qualities described under “Director Nomination Process” above;
a signed statement of the proposed candidate consenting to be named as a candidate and, if nominated and
elected, to serve as a director;
a signed irrevocable letter of resignation from the proposed candidate that, in accordance with our Corporate
Governance Guidelines, would be effective upon and only in the event that (1) in an uncontested election,
such candidate fails to receive more votes cast “FOR” than “AGAINST” his or her election and (2) the Board
of Directors accepts the resignation;
a statement that the writer is a shareholder and is proposing a candidate for consideration by the Corporate
Governance Committee;
a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and any customer, supplier or competitor of
ours;
financial and accounting experience of the candidate, to enable the Corporate Governance Committee to
determine whether the candidate would be suitable for Audit Committee membership; and
detailed information about any relationship or understanding between the proposing shareholder and the
candidate.
Shareholders may submit nominations to our Corporate Secretary, Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312
Steinhausen, Switzerland. Unsolicited recommendations must contain all of the information that would be required in a
proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of the candidate as a director. The extent to which the Corporate
Governance Committee dedicates time and resources to the consideration and evaluation of any potential nominee brought
to its attention depends on the information available to the Corporate Governance Committee about the qualifications and
suitability of the individual, viewed in light of the needs of the Board of Directors, and is at the Corporate Governance
Committee’s discretion. The Corporate Governance Committee evaluates the desirability for incumbent directors to
continue on the Board of Directors following the expiration of their respective terms, taking into account their contributions
as Board members and the benefit that results from the increasing insight and experience developed over a period of time.
Although the Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for director recommended by shareholders, it
may determine not to recommend that the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors may determine not to, nominate
those candidates for election to the Board of Directors.
In addition to recommending director nominees to the Corporate Governance Committee, any shareholder may,
in compliance with applicable requirements, nominate directors for election at annual general meetings of the shareholders.
For more information on this topic, see “Other Matters.”
Executive and Director Compensation Process. Our Compensation Committee has established an annual process
for reviewing and establishing executive compensation levels. An outside consultant, Pay Governance LLC, retained by
the Compensation Committee has provided the Compensation Committee with relevant market data and alternatives to
consider in determining appropriate compensation levels for each of our executive officers. Pay Governance has served as
the Compensation Committee’s outside consultant since February 2011. Our Chief Executive Officer also assists the
Compensation Committee in the executive compensation setting process. For a more thorough discussion of the roles,
responsibilities and process we use for setting executive compensation, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
Director compensation is set by the Board of Directors upon a recommendation from the Compensation
Committee. Since 2015, director compensation is also subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s annual general
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meetings. Each calendar year, the Compensation Committee reviews the compensation paid to our directors to be certain
that it is competitive in attracting and retaining qualified directors. The Compensation Committee has used its outside
consultant, Pay Governance LLC, to gather data regarding director compensation at (1) certain similar size companies in
the general industry, as well as (2) the same peer group of companies generally utilized in the consideration of executive
compensation, as set forth in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Based upon its review of the data and its own
judgment, the Compensation Committee develops a recommendation for consideration by the Board of Directors. If
serving as director on the Board of Directors, our Chief Executive Officer receives no additional compensation for such
service.
Process for Communication by Shareholders and Interested Parties with the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors has established a process whereby interested parties may communicate with the Board of Directors and/or with
any individual director. Interested parties, including shareholders, may send communications in writing, addressed to the
Board of Directors or an individual director, c/o the Corporate Secretary, Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312
Steinhausen, Switzerland. The Corporate Secretary will forward these communications, as appropriate, to the addressee
depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. The Board of Directors has directed the
Corporate Secretary not to forward certain items, such as: spam, junk mailings, product inquiries, resumes and other forms
of job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations. Additionally, the Board of Directors has advised the Corporate
Secretary not to forward material that is illegal or threatening, but to make the Board of Directors aware of such material,
and may request it be forwarded, retained or destroyed at the Board of Directors’ discretion.
Policies and Procedures for Approval of Transactions with Related Persons. The Board of Directors has a written
policy with respect to related person transactions pursuant to which such transactions are reviewed, approved or ratified.
The policy applies to any transaction in which (1) the Company is a participant, (2) any related person has a direct or
indirect material interest and (3) the amount involved exceeds U.S. $120,000, but excludes any transaction that does not
require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee, with assistance from the Company’s
General Counsel, is responsible for reviewing, approving and/or ratifying any related person transaction.
To identify related person transactions, each year we distribute and require our directors and officers to complete
questionnaires identifying transactions with us in which the officer or director or their immediate family members have an
interest. Quarterly, our directors and officers must re-affirm in writing that the information previously provided in their
questionnaires remains accurate and complete, and provide updates regarding any related person relationships that may
have arisen. Our Code of Integrity further requires that an executive officer inform the Company when the executive
officer’s private interest interferes or appears to interfere in any way with our interests. In addition, the Board of Directors’
Corporate Governance Guidelines require that a director must immediately inform the Board of Directors or the Chairman
of the Board of Directors in the event that a director believes he or she has an actual or potential conflict with our interests.
Furthermore, under our Organizational Regulations, a director must disclose and abstain from voting with respect to
matters that feature unresolved conflicts of interest.
Under our related persons transaction policy, the Audit Committee considers all relevant facts and circumstances
available, including the related persons involved, their relationship to the Company, their interest and role in the
transaction, the proposed terms of the transaction (including expected aggregate value and value to be derived by the
related person), the benefits to the Company, the availability to the Company of alternative means or transactions to obtain
like benefits and the terms that would prevail in a similar transaction with an unaffiliated third party. For related person
transactions that do not receive prior approval from the Audit Committee, the transactions are submitted to the Audit
Committee to consider all relevant facts and circumstances and, based on its conclusions, evaluate all options, including,
but not limited to, ratification, amendment or termination of the transaction. Since the beginning of 2017, there were no
related person transactions where such policies and procedures were not followed.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions. From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Miller served as the Executive
Chairman of NOW Inc. (NYSE: DNOW). We regularly procure equipment and services from NOW Inc., at arm’s length
terms and within the ordinary course of business. In 2017, our purchasing activity with NOW Inc. represented less than
2% of that company’s reported gross revenue for such period.
In connection with our acquisition of Songa Offshore completed earlier this year, Mr. Mohn acquired beneficial
ownership of $355,813,000 aggregate principal amount of Transocean Inc.’s 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023,
including exchangeable bonds acquired by Perestroika AS (an entity affiliated with Mr. Mohn) as part of our private
exchange offers undertaken to refinance certain of Songa Offshore’s previously outstanding indebtedness. These
exchangeable bonds bear interest at an annual rate of 0.5%, payable semiannually, and are exchangeable into shares of
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Transocean Ltd. at any time at the option of the holder. In connection with our acquisition of Songa Offshore, we also
entered into a registration rights agreement with certain affiliates of Asia Research & Capital Management and Perestroika
AS, each of whom is one of our significant stockholders. This registration rights agreement provides them with certain
customary registration rights over the exchangeable bonds they received as part of our private exchange offers undertaken
to refinance certain of Songa Offshore’s previously outstanding indebtedness and, in the case of Perestroika AS, any shares
and exchangeable bonds that Perestroika AS received in the acquisition as a former shareholder of Songa Offshore or that
it may acquire in the future.
Director Attendance at Annual General Meeting. We expect all of our directors to attend the 2018 Annual General
Meeting. At the 2017 Annual General Meeting, all directors then serving on the Board of Directors were in attendance.
Board Meetings and Committees
During 2017, the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd. held four meetings. The Board of Directors and the
committees of the Board of Directors met at least once a quarter and the quarterly meetings generally occurred over a
period of two days. Each of our directors attended at least 80% of the meetings following their election, including meetings
of committees on which the director served.
The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, Finance, Corporate Governance, and Health, Safety
and Environment Committees. As noted above, the charters for these committees may be found on our website at:
www.deepwater.com by selecting the Governance page in the Investors section dropdown. In addition, the Board of
Directors may from time to time form special committees to consider particular matters that arise.
Compensation Committee. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in
(1) developing an appropriate compensation program and benefit package for (a) members of the Executive Management
Team (as defined below), (b) persons defined as “officers” pursuant to section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, and (c) any
other person whose compensation is required to be disclosed by applicable securities laws and regulations (collectively,
the “Specified Executives”) and members of the Board of Directors; and (2) complying with the Board of Directors’ legal
and regulatory requirements as to Board member and Specified Executives compensation in order to facilitate the
Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified individuals in a system that aligns compensation with the
Company’s business performance. The authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include, among
others, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
annually review and recommend to the Board of Directors for submission to and ratification by the
shareholders pursuant to Swiss law and our Articles of Association the maximum aggregate amount of
compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team for the period between the
Annual General Meeting at which ratification is sought and the next Annual General Meeting;
annually review and recommend to the Board for submission to and ratification by the shareholders the
maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Specified Executives and each member of the Board
for the fiscal year commencing after the Annual General Meeting at which ratification is sought;
select appropriate peer groups and market reference points against which the Company’s Board of
Directors and executive compensation is compared;
annually recommend focus areas for our Chief Executive Officer for approval by members of our Board of
Directors who meet our independence and experience requirements;
annually review, with participation of our full Board of Directors, our Chief Executive Officer’s
performance in light of our established focus areas;
annually set our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation based, as appropriate, upon his performance
evaluation together with competitive data and subject to shareholder ratification requirements pursuant to
our Articles of Association and applicable law;
administer our long-term incentives plans, Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan, Deferred
Compensation Plan, and any other compensation plans or arrangements providing for benefits primarily to
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members of the Board of Directors and executive officers in accordance with goals and objectives
established by the Board of Directors, the terms of the plans, and any applicable rules and regulations;
consider and make recommendations to the Board of Directors, with guidance from an outside
compensation consultant, concerning the existing Board of Directors and executive compensation programs
and changes to such programs;
consider, with guidance from an outside compensation consultant, and approve the material terms of any
employment, severance, termination or other similar arrangements (to the extent permitted by applicable
law and our Articles of Association) that may be entered into with members of the Board of Directors and
Specified Executives; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee shall not recommend and the
Board of Directors shall not authorize “single-trigger” change of control agreements for any of our officers
or directors;
assess the risks, with the assistance of external resources as the Compensation Committee deems
appropriate, of the Company’s compensation arrangements applicable to members of the Board of
Directors and the Specified Executives; and
retain and approve the fees of legal, accounting or other advisors, including any compensation consultant,
employed by the Committee to assist it in the evaluation of executive and director compensation.
•
•
•
•
See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for a discussion of additional responsibilities of the Compensation
Committee.
The Compensation Committee may delegate specific responsibilities to one or more individual committee
members to the extent permitted by law, NYSE listing standards and the Compensation Committee’s governing
documents. The Compensation Committee may delegate all or a portion of its powers and responsibilities with respect to
the compensation plans and programs described above and in our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” to one or more
of our management committees; provided, that the Compensation Committee retains all power and responsibility with
respect to awards granted to our Board members and executive officers. The Chief Executive Officer has been delegated
authority to grant equity awards under the Company’s long-term incentives plans to new and existing employees of the
Company, excluding executive officers and other officers above the Vice President level, provided that such awards shall
not exceed U.S. $5,000,000 in grant value per calendar year in aggregate and no such individual award shall exceed U.S.
$350,000 in grant value.
The Compensation Committee has delegated to a subcommittee composed of its chairman and at least one
additional committee member the authority to approve interim compensation actions resulting from promotions,
competitive realignment, or the hiring of new executive officers (excluding the Chief Executive Officer), including but
not limited to establishing annual base salary, annual bonus targets, long-term bonus targets and the grant of equity awards,
subject to any required vote of the shareholders. The Compensation Committee has also delegated authority to the Chief
Executive Officer to, upon termination of service of an employee of the Company (excluding executive officers and other
officers at or above the Senior Vice President level), accelerate vesting of awards granted under the Company’s long-term
incentives plans and to extend exercisability of options for a period of up to one year, but not beyond the original exercise
period. The Compensation Committee has further delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to determine whether
an individual is disabled and/or to set applicable criteria for making such determination for purposes of the Company’s
long-term incentives plans. The Compensation Committee is notified of compensation actions made by the Chief
Executive Officer or the subcommittee at the meeting following the end of each calendar quarter in which such actions are
taken.
The current members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Tan, Chairman, and Messrs. Curado and Intrieri.
Martin B. McNamara was also a member of the Compensation Committee prior to his retirement from the Board of
Directors on January 30, 2018. The Compensation Committee met four times during 2017.
Finance Committee. The Finance Committee approves our long-term financial policies, insurance programs and
investment policies. It also makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the Company’s dividend policy,
securities repurchase actions, the issuance and terms of debt and equity securities and the establishment of bank lines of
credit. In addition, the Finance Committee approves the creation, termination and amendment of certain of our employee
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benefit programs and periodically reviews the status of these programs and the performance of the managers of the funded
programs.
The current members of the Finance Committee are Mr. Muller, Chairman, and Messrs. Barker, Intrieri and
Merksamer. Ms. Chang also served on the Finance Committee in 2017 and continued this service until February 8, 2018,
when she accepted a new assignment on the Corporate Governance Committee. The Finance Committee met four times
during 2017.
Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to the Board
of Directors with respect to the nomination of candidates for election to the Board of Directors, how the Board of Directors
functions and how the Board of Directors should interact with shareholders and management. It also develops and
recommends to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, coordinates the
self-evaluation of the Board of Directors and its committees, and reviews the qualifications of and proposes to the Board
of Directors candidates to stand for election at the next general meeting of shareholders.
The current members of the Corporate Governance Committee are Mr. Intrieri, Chairman, Mr. Deaton and Ms.
Chang, who became a member of the Committee on February 8, 2018. Mr. McNamara was also a member and the chair
of the Corporate Governance Committee prior to his retirement from the Board of Directors on January 30, 2018. The
Corporate Governance Committee met four times during 2017.
Health, Safety and Environment Committee. The Health, Safety and Environment Committee assists the Board
of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to oversee the Company’s management of risk in the areas of health, safety
and the environment. The Health, Safety and Environment Committee reviews and discusses with management the status
of key environmental, health and safety issues. Additionally, the Health, Safety and Environment Committee regularly
evaluates Company policies, practices and performance related to health, safety and environmental issues and guides
strategy decisions to promote company goals and compliance with applicable rules and regulations. The Health, Safety
and Environment Committee in 2013 assumed additional responsibility to oversee the Company’s implementation of
certain requirements of the Consent Decree by and among the U.S. Department of Justice and certain of the Company’s
affiliates. The Health, Safety and Environment Committee has required the Company to provide, and reviews, regular
reports regarding compliance with all aspects of the Consent Decree.
The current members of the Health, Safety and Environment Committee are Mr. Deaton, Chairman, and Messrs.
Merksamer, Muller and Tan. Mr. Mohn also joined the Health, Safety and Environment Committee on February 8, 2018.
The Health, Safety and Environment Committee met four times during 2017.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending the selection, retention and termination
of our independent registered public accountants and our auditor pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations to the Board
of Directors and to our shareholders for their approval at a general meeting of shareholders. The Audit Committee is
directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of our independent registered public accountants and our auditor
pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations. The Audit Committee further advises as necessary in the selection of the lead
audit partner. The Audit Committee also monitors the integrity of our financial statements and the independence and
performance of our auditors and their lead audit partner and reviews our financial reporting processes. The Audit
Committee reviews and reports to the Board of Directors the scope and results of audits by our independent registered
public accounting firm, our auditor pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations and our internal auditing staff and reviews
the audit and other professional services rendered by the accounting firm. It also reviews with the accounting firm the
adequacy of our system of internal controls. It reviews transactions between us and our directors and officers for disclosure
in the proxy statement, our policies regarding those transactions and compliance with our business ethics and conflict of
interest policies.
The Board of Directors requires that all members of the Audit Committee meet the financial literacy standard
required under the NYSE rules and that at least one member qualifies as having accounting or related financial
management expertise under the NYSE rules. In addition, the SEC has adopted rules requiring that we disclose whether
or not the Audit Committee has an “audit committee financial expert” as a member. An “audit committee financial expert”
is defined as a person who, based on his or her experience, possesses all of the following attributes:
•
an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;
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•
•
•
•
the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for
estimates, accruals, and reserves;
experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth of
complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and level of complexity of
issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements, or experience actively
supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and
an understanding of audit committee functions.
The person must have acquired such attributes through one or more of the following:
•
•
•
•
education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public
accountant or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar
functions;
experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public
accountant, auditor or person performing similar functions;
experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the
preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or
other relevant experience.
The current members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Barker, Chairman, Ms. Chang, Mr. Curado and Mr. Mohn,
who joined the Audit Committee on February 8, 2018. The Audit Committee met eight times during 2017.
The Board of Directors has reviewed the criteria set by the SEC and determined that each of the current members
of the Audit Committee is “financially literate” and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” In addition, the
Board of Directors has determined that each of the current members of the Audit Committee qualifies under NYSE rules as
having accounting or related financial management expertise. Mr. Barker is a chartered accountant, served as an audit
partner in an accounting firm and served as the Vice Chairman-U.K. of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 2008 to 2011.
Ms. Chang was previously partner in charge of Corporate Finance for KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. Mr. Curado is the Chief
Executive Officer of Ultrapar S.A. and he has significant risk management and compliance experience.
In addition to Mr. Barker’s membership on the Audit Committee, he also serves on the audit committees of
Berkley Group Holdings plc and Aviva plc. Pursuant to NYSE rules, the Board of Directors has determined that Mr.
Barker’s service on the audit committees of such companies would not impair his ability to effectively serve on the
Company’s Audit Committee.
In addition to Ms. Chang’s membership on the Audit Committee, she also serves on the audit committees of
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, Edison International and certain funds advised by the Capital Group of Companies, Inc.
and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to NYSE rules, the Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Chang’s service on the audit
committees of such companies would not impair her ability to effectively serve on the Company’s Audit Committee.
Finally, NYSE rules restrict directors who have relationships with the Company that may interfere with the
exercise of their independence from management and the Company from serving on the Audit Committee. We believe
that the members of the Audit Committee have no such relationships and are therefore independent for purposes of NYSE
rules.
Director Compensation Strategy
Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for Board of Directors’ service. At
present, all of the directors except Mr. Thigpen, our President and Chief Executive Officer, are non-employees and receive
compensation for their service on the Board of Directors.
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We use a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that any compensation method should be weighted more toward
compensation in the form of equity in order to more closely align director compensation with shareholders’ interests.
In 2017, non-employee director compensation in U.S. dollars included the following fixed components:
Annual Retainer—non-employee Director
Annual Retainer—non-employee Vice Chairman(1)
Annual Retainer—non-employee Chairman
Additional Annual Retainer for Committee Chairmen
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance Committee, Finance Committee and Health, Safety and
Environment Committee
Grant of Restricted Share Units—non-employee Directors and Vice Chairman(2)
Grant of Restricted Share Units—non-employee Chairman(2)
100,000
250,000
325,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
210,000
325,000
(1) Currently, the Company does not have any director serving in a Vice Chairman role.
(2) Restricted share units are granted to each non-employee director and chairman annually and have an aggregate
value equal to U.S. $210,000 and U.S. $325,000 respectively, based upon the average of the high and low sales
prices of our shares for each of the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date of grant. The restricted share units
vest on the date first to occur of (1) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (2) the Annual General Meeting
next following the date of grant, subject to continued service through the vesting date. Vesting of the restricted
share units is not subject to any performance measures.
In addition, we pay or reimburse our directors’ travel and incidental expenses incurred for attending Board of
Directors, committee and shareholder meetings and for other Company business-related purposes.
2017 Director Compensation
In 2017, each non-employee member of the Board of Directors received the compensation described above.
At the Board of Directors meeting held immediately after the 2017 Annual General Meeting of our shareholders,
the Board of Directors granted 19,301 restricted share units to each non-employee director (other than the Chairman) and
29,871 restricted share units to the non-employee Chairman in aggregate value equal to U.S. $210,000 and U.S. $325,000,
respectively, based upon the average of the high and low sales prices of our shares for the 10 trading days immediately
prior to the date of grant (calculated at U.S. $10.88 per share). Each non-employee director is required to acquire and retain
a number of our shares and/or restricted share units at least equal in value to an amount five times the annual director
retainer. Each non-employee director’s vested restricted share units generally are not settled until the non-employee
director’s service with the Company ends.
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The following summarizes the compensation of our non-employee directors for 2017.
Name
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C. L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Martin B. McNamara
Samuel J. Merksamer
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Edward R. Muller
Tan Ek Kia
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
(U.S.$)
135,000
100,000
100,000
110,000
100,000
110,000
100,000
325,000
110,000
120,000
Stock
Awards(1)
(U.S.$)
$204,977
$204,977
$204,977
$204,977
$204,977
$204,977
$204,977
$317,230
$204,977
$204,977
Total
(U.S.$)
All Other
Compensation
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$339,977
$304,977
$304,977
$314,977
$304,977
$314,977
$304,977
$642,230
$314,977
$324,977
(1) This represents the aggregate grant-date fair value under accounting standards for recognition of share-based
compensation expense for restricted share units granted to our directors in 2017, computed in accordance with FASB
ASC topic 718. For a discussion of the valuation assumptions with respect to these awards, please see Note 16 to our
consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2017.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee, consisting of four independent directors, operates under the Audit Committee Charter as
adopted by the Board, in overseeing:
(i)
the integrity of the financial reporting process resulting in the Company’s financial statements;
(ii)
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
(iii)
the independence, qualifications and performance of the Company’s independent registered accountants,
Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”); and
(iv)
the performance of the internal audit function.
The Committee complied in 2017 with all of the requirements described in its Charter, which is available on the
Governance page of the Company’s website: www.deepwater.com.
The Board has determined that all the members of the Committee are independent, in accordance with the SEC
definition, are financially literate and qualify as Audit Committee Financial Experts, as defined by SEC rules.
Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process, including the
integrity and objectivity of the financial statements. The Committee:
• Reviewed the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting processes, including internal controls
over financial reporting;
• Discussed with EY and management the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Annual
Report;
• Discussed various matters with EY, including matters required by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board’s (“PCAOB”) “Communications with Audit Committees”;
• Reviewed and discussed with EY its report on internal control over financial reporting;
• Oversaw the Company’s internal audit function, including the performance of the Vice President, Internal
Audit, internal audit plan, budget, resources and staffing;
• Oversaw the Company’s Legal, Compliance and Ethics program, including helpline calls and
investigations, and employee code of conduct; and
• Recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2017, be included in the annual report on Form 10-K filing with the SEC.
The Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the independent registered
accountant in accordance with SEC, PCAOB and the Swiss Code of Obligations. The Committee considered several
factors in determining whether to reappoint EY as the Company’s independent registered accountant, such as:
• Qualifications including industry expertise, knowledge of the Company’s processes, and experience of the
audit team;
• Performance including quality of communication, professional skepticism;
•
Independence;
• Length of service, which began in 1999;
P-46
• Results from PCAOB inspections; and
• EY’s internal quality control and tone at the top.
The Committee approves annually the scope, plans and fees for the annual audit, taking into consideration several
factors including a breakdown of the services to be provided, proposed staffing, changes in the Company and industry
from the prior year. The fee approval process balances the audit scope and hours required for a high-quality audit and
driving efficiencies from both the Company and EY while compensating EY fairly. The Audit Committee pre-approved
all audit related and non-audit related services.
Agendas for Audit Committee meetings are developed with input from the Committee, management, the Vice
President, Internal Audit and EY. The Committee met eight times in 2017 with regular executive sessions with EY and
management, including the Vice President, Internal Audit and the Chief Compliance Officer.
Members of the Audit Committee:
Glyn A. Barker, Chairman
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Frederik W. Mohn
P-47
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Listed below are the only persons who, to the knowledge of the Company, may be deemed to be beneficial owners,
as of March 12, 2018, of more than 5% of the Company’s shares.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Perestroika AS
Statminister Michelsensvei 38
5320 Paradis, Norway
Frederik W. Mohn
Statminister Michelsensvei 38
5320 Paradis, Norway
Asia Research & Capital Management
Ltd.
21/F, Shanghai Commercial Bank
Tower
12 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
67,740,289(2)
Percent of
Class(1)
13.68%
47,996,841(3)
9.76%
35,420,304(4)
33,344,970(5)
7.69%
7.24%
(1) The percentage indicated is based on 460,506,997 Company shares deemed to be outstanding as of March 12, 2018.
(2) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 5, 2018, by Mr. Frederik W.
Mohn and Perestroika AS and open market purchases known to the issuer on or before March 12, 2018. According
to the filings, Mr. Mohn has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with regard to 43,856 shares (which consists
of (a) 22,148 shares and 18,000 shares issuable upon the exchange of $185,000 aggregate principal amount of
Exchangeable Bonds, in each case individually owned by Mr. Mohn, and (b) 2,054 shares and 1,654 shares issuable
upon the exchange of $17,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds, in each case individually owned
by Mr. Mohn’s spouse) and shared voting power and shared dispositive power with Perestroika with regard to
67,696,433 shares (which consists of 33,096,351 shares and 34,600,082 shares issuable upon the exchange of
$355,611,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds, in each case owned by Perestroika).
(3) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2018 by Asia Research &
Capital Management Ltd. According to the filing, Asia Research & Capital Management has sole voting power and
sole dispositive power with regard to 47,966,841 shares, which consists of 16,777,850 shares and 31,218,991 issuable
upon exchange of $320,861,000 of Exchangeable Bonds.
(4) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 30, 2018, by BlackRock, Inc.
According to the filing, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with regard to 33,768,833 shares, and sole dispositive
power with regard to 35,420,304 shares.
(5) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 8, 2018, by The Vanguard
Group. According to the filing, The Vanguard Group has sole voting power with regard to 205,652 shares, shared
voting power with regard to 45,538 shares, sole dispositive power with regard to 33,122,538 shares and shared
dispositive power with regard to 222,432 shares.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The table below shows how many shares each of our directors and nominees, each of the Named Executive
Officers included in the summary compensation section below and all directors and executive officers as a group
beneficially owned as of March 12, 2018.
Shares
Subject to
Right to
Acquire
Beneficial
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
John B. Stobart
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Frederik W. Mohn(4)
Edward R. Muller
Tan Ek Kia
All of directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons) 34,058,327 35,874,241 69,932,568 14.09%
Ownership(2)
342,295
96,696
135,706
73,972
62,204
40,712
46,454
40,712
46,454
35,952
46,688
52,882
33,120,553 34,619,736 67,740,289 13.68%
Shares
Owned(1)
372,255
178,666
167,825
60,480
51,634
11,748
3,700
0
1,000
0
0
0
Percent of
Class(3)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
59,191
50,222
65,838
50,222
6,647
0
*
*
Total
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(3)
714,550
275,362
303,531
134,452
113,838
52,460
50,154
40,712
47,454
35,952
6,688
52,882
* Less than 1%.
(1) The business address of each director and executive officer is c/o Transocean Management Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen,
Switzerland. None of the shares beneficially owned by our directors or executive officers are pledged as security.
(2) Includes shares that may be acquired within 60 days from March 1, 2018, through the exercise of options held by Messrs. Thigpen (228,510),
Mey (96,696), Stobart (135,706), Davis (73,972), Long (62,204), and all directors and executive officers as a group (721,453). Also includes
vested restricted share units held by Messrs. Thigpen (113,785), Barker (40,712), Curado (40,712), Deaton (46,454), Intrieri (35,952),
Merksamer (46,688), Miller (52,882), Muller (59,191) and Tan (50,222), and Ms. Chang (46,454) and all directors and executive officers as
a group (533,052).
(3) As of March 12, 2018, each listed individual (with the exception of Mr. Mohn) and our directors and executive officers as a group (excluding
Mr. Mohn) beneficially owned less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding shares.
(4) Mr. Mohn has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with regard to 43,856 shares (which consists of (a) 22,148 shares and 18,000
shares issuable upon the exchange of $185,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds, in each case individually owned by Mr.
Mohn, and (b) 2,054 shares and 1,654 shares issuable upon the exchange of $17,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds, in
each case individually owned by Mr. Mohn’s spouse) and shared voting power and shared dispositive power with Perestroika with regard to
67,696,433 shares (which consists of 33,096,351 shares and 34,600,082 shares issuable upon the exchange of $355,611,000 aggregate
principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds, in each case owned by Perestroika).
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides an overview and analysis of Transocean’s executive
compensation program and policies, material compensation decisions for 2017, and the key factors we considered in
making those decisions. It includes specific information about the compensation paid, earned or granted to the following
persons who constitute our Named Executive Officers for 2017:
•
Jeremy D. Thigpen, President and Chief Executive Officer
• Mark L. Mey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
•
John B. Stobart, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Performance Officer
• Howard E. Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Information Officer
• Brady K. Long, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the term “Executive Officer” is as defined by Rule
3b-7 of the Exchange Act, and the term “Executive Management Team” refers to designations made by the Board of
Directors under Swiss law and the Company’s organizational documents with respect to Messrs. Thigpen, Mey and
Stobart.
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Executive Summary
Our executive compensation program reflects our commitment to best practices in compensation governance and
strongly aligning pay with Company performance while allowing us to attract and retain highly qualified executives. The
program is designed to motivate our executives to achieve important business objectives and to reward them for creating
long-term value for our shareholders by delivering superior financial, safety and operational performance.
We feel strongly that our executive compensation program includes features that effectively align the interests of
our senior management with those of our shareholders and excludes features that may result in misalignment. Important
features of our executive compensation programs and practices are provided in the following table:
What We Do
What We Don’t Do
(cid:53) Conduct an annual review of our compensation
strategy, including a review of our compensation-
related risk profile
(cid:58) Allow our executives to hedge, sell short or hold
derivative instruments tied to our shares (other than
options issued by us)
(cid:53) Mandate meaningful share ownership requirements for
our executives
(cid:58) Allow our executives or directors to pledge Company
shares
(cid:53) Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the
forfeiture, recovery or adjustment of incentive
compensation paid to executives due to a material
misstatement of financial results
(cid:58) Have pre-arranged individual severance agreements
or special change-in-control compensation
agreements with any Executive Officers; however, to
the extent permitted under Swiss law, our executives
are eligible for severance and change-in-control
provisions pursuant to our policies
(cid:53) Base annual and long-term incentive payments on
quantitative, formulaic metrics
(cid:58) Provide gross-ups for severance payments
(cid:53) Maintain compensation plans that are weighted
significantly toward variable pay to align our executive
compensation with long-term shareholder interests
(cid:58) Guarantee salary increases, non-performance based
bonuses or unrestricted equity compensation
(cid:53) Link long-term incentive compensation to relative
performance metrics to incent strong performance
(cid:58) Provide any payments or reimbursements for tax
equalization
(cid:53) Deliver at least 50% of long-term incentives in
performance-based equity awards
(cid:58) Pay dividend equivalents on performance units that
have not vested
(cid:53) Retain an independent consultant who does not
perform any services for management (i.e., retained by
and reports to our Compensation Committee)
(cid:53) Maintain double trigger change-in-control provisions
(cid:58) Offer executive perquisites
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2017 Business Overview
Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The
Company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business. Transocean operates one
of the most versatile high-specification drilling fleets in the world, with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh
environment drilling services.
Although we remain in a downturn for the drilling sector, we delivered strong business results in 2017, through
financial discipline and efficient operations, while maintaining a constant focus on the safety of our workforce and our
environment. The business highlights below demonstrate the Company’s commitment to near-term performance, while
preparing for the ultimate recovery in this market.
As of February 19, 2018, Transocean owns, or has partial ownership interests in, and operates a fleet of 47 mobile
offshore drilling units consisting of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters, 12 harsh environment semisubmersibles, two deepwater
semisubmersibles and six midwater semisubmersibles. In addition, the Company has two ultra-deepwater drillships under
construction. The Company also operates two high-specification jackups that were under drilling contracts when the rigs
were sold, and the Company will continue to operate these jackups until completion or novation of the drilling contracts.
Over the past six months, we added two new contract-backed, ultra-deepwater drillships to our fleet: the
Deepwater Pontus and the Deepwater Poseidon. Both drillships have 10-year contracts with Shell in the U.S. Gulf of
Mexico, and represent some of the most technically capable rigs in the world. Additionally, in 2017, we agreed with Jurong
Shipyard to enhance our two remaining newbuild drillships that are under construction by increasing the hook load
capacities to an industry-best three million pounds. We also opportunistically upgraded the ultra-deepwater drillship
Discoverer India by adding a second annular to the BOP stack, converting the rig to DP-3 station-keeping from DP-2 and
making the rig Managed Pressure Drilling capable.
In 2017, we announced an agreement to acquire Songa Offshore SE, adding seven semisubmersibles to our fleet
including four high-specification, harsh environment CAT-D rigs – the Equinox, Endurance, Encourage, and Enabler –
on long-term contracts with Statoil. This transaction closed on January 30, 2018.
Further, we reactivated four floaters, all associated with new contracts, from either a warm or cold-stacked
condition. We also strengthened our fleet by announcing the retirement of nine older, less-competitive assets, including
five ultra-deepwater rigs, which were unlikely to be marketable going forward.
Despite challenging market dynamics, we executed many new contracts in 2017, adding U.S. $873 million in
contract backlog, an increase of approximately 70% from 2016. We converted a large percentage of our 2017 backlog to
cash, with strong operational performance, as measured by our Uptime rate of 96.8%. As of February 19, 2018, our
combined Company backlog, including Songa Offshore, totaled U.S. $12.8 billion, more than twice the nearest competitor.
In 2017, we continued to drive operational excellence through improvements in safety and drilling efficiency.
We delivered the lowest Total Recordable Incident Rate in the Company’s history, and achieved 11 consecutive months
in 2017 without a Lost Time Incident. When added to 2016’s performance, we achieved a Company record 20 consecutive
months without a Lost Time Incident across our global fleet.
We executed additional supplier contracts with Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”). These new OEM
agreements cover some of the most critical equipment on our rigs and support our goals of reducing operating costs and,
more importantly, continuing to improve equipment reliability.
We continued to strengthen our liquidity and financial position, executing multiple financing transactions. In
2017, we issued approximately U.S. $1.2 billion of debt maturing in 2022 and 2026, while retiring U.S. $1.8 billion of
debt with maturities between 2017 and 2020. Additionally, we removed approximately $1 billion of shipyard obligations
with the sale of our five uncontracted jackups under construction. These actions, along with our outstanding operational
performance, positioned us with U.S. $3.0 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31,
P-52
2017, and a U.S. $3 billion undrawn, unsecured revolving credit facility, providing significant liquidity during this industry
downturn and preserving strategic optionality and shareholder value.
Given Transocean’s long history as an industry-leading provider of offshore drilling services, we believe that we
have the experience and financial discipline necessary to effectively manage our business throughout the cycles and deliver
long-term value to our shareholders. With better visibility of improving market fundamentals, we continue to take the
necessary actions to maintain our position as well as strategically position Transocean to benefit from the recovery ahead.
As illustrated in the chart below, the equity market valuations of offshore drillers reflect these market conditions.
Relative Performance of Crude Oil; Offshore Drillers; OSX Index
20%
10%
0%
-10%
-20%
-30%
-40%
-50%
-60%
Avg Other Peers (33.6%)
Brent 17.7%
OSX Index (18.6%)
RIG (27.5%)
Executive Compensation Philosophy, Strategy and Design
The primary goal of our compensation program is to align pay with performance. The program is also designed
to attract, motivate and retain superior executive talent in the geographic locations necessary to support our global
operations. We accomplish these goals by providing our executives with a competitive compensation package that rewards
performance against specific, identified financial, strategic and operational goals that the Committee believes are critical
to the Company’s long-term success and the achievement of sustainable long-term total returns to our shareholders.
In administering our executive compensation program, we are guided by the following principal objectives:
•
positioning elements of total direct compensation, in the aggregate for our executive team, at
approximately the median of our peer companies;
•
•
aligning annual incentive compensation with financial and strategic objectives; and
rewarding absolute share price appreciation and relative performance in TSR through long-term equity
incentive awards.
We deliver the vast majority of executive pay as performance-based, “at-risk” incentive compensation, which is
designed to balance short-term periodic results and long-term multi-year success of the Company and to build long-term
P-53
shareholder value without excessive risk-taking. We believe the approach achieves our objective of aligning pay and
performance.
2017 Target Compensation: CEO
88% Variable, At-Risk Pay
2017 Target Compensation: All Other NEOs
82% Variable, At-Risk Pay
Long-Term Incentive
74%
Base Salary
12%
Non-Equity Incentive
14%
Long-Term Incentive
67%
Base Salary
18%
Non-Equity Incentive
15%
Relationship Between Target and Realizable Pay
Our compensation philosophy features the alignment of the interests of our Executive Officers with those of our
shareholders by basing the majority of compensation on achieving desired performance outcomes. Accordingly, the actual
total compensation values received by our Executive Officers, in recent years, have ranged from below to above targeted
and competitive market levels. Below-target results have been driven by the lack of appreciation in the Company’s share
price and below-target total shareholder return relative to our peers, whereas more recent above-target results reflect our
disciplined approach to the market downturn and our recent outperformance of competitors in the offshore drilling sector.
The Summary Compensation Table reflects the grant-date fair value for share awards, as required. However, we
believe that realizable pay provides a better picture of the amounts actually earned. In particular, we note there have been
no payouts under our performance-based unit program over six of the last seven performance cycles, and the majority of
outstanding stock options are currently underwater. The more recent, in-process long-term performance cycles, however,
reflect our superior performance relative to our offshore drilling peers, although these performance cycles remain at risk
until their conclusion.
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The graph below illustrates the effect of our performance-based compensation programs on the total
compensation of our Chief Executive Officer.
$7,753,499
$7,870,492
$8,151,252
$6,776,473
$6,790,296
$5,765,442
n
o
i
t
a
s
n
e
p
m
o
C
$9,000,000
$8,000,000
$7,000,000
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
2015
Target
Comp
Value at
12/31/2017
2016
Target
Comp
Value at
12/31/2017
2017
Target
Comp
Value at
12/31/2017
2015 (Thigpen)
2016 (Thigpen)
2017 (Thigpen)
Base
Annual Bonus
Long-Term Incentives
At Risk PSUs
(1) Realized/realizable pay is defined as the compensation delivered or deliverable for each year calculated as of the end of the
fiscal year, including: salary received, amounts actually paid under the annual incentive plan, payouts received under the
performance unit plan (PSU) or, for performance periods still in progress, amounts that would be receivable if the PSU
performance period ended 12/31/2017, the intrinsic (“in-the-money”) value of the stock options granted in the applicable year,
and the value of time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”).
(2) The value of stock options, PSUs and RSUs was calculated as of 12/29/2017 (the last trading day of the year).
(3) Figures for Mr. Thigpen for 2015 (hired in April 2015) represent partial year base pay and annual bonus target and exclude
cash sign-on award and replacement RSU award in consideration of forfeited equity awards from his previous employer.
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2017 Compensation Program Overview
The Company continued to reinforce the alignment between pay and performance with our executive
compensation programs and compensation award levels for 2017.
In recognition of the industry downturn, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”)
carefully considered appropriate 2017 target compensation opportunities for our Named Executive Officers. Working
closely with its independent compensation consultant, the following executive compensation actions were implemented
for our Named Executive Officers:
• Freeze on base salaries for 2017, marking a three-year freeze on base salary;
• Freeze on target annual cash bonus opportunities for 2017, marking a three-year freeze on annual target
bonus opportunities;
• Cap on performance share payouts, including the 2017 - 2019 performance period, in the event of negative
absolute total shareholder return (TSR) performance;
• Abolished all executive perquisites, including financial planning, annual physicals and club memberships,
effective January 1, 2017; and
• With the relocation of one of our Named Executive Officers to the United States, no expatriate benefits are
being paid to our Named Executive Officers.
These compensation actions reflect the industry downturn and our focus on good governance, while maintaining
prudently designed, competitive compensation packages for our Named Executive Officers.
Executive Compensation Setting
We believe that our executive compensation program must be regularly reviewed to ensure that we provide the
opportunity for each of our Named Executive Officers to receive competitive compensation without providing an incentive
for excessive risk-taking. The Committee annually reviews the total compensation and each component of compensation
that may be paid or awarded to each of our Named Executive Officers and compares the total compensation and each
component of compensation as follows:
• externally against the opportunities and amounts paid to executive officers holding comparable positions at
companies with which we compete for executive talent; and
• internally for purposes of ensuring internal equity and taking individual performance, skills, and experience
into account.
We assess our compensation programs to ensure they are appropriately aligned with our industry sector and
among companies in other industries of comparable size, international scope and organizational complexity. We also seek
to provide a direct link between pay and the enhancement of shareholder value while achieving our vision and business
strategy.
The Committee employs two peer groups for setting executive compensation. The “Compensation Peer Group”
is used to assess the competitiveness of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, and the “Performance Peer
Group” is used to evaluate the relative TSR performance of the Company.
Compensation Peer Group
We compete for executive talent across many different sectors around the world. However, our primary
competitive market generally includes other companies in the energy industry (oil and gas companies, offshore drilling
companies and other energy services companies). In making compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers,
each element of their total direct compensation is compared against published and publicly available compensation data.
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The Compensation Peer Group for 2017 comprised the following companies:
• Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
• Apache Corporation
• Baker Hughes Incorporated
• Canadian Natural Resources Limited
• Chesapeake Energy Corporation
• Devon Energy Corporation
• Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
• Encana Corporation
• Ensco plc
• EOG Resources, Inc.
• Halliburton Company
• Marathon Oil Corporation
• Nabors Industries Ltd.
• National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
• Noble Corporation plc
• Noble Energy, Inc.
• Petrofac Limited
• Seadrill Limited
• TechnipFMC plc
• Weatherford International Ltd.
Considering the current industry downturn, and in consultation with the Committee’s external compensation
consultant, the 2018 compensation peer group has been modified. Our peer group review considered revenue size and
market capitalization, both industry standard measures in developing compensation peer groups, to ensure continued
alignment. Four larger revenue-sized companies including Baker Hughes, a GE company, Canadian Natural Resources,
EOG Resources and Halliburton Company have been removed from the 2018 compensation peer group. Three companies
more comparable to the Company in revenue size, including Hess Corporation, McDermott International and Murphy Oil
Corporation, have been added to the compensation peer group. The net effect of these changes to the 2018 peer group
composition reduces the average revenue size and market capitalization, thereby creating enhanced alignment with the
Company’s current scope.
In addition, we consider the compensation practices of general non-energy industry peers of comparable size and
international scope in setting executive compensation levels and use general industry data as a secondary market reference
to ensure that a comprehensive view of the market is considered. These non-energy general industry peers are expected to
vary from year-to-year based on changes in the marketplace and the availability of published survey data for companies
that meet the defined size, international scope and organizational structure criteria.
Our target market position is determined based on the data believed to be most relevant for a given position. For
example, the Compensation Peer Group data are weighted more heavily for most positions, whereas general industry data
are also considered for executives overseeing corporate functions. However, in accordance with our pay-for-performance
philosophy, the Compensation Peer Group data is the primary reference for assessing short-term and long-term incentive
compensation levels.
Performance Peer Group
The Committee establishes the Performance Peer Group used to evaluate the Company’s total shareholder return
relative to that of companies considered to be direct business competitors and competitors for investment capital.
Beginning in 2016, the Committee refined the Performance Peer Group to focus on drillers to better align with our strategic
business objectives, and we maintained this focus in 2017. While the competition for executive talent spans a broader
market as defined above in the Compensation Peer Group section, our Performance Peer Group is specific to those
companies with expertise in technically demanding offshore drilling operations. The Performance Peer Group for 2017
consists of:
• Atwood Oceanics, Inc.
• Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
• Ensco plc
• Noble Corporation plc
• Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
• Pacific Drilling S.A.
• Rowan Companies Inc.
• Seadrill Limited
• Subsea 7 SA
We will continue to assess the composition of the Performance Peer Group for 2018 and beyond with focus on
the impact of the current industry downturn and resulting consolidation.
P-57
Executive Compensation Components
Our executive compensation program is designed to meet the objectives of our “pay for performance” philosophy
by linking a significant portion of each executive’s compensation to both Company and individual performance.
The following table summarizes the purpose and key characteristics of each of the primary components of our
executive compensation program.
Compensation Element
Purpose
Key Characteristics
Base Salary
Annual Cash Bonus
Long-Term Incentive
– Performance Units
Long-Term Incentive
- Restricted Share
Units
Long-Term Incentive
- Non-Qualified Stock
Options
Expatriate Benefits
Provide a base level of income,
targeting the market median for
executive talent. Individual
circumstances may result in
certain positions above or below
market median.
Fixed compensation. Reviewed
annually and adjusted as
appropriate.
Motivate executives to achieve our
short-term business objectives and
reward contributions toward the
achievement of pre-established
performance goals.
Align the interests of our
Variable compensation. Based on
corporate performance compared
to pre-established performance
goals. Award potential ranges
from 0% to 200% of target.
Variable compensation. The
executives with those of our
shareholders by creating a direct
correlation of realized pay to key
value drivers and increased
shareholder return relative to
performance peers over the long
term.
Motivate executives to contribute
to long-term increases in
shareholder value, build executive
ownership and retain executives
through multi-year vesting.
number of earned units is based
on total shareholder return
relative to performance of
drilling industry peers during
three-year performance periods.
Earned units can range from 0%
to 200% of target.
Variable compensation. Long-
term award with ratable vesting
over three years that provides a
direct correlation of realized pay
to shareholder value.
Motivate executives to contribute
Variable compensation. Long-
to long-term increases in
shareholder value, build executive
ownership and retain executives
through multi-year vesting.
Assist expatriate executives with
part of the additional burden of an
overseas posting. As of May 2017,
none of our Named Executive
Officers were on an expatriate
assignment.
term award with ratable vesting
over three years that provides a
direct link to stock price
appreciation.
Fixed compensation. Provided to
expatriate executives to assist
with living expenses (e.g.,
housing, dependent education,
cost of living differentials and
automobile allowances).
Indirect compensation elements
consisting of health and welfare
plans and other broad-based
employee benefit plans.
Other Compensation
Provide benefits that promote
employee health and welfare and
assist executives in carrying out
their duties and increasing
productivity.
Post-Employment
Retain executives by providing a
Fixed compensation. Severance
measure of financial security in the
event an executive’s employment is
terminated without cause.
benefits, to the extent
permissible under Swiss law, are
provided pursuant to the
Executive Severance Policy and
are not payable in the event of a
termination for cause or a
voluntary resignation without
good reason.
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In assessing the reasonableness of the total direct compensation of the Named Executive Officers, particularly
the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, the Committee considered the amount and mix of compensation provided
as a direct link to creating sustainable long-term shareholder value, achieving our vision and business strategy, and
advancing the core principles of our compensation philosophy and objectives without excessive risk.
Base Salary
Our Named Executive Officers receive base salaries constituting a basic level of compensation for services
rendered during the year. The base salaries of our Named Executive Officers are determined by the Committee upon each
officer’s initial hire and reviewed based on a promotion or other change in job responsibility. Each base salary is also
reviewed by the Committee annually thereafter, both individually and, for internal pay equity purposes, relative to other
Executive Officers. Base salary adjustments are made to reflect our desired position in the competitive market.
As part of its base salary review, the Committee considers input from our Chief Executive Officer (except with
respect to his own compensation), competitive compensation from our Compensation Peer Group and other survey data,
job responsibilities, individual performance, and expected future contributions of each Named Executive Officer. The
Committee also considers input from its compensation consultant within the framework of the Company’s compensation
philosophy and objectives.
In February 2017, the Committee, in consideration of the industry downturn, and with consultation from its
external compensation consultant, elected to freeze base salaries for Named Executive Officers, resulting in no 2017
increases over the 2016 base salaries. Further, salaries were also frozen in 2016 at the 2015 levels. As a result, there have
been no increases to base salaries for our Named Executive Officers since 2015.
The following base salaries in U.S. dollars were approved by the Committee for the individuals listed below.
Executive
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Stobart
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
Annual Performance Bonus
2017 Base Salary
1,000,000
760,000
670,000
550,000
525,000
Increase over 2016
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Our Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”) is a formulaic, goal-driven plan that provides
participants, including the Named Executive Officers, with the opportunity to earn annual cash bonuses based on
performance as measured against predetermined performance objectives. Individual target award levels, expressed
as percentages of the participants’ base salaries, are established by the Committee at the beginning of the year. The target
award opportunities under the Bonus Plan, when combined with base salaries, are intended to position the participants to
earn total cash compensation approximating competitive market median levels. Individual awards correlate to company
performance, so the executives achieve above-target awards only when the Company achieves above-target performance.
Further, the bonus opportunity is capped at a maximum payout level as noted below.
Under the Bonus Plan for 2017, each Named Executive Officer had a potential payout range of 0% to 200% of
his individual target award opportunity. The Committee established a 2017 target bonus opportunity for each of the
following Named Executive Officers at the same target opportunity as established for 2016 and 2015. The 2017 target
bonus opportunity for each Named Executive Officer, expressed as a percentage of base salary, is as follows:
Executive
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Stobart
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
Bonus Target
120%
85%
100%
75%
70%
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2017 Bonus Structure
The annual cash bonus structure is designed with a focus on financial, operational and safety performance. These
three focus areas have a direct line of sight to annual company operational and financial results while maintaining a strong
focus on personnel, industrial and environmental safety. During the industry downturn, driven largely by low commodity
pricing beyond the Company’s control, this annual bonus structure is designed to focus on those areas where we can
differentiate ourselves from our competitors and be well-positioned to outperform the competition in the market recovery.
The design of each measure, relative weighting, and construction of our threshold-target-maximum payout range,
incorporate the Company’s 2017 business plan, our 2016 performance results and a focus on continuous improvement.
The following chart compares the 2017 bonus structure measures and relative weightings compared to the 2016 bonus
plan structure. This 2017 bonus structure further sharpens the focus on personnel safety as measured through Total
Recordable Incident Rate and increases the relative weight applied to key financial results as measured through EBITDA.
Each of the 2017 bonus plan measures is defined and discussed in more detail below.
Bonus Performance Measure
SAFETY (Total Recordable Incident Rate)
SAFETY (Operational Integrity/Process Safety)
SAFETY (Dropped Object Potential Severity)
UPTIME
EBITDA
Total Bonus Structure
2016
Weighting
2017
Weighting
10%
10%
5%
25%
50%
100%
20%
--
--
20%
60%
100%
Safety Performance
Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and we are strongly committed to protecting our personnel,
our property and our environment. Our goal is expressed in our safety vision of “an incident-free workplace all the time,
everywhere.” Encouraged by the continuous improvement demonstrated in the Dropped Object Potential Severity rate and
Operational Integrity performance during 2016, the safety component of the 2017 bonus structure has evolved from the
three safety measures found in the 2016 bonus plan to a single measure focused on Total Recordable Incident Rate
(“TRIR”). However, to maintain focus on Operational Integrity, the 2017 TRIR measure includes a formulaic calibration
wherein the TRIR year-end result is reduced by 25% for any Tier 1 Operational Integrity event (see definition below).
Developing Our Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) Target
TRIR is a safety performance metric recognized by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration and
is used by companies across an array of industries. We calculate TRIR based upon the guidelines set forth by the industry’s
International Association of Drilling Contractors (the “IADC”). The IADC methodology calculates TRIR by taking the
aggregate number of occurrences of work-related injuries or illnesses that result in any of the following: death; a physician
or licensed health care professional recommending days away from work due to an injury or illness; an employee not being
able to perform all routine job functions (but not resulting in days away from work); or any other medical care or treatment
beyond minor first aid. The TRIR is the number of such occurrences for every 200,000 employee hours worked.
The Committee approved a TRIR target for 2017 of 0.39. In setting this target, the Committee received input
from the Board’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Committee, comprised of fellow independent directors. Values
above and below this target were calculated in accordance with the chart below, with outcomes falling between the two
boundaries interpolated on a straight-line basis:
TRIR Outcome to Target
Maximum = 0.33
Target = 0.39
Minimum = 0.44
Bonus Payout
200%
100%
0%
Any TRIR outcome representing a result of 0.44 or greater would result in a 0% bonus payout for the TRIR
measure. TRIR results of 0.33 or less would result in a payout of 200% for the TRIR measure. As noted above, the year-
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end TRIR payout would be reduced by 25% for any Tier 1 Operational Integrity event experienced during the year.
Further, the Committee evaluates whether to use negative discretion in response to unforeseen, extraordinary
circumstances in considering overall bonus results.
In setting the 2017 TRIR threshold-target-maximum values, the Committee considered the following:
1. Two successive years, 2015 and 2016, represented the best TRIR results in the Company’s history (2015
TRIR was 0.42, followed by 0.34 in 2016).
2. As with any continuous improvement initiative, the law of diminishing marginal productivity increasingly
challenges improvement in safety results as the Company aspires to be an incident-free workplace.
3. Consideration of anticipated increased rig activations in 2017, accompanied by increased hiring and the need
to train these new hires in the Company’s safety programs and processes. The Committee recognized this
increased activity would challenge the Company’s ability to maintain our record setting level of continuous
safety performance improvement.
With consideration given to these factors, the Committee approved the 2017 TRIR target at 0.39, approximating
the average of the Company’s outstanding trailing two-year results noted above. The Committee considered this to be an
aggressive target in light of the anticipated increase in rig activity, increased hiring and necessary safety training
requirements.
In setting the threshold and maximum values, the Committee applied a 15% range above and below the target of
0.39. This range created a minimum, or entry point, of 0.44 demonstrating continuous improvement over the 2016 range
minimum. This stretch resulted in a maximum value of 0.33 representing continuous improvement compared to the 2016
range maximum and an enhancement over the 2016 actual TRIR result of 0.34.
Further, the Committee recognized the impact of Operational Integrity on personnel safety. Operational Integrity
is an internally developed safety measure designed to prevent, or mitigate the impact of, a significant event. We use
industry standard definitions of significant events, which include:
(cid:121) Fire, explosion, release of a hazardous substance with serious injury or fatality
(cid:121) Major structural damage
(cid:121) Serious injuries/fatalities
(cid:121) Uncontrolled release of hazardous fluids
Consistent with our 2016 bonus plan design, a Tier 1 event, as defined in the Company’s Health and Safety
Policies and Requirements, is the most serious Operational Integrity event, requiring immediate and potentially significant
Company time and resources to rectify.
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Measuring Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) Results
Our TRIR outcome for 2017 was 0.18, exceeding maximum performance as compared to target and representing
the best formulaic result in the Company’s history. This result is outstanding, particularly considering the Company hired
approximately 1,300 offshore personnel during 2017, which brought with it the challenge of training each new employee
on the Company’s safety culture.
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
Total Recordable Incident Rate
0.18
TARGET
Payout Scale
Actual TRIR
0.40
0.35
0.30
This resulted in a formulaic result of 200% of target for the TRIR metric and a formulaic result for this measure
of 40% of the total target bonus opportunity for each of the Named Executive Officers, which was reduced in the
Committee’s discretion as described below in the section titled Actual Bonus Plan Compensation for 2017.
Financial Performance
Developing Our EBITDA Target
For the 2017 bonus plan, the Committee determined the financial metric Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”), a commonly accepted measure of financial performance, to be the most
appropriate measure to align with the Company’s financial objectives. EBITDA was weighted at 60% of the total 2017
annual bonus plan opportunity. The use of EBITDA is consistent with the 2016 bonus plan, but refined to reflect our
increased weighting applied to financial performance and an updated range (i.e., Threshold – Target – Maximum) that was
consistent with our 2017 business plan. Attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement is a reconciliation of EBITDA, a
non-GAAP financial measure, to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
We believe EBITDA represents a holistic view of the Company’s financial performance in current market
conditions. The measure reflects the complete revenue and cost cycle in our business. EBITDA is an objective performance
measure commonly used among our drilling company peers and is a financial indicator transparent and familiar to our
shareholders.
In establishing the 2017 bonus plan EBITDA target and range, the Committee considered the Company’s 2017
financial plan. Threshold and maximum performance outcomes were then set based on the potential for decreases or
increases to financial outcomes tied to dynamic market conditions. While the 2017 EBITDA target was set below the 2016
actual financial result, the target reflected the reality of the continuing industry downturn and related financial challenges.
EBITDA Target
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Achievement (MM-$)
1,180
1,360
1,540
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Measuring EBITDA Results
2017 EBITDA results were pressured given the challenging industry environment, driven mainly by continued
weak demand for rigs and declining contract dayrates. However, a strong focus on cost management, including stacking
costs, combined with outstanding revenue efficiency for deployed rigs and effective contract management, resulted in
actual EBITDA results exceeding the target for this measure.
EBITDA (MM)
$1,420
TARGET
Payout Scale
Actual EBITDA (MM)
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
$1,180
$1,280
$1,380
$1,480
$1,580
EBITDA results achieved 133% of target, and a formulaic result for this measure of 80% of the total target bonus
opportunity for each of the Named Executive Officers.
Operational Performance
Developing Our UPTIME Target
In 2016, Uptime was identified as the operational performance measure that would best align with our customers’
interests, and we elected to maintain this measure for 2017. This measure represented 20% of the 2017 total target annual
bonus opportunity, reinforcing the importance of maintaining excellence in our rig operations. We believe that Uptime is
the best measure of operational efficiency, which is imperative to our customers.
While Uptime is a common operational metric in our industry, there is no standard industry definition or reporting
structure for it. As a result, the Company has developed its own definition, and that definition recognizes the key
impediments to Uptime: equipment failures and human performance errors.
Uptime is measured as operating hours, minus downtime, expressed as a percentage. Operating hours are defined
as the number of hours a rig is engaged in a contract. Downtime is defined as the number of hours the rig is not engaged
in drilling activities, resulting from mechanical failure or human performance error. Using this formula, zero mechanical
failures and human performance errors would result in a rig operating at 100% Uptime. Downtime events detract from
optimal performance and have a direct negative impact on the customer’s operational plan.
In setting the threshold-target-maximum range for this measure, the mathematical differential of 3% from
threshold to maximum is significant considering the total number of operating hours during a calendar year (e.g.,
approximately 196,000 hours of operation in 2017).
The Committee approved the following Uptime target for 2017:
Uptime Target
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Achievement
94.0%
95.5%
97.0%
In setting the 2017 Uptime target, the Committee considered the Company’s outlook for 2017, which featured:
(i) two newbuilds commencing operations; (ii) five idle rigs returning to activity; (iii) the need to hire new personnel to
staff the newbuilds and reactivations; and (iv) shorter contract durations, resulting in more rig mobilizations. These factors
led the Committee to conclude that the risk of equipment failure and human performance errors – i.e., the two determinants
of downtime – were elevated for 2017, compared to 2016. Nonetheless, the Committee did not feel comfortable lowering
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the threshold-target-maximum range it established in 2016. Instead, it elected to maintain the 2016 range, recognizing that
achieving the target would be difficult and, thus, would be consistent with its desire to require continuous improvement.
Measuring Uptime Results
Based on this high level of operational efficiency, we achieved 96.8% Uptime performance in 2017. This
incremental 1.3% above target performance, equates to approximately 2,550 hours, or 106.3 days, of additional operational
productivity across the fleet, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and higher earnings.
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
Uptime
96.8%
TARGET
Payout Scale
Actual Uptime
94%
95%
96%
97%
This achievement result represents 189% of target, and a weighted payout result of 38% of the total target bonus
opportunity for each of the Named Executive Officers.
Actual Bonus Plan Compensation for 2017
Based on the performance measures described above and using the pre-determined weightings assigned to each
measure by the Committee, the formulaic bonus outcome for each of our Named Executive Officers was 158% of the
targeted bonus opportunity under the Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan for 2017. The components of this total
bonus payout under the Cash Bonus Plan for 2017 are as follows:
Performance
Measure
Safety
EBITDA
Uptime
Total
Threshold
Payout
Target
Payout
Maximum
Payout
0%
0%
0%
20%
60%
20%
40%
120%
40%
Actual
Achievement
40%
80%
38%
158%
A strict application of the Cash Bonus Plan for 2017 would have resulted in a payout of 158% of the targeted
bonus opportunity for each of our Named Executive Officers. However, the Committee remains mindful of its authority
to exercise discretion to avoid outcomes that are inconsistent with the purposes of the Plan. These outcomes can be caused
by unforeseen, extraordinary circumstances that arise during the year. One such circumstance arose in December 2017,
when a personnel safety incident occurred on a rig operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. While the incident is already
included in the TRIR calculation for 2017, the Committee evaluated the incident qualitatively, with input from the Board’s
HSE Committee. This cross-functional engagement led the Committee to conclude that the incident justified a reduction
in the final actual bonus outcome for each Named Executive Officer from 158% to 138%. This result reiterates our
unwavering commitment to working toward a “zero incident” safety culture.
While the bonus result of 138% of target falls well below the 2016 bonus result of 166% of target, the annual
results of the last two years demonstrate a strong commitment to operational, financial and safety performance during the
prolonged and challenging industry downturn.
For specific award amounts, see “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table” below.
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Long-Term Incentives
We establish competitive long-term incentive (“LTI”) opportunities for our Named Executive Officers that
motivate them to increase total shareholder return, align the interests of participants with those of shareholders, and vary
in the actual value based on the Company’s actual total shareholder return and share price performance.
To provide an appropriate balance of incentives tied to performance, three types of long-term equity instruments
were used in 2017: Performance Units, Restricted Share Units and Non-Qualified Stock Options. The weighting of each
instrument in our LTI program was as follows:
Long-Term Incentive Pay Mix
Performance Share Units: 50%
Restricted Share Units: 25%
Stock Options: 25%
This LTI mix is designed to ensure that a minimum of 50% of the total weighting is applied to the Performance
Units. Restricted Share Units are included in the incentive mix to reinforce a direct relationship to the shareholder
experience. Stock Options only deliver value to the executive when the Company’s share price exceeds the strike price on
the option. All three equity instruments are also designed to be retentive in nature through multi-year performance and
vesting periods.
The following LTI awards were delivered to our Named Executive Officers in 2017 and 2016.
Named Executive Officer
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Stobart
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
2016 LTI Fair Value
U.S.$
5,553,499
2,327,183
2,337,755
1,745,381
1,388,378
2017 LTI Fair Value
U.S.$
5,951,252
2,570,951
2,580,454
2,047,241
1,904,399
Increased 2017 equity grant values, relative to 2016 grant values, were based on the Committee’s review of
relevant market data, the performance of each Executive Officer and the need for retention of key executive talent. The
forms of equity awards made to our Named Executive Officers are discussed in greater detail below.
Performance Share Units (PSU)
The target value of the 2017 PSU grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was approximately 50% of
each officer’s total 2017 LTI award target value.
Each PSU represents one share and is earned based on performance over a three-year cycle from January 1, 2017
through December 31, 2019. Performance is determined by comparing the Company’s TSR performance relative to the
Company’s Performance Peer Group over the three-year performance cycle.
In constructing this performance equity plan, the Committee considered the value of including an absolute
financial measure; however, after a thorough review of market conditions and the substantial challenges in setting absolute
financial measures as long-term incentive goals, the Committee concluded that a single measure of relative TSR within
the 2017 Performance Peer Group offered the best shareholder alignment and best supported the Company’s strategic
objective of becoming the undisputed leader in offshore drilling.
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In further recognition of the importance of shareholder alignment, the Committee capped the earning of PSUs at
target if the Company’s absolute TSR during the performance period is less than negative 15%. We set the cap at this level
to ensure that management does not benefit disproportionately from shareholder returns that are more than marginally
negative.
Actual results at the completion of the three-year performance cycle will be determined by the following ordinal
ranking of TSR performance:
Company Ranking
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
% of Target Performance Units
200%
175%
150%
125%
100%
83%
67%
50%
0%
0%
Upon completion of the 2017 - 2019 PSU performance cycle, the Committee will determine final payout levels,
and PSUs will be distributed to the Named Executive Officer, along with a cash payment equal to any dividends or
equivalents accrued during the performance cycle for earned and vested shares.
Restricted Share Units (RSU)
The target value of the 2017 RSU grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was approximately 25% of
each officer’s total 2017 LTI award target value.
Time-vested RSUs were granted to all Named Executive Officers as part of the 2017 annual long-term incentive
grants. Each RSU represents one share and vests over a three-year schedule (ratably one-third each year), contingent upon
continued service.
Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSO)
The target value of the 2017 NQSO grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was approximately 25% of
each officer’s total 2017 LTI award target value.
Time-vested NQSOs were granted to each Named Executive Officers as part of the 2017 LTI grants. Each NQSO
represents the option to purchase one share and vests over a three-year schedule (ratably one-third each year), contingent
upon continued service.
Realized Long-Term Incentive Compensation for 2017
In 2018, the Committee evaluated the Company’s performance for the three-year performance period from
January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, and determined the Company’s performance to be 158.3% of target. This
result represents only the second payout in the last eight performance cycles for the Company, with the other payout
achieved in 2017 for the 2014 – 2016 performance cycle.
This performance plan consisted of two measures, equally weighted at 50% of the total award opportunity. The
two measures included relative TSR as measured against a performance peer group, and Return on Capital Employed
(ROCE) during the first year of the three-year performance cycle. Final measurement for this performance cycle included
ROCE results at maximum performance. Actual ROCE financial results are not disclosed due to the proprietary nature of
this information in establishing the Company’s competitive position in the market. With respect to relative TSR, the
Company ranked 5 of 12 against performance peer companies, resulting in performance slightly above target for this
measure. The two measures combined resulted in the 158.3% of target performance outcome.
However, when considering the Company’s share price decline during the 2015 - 2017 period, the 158.3%
achievement level translates to approximately 98% of target in realizable value on the date the Committee approved the
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payouts compared to the expected target value at grant. Considering the value of RSUs and NQSOs are also directly related
to share price, the realizable value delivered through the performance plan, combined with the other equity awards,
reinforces the designed linkage between the executive’s delivered compensation and changes in share value.
Beginning with the 2016 three-year performance plan, and replicated again in the 2017 three-year performance
plan, the Company has removed ROCE from the plan design and created a single relative TSR measure for enhanced
shareholder alignment.
Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers
Employment agreements with our Executive Management Team comply with the Minder Ordinance, which
prohibits the payment of severance benefits to members of the Executive Management Team. Other than the individual
compensation terms applicable for each executive, the same basic form of employment agreement was used for Named
Executive Officers with employment agreements.
Expatriate Benefits
For our Named Executive Officers who accept an international assignment, we have provided certain expatriate
benefits, including housing, car, cost of living allowances and educational expenses for dependent children. These benefits
were designed to help defray the significant expense associated with expatriation. Beginning in 2014, the Named Executive
Officers ceased to be eligible for tax protection or tax equalization on these expatriate benefits. At the beginning of 2017,
Mr. Stobart was the only Named Executive Officer receiving the above-mentioned expatriate benefits. In May 2017, Mr.
Stobart repatriated to the United States, at which time all expatriate benefits ceased. As a result, the company currently
has no Named Executive Officers receiving the above-mentioned expatriate benefits.
The types and values of these expatriate benefits received in 2017 by Mr. Stobart are included in the Summary
Compensation Table under “All Other Compensation” and described in the notes to that table.
Indirect Compensation
In addition to base salary, annual and long-term incentive compensation, we offer limited indirect compensatory
arrangements to our executives. These indirect elements of executive compensation are not performance-based and are
offered as part of the overall compensation package to ensure that the package is competitive with other companies with
which we compete for talent. Below is a summary of the indirect elements of compensation for our Named Executive
Officers.
Health, Welfare and Retirement
Our Named Executive Officers are eligible for Company-wide benefits on substantially the same basis as other
full-time employees, including savings, frozen pension, medical and life insurance benefits. Our Named Executive Officers
also receive a supplemental life insurance benefit equal to four times base salary capped at a maximum of U.S. $1 million.
In addition, we make a supplemental non-qualified defined contribution restoration plan available to employees (including
the Named Executive Officers) to compensate for benefits that otherwise would be unavailable due to U.S. Internal
Revenue Service limits on qualified plans.
Perquisites
The Committee elected to eliminate all executive perquisites for our Named Executive Officers, effective January
1, 2017.
Post-Employment Compensation
We believe that the competitive marketplace for executive talent and our desire to retain our Executive Officers
require us, subject to compliance with applicable law, to provide our Executive Officers with a severance package. Each
of our Executive Officers who are not members of our Executive Management Team is eligible to receive severance
benefits in the event we choose to terminate the Executive Officer at our convenience. Subject to Committee approval, the
benefits provided in the event of an involuntary termination under the terms of our executive severance benefit policy
include a cash severance benefit limited to 52 weeks of base salary; a pro rata share of the termination year’s award under
the Bonus Plan for such executive; treatment of long-term incentive awards under certain termination provisions as
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provided for in the terms and conditions of each award (as more fully described under “Executive Compensation—
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”); and outplacement services not to exceed 5% of the base
salary of the executive.
We also believe that the interests of our shareholders are served by including a double-trigger change-of-control
provision in the Bonus Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Plan for Named Executive Officers who would be integral to
the success of, and are most likely to be impacted by, a change of control. By requiring two triggering events to occur, we
believe that those Executive Officers who remain with us through a change of control will be appropriately focused while
those who depart because of a change of control will be appropriately compensated. The types of payments that will be
made to our executives, along with estimated values as of December 31, 2017, are described under “Executive
Compensation-Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
The Committee periodically reviews severance packages offered to the Executive Officers to ensure the benefits
are aligned with prevailing market practices. For a Named Executive Officer to receive the benefits described above, the
Named Executive Officer must first sign a release of all claims against the Company and enter into a non-competition and
confidentiality agreement covering our trade secrets and proprietary information.
The Minder Ordinance prohibits certain types of compensation payments to members of the Executive
Management Team, including severance payments in any form. Therefore, members of the Executive Management Team
are not eligible to participate in the executive severance benefits policy. Pursuant to their employment agreements,
members of the Executive Management Team must receive at least twelve months’ notice prior to a termination of
employment without cause.
Executive Compensation Governance, Policy and Practice
The Committee is responsible for the executive compensation program design and decision-making process. The
Committee solicits input from the independent members of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, other
members of management, and the independent compensation consultant to assist with its responsibilities. The following
summarizes the roles of each of the key participants in the executive compensation decision-making process.
Compensation Committee
The Committee, composed solely of members of the Board of Directors who (i) are not employees of the
Company, (ii) meet the independence requirements of the NYSE, and (iii) meet the qualifications of outside directors
under Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, is responsible for overseeing our executive compensation and
long-term incentive programs. Specifically, the Committee is responsible for:
(cid:121)
(cid:121)
(cid:121)
(cid:121)
(cid:121)
reviewing and approving the target and actual compensation paid and the benefit levels received by our
Executive Officers;
annually recommending focus areas for our Chief Executive Officer for approval by the members of our
Board of Directors who meet the independence and experience requirements set forth in the Committee
charter, annually evaluating all aspects of our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of these focus
areas (with the participation of all non-executive members of the Board of Directors), and setting our Chief
Executive Officer’s compensation based on this evaluation and after reviewing data concerning
compensation practices in the competitive market;
establishing and approving our executive compensation plans and arrangements to provide benefits to our
Executive Officers in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Company, as established by the Board
of Directors;
administering the Company’s LTI plans, including determining plan eligibility and approving individual
awards for all plan participants;
administering the Company’s Performance Award and Cash Bonus plan and approving individual awards
for all Executive Officers;
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(cid:121)
(cid:121)
considering and approving executive employment and, to the extent permissible under Swiss law, severance
agreements or other contractual agreements that may be entered into with our Executive Officers (that shall
not include “single-trigger” change-in-control agreements);
reviewing and discussing this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company’s Swiss statutory
compensation report and maximum aggregate compensation limits for the Board of Directors and members
of the Executive Management Team with our management and, based upon such review and discussion,
recommending to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the
proxy statement for our Annual General Meeting or our annual report, as applicable; and
(cid:121)
assessing the risks associated with the Company’s compensation arrangements.
During 2017 the Compensation Committee consisted of four directors: Tan Ek Kia (Chairman), Frederico F.
Curado, Vincent J. Intrieri and Martin B. McNamara. Mr. McNamara retired from the Board effective January 30, 2018.
Independent Compensation Consultant
To assist in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee engaged an independent executive compensation
consulting firm, Pay Governance LLC, which advised the Committee on executive compensation matters for 2017.
In order not to impair the independence of the Committee’s compensation consultant or create the appearance of
such an impairment, the Committee adopted a policy that any compensation consultant to the Committee may not provide
other services to the Company in excess of U.S. $100,000. Neither Pay Governance nor any of its affiliates provided the
Company with any other services in 2017. In May 2017, the Committee assessed whether the work of Pay Governance for
the Committee during 2017 raised any conflict of interest by conducting a review of several independence factors, which
included the factors set forth under Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act. The Committee concluded that no conflict of interest
was raised that would prevent Pay Governance from independently representing the Committee.
In advising the Committee, the compensation consultant reports to and acts at the direction of the Committee.
The Committee directs the compensation consultant in the performance of its duties under its engagement to provide
certain guidance on an ongoing basis, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
expertise on compensation strategy and program design;
information relating to the selection of the Company’s peer groups;
relevant market data and alternatives to consider when making compensation decisions;
assistance in establishing and updating annual and long-term incentive guidelines;
periodic reviews of the total executive compensation program; and
support and advice as the Committee conducts its analysis of and makes its decisions regarding executive
compensation.
The Committee does not necessarily adopt all recommendations given by the compensation consultant but uses
the consultant’s work as a reference in exercising its own judgment with respect to its own executive compensation actions
and decisions.
The compensation consultant participates in every meeting of the Committee and meets privately with the
Committee at the Committee’s request. Our management provides information to the consultant but does not direct or
oversee its activities with respect to our executive compensation program.
Other Advisors
From time-to-time, management engages other advisors to assist in providing advice to the Committee. Such
advisors have included, among others, an outside law firm to provide advice regarding various legal issues, financial
analysts to examine relevant performance metrics and an outside actuarial firm to evaluate benefit programs. The
Committee evaluates these advisors for independence, when retained.
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Management
Our Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the competitive pay position and the performance of each member
of senior management other than himself. Our Chief Executive Officer’s conclusions and recommendations, including
base salary adjustments and award amounts for the current year and target annual award amounts for the next year under
our Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan (other than for himself), are presented to the Committee. The Committee
makes all compensation decisions and approves all share-based awards for the Named Executive Officers and other
Executive Officers. The Committee may exercise its discretion in modifying any compensation element to any Executive
Officer, including reducing or increasing the payment amount for one or more components of such awards.
Officers and other employees in our Human Resources Department assist our Chief Executive Officer with his
recommendations and develop and present other recommendations regarding compensation to the Committee as needed.
Our officers and other employees participate in Committee discussions in an informational and advisory capacity and have
no authority in the Committee’s decision-making process.
Additional Executive Compensation Information
Use of Tally Sheets
The Committee reviews compensation tally sheets, prepared by management, that present comprehensive data on
the total compensation and benefits package for each of our Named Executive Officers. Tally sheets include all current
compensation obligations, as well as additional analyses with respect to payments at hypothetical terminations to consider
the Company’s obligations under such circumstances. The Committee does not use the tally sheets to determine the various
elements of compensation or the actual amounts of compensation to be approved but, rather, to evaluate the Company’s
obligations under the various programs.
Share Ownership Guidelines for Executives
We believe it is important for our Named Executive Officers to build and maintain an appropriate equity stake in
the Company. The Company’s share ownership guidelines for Named Executive Officers are intended to further align
executives’ interests with the interests of our shareholders. Under these guidelines, Named Executive Officers must retain
50% of any shares that vest (net of tax shares) until the ownership guidelines are met. Each of our Named Executive
Officers must own an amount of shares equivalent to the following:
CEO
Executive Vice President
Senior Vice President
Vice President
6x base pay
3x base pay
2x base pay
1x base pay
Compliance with this policy is reviewed by the Committee, and executives must certify their compliance on an
annual basis. The Committee may exercise its discretion in response to any non-compliance of this policy.
No Hedging of Company Shares
We have a policy that prohibits any of our Executive Officers and directors from holding derivative instruments
tied to our shares, other than derivative instruments that may be granted by us (e.g., stock options). Our Executive Officers
and directors are prohibited from hedging, engaging in short sales and holding our shares in margin accounts.
No Pledging of Company Shares
We have a policy that prohibits any Executive Officer or director from pledging shares issued by us.
Our Executive Officers and directors must certify compliance with the hedging and pledging provisions of our
Insider Trading Policy on an annual basis, and all have done so.
Executive Compensation Recoupment/Clawback Policy
Under the Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy, the Company is authorized to recover or adjust incentive
compensation to the extent the Committee determines that payments or awards have exceeded the amount that would
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otherwise have been received, due to a restatement of financial results or if the Committee determines that an executive
has engaged in, or has knowledge of, and fails to prevent or disclose, fraud or intentional misconduct pertaining to any
financial reporting requirement.
The Committee expects to update this policy if and when the SEC issues final rules on the recoupment of
executive compensation.
Tax Impact on Compensation
To the extent attributable to our United States subsidiaries and otherwise deductible, Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) limits the tax deduction that United States subsidiaries can take with respect
to the compensation of designated Executive Officers, unless the compensation is “performance-based.”
Under the 2017 Tax Act, effective for our taxable year beginning January 1, 2018, the exception under Section
162(m) for performance-based compensation will no longer be available, subject to transition relief for certain
grandfathered arrangements in effect as of November 2, 2017. Given the lack of regulatory guidance to date, the
Compensation Committee is not yet able to determine the full impact of the 2017 Tax Act changes to Section 162(m) on
the Company and our compensation programs.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the above Compensation
Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee
recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the above Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in
this proxy statement.
Members of the Compensation Committee:
Tan Ek Kia, Chairman
Frederico F. Curado
Vincent J. Intrieri
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Summary Compensation Table
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows the compensation paid by the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
to each of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the next three most highly compensated Executive
Officers as of December 31, 2017, who are collectively referred to herein as our Named Executive Officers.
Name and
Principal Position
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Year
2017
Salary
$
1,000,000
Bonus
$
--
Stock
Awards(1)
$
4,549,792
Option
Awards(1)
$
1,401,460
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(2)
$
1,656,000
2016
1,000,000
--
4,362,658
1,190,841
1,992,000
2015
693,182
500,000
7,990,424
--
1,164,545
Mark Mey
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
2017
760,000
2016
760,000
--
--
1,965,520
605,432
891,480
1,828,164
499,019
1,072,360
2015
449,667
500,000
5,199,332
--
540,162
John B. Stobart
Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating and Performance Officer
Howard Davis
Executive Vice President and Chief
Administrative and Information
Officer
Brady Long
Senior Vice President and General
Counsel
2017
670,000
2016
670,000
2015
670,000
2017
2016
550,000
550,000
2017
2016
525,000
525,000
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
1,972,782
607,672
924,600
1,836,467
501,289
1,112,200
1,854,320
--
1,565,136
1,371,118
482,105
374,263
938,000
569,250
684,750
1,455,930
1,090,669
448,469
297,709
507,150
610,050
Change in
Pension Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(3)
$
--
--
--
--
--
--
11,931
369
7,499
--
--
--
--
All Other
Compensation(4)
$
361,637
Total
$
8,968,889
557,568
9,103,067
548,422
10,896,573
324,235
4,546,667
508,751
4,668,294
418,116
7,107,276
512,220
4,699,205
513,909
4,634,234
666,406
4,136,225
140,804
96,981
3,307,295
3,077,112
130,817
70,624
3,067,366
2,594,052
(1) Represents the aggregate grant-date fair value under accounting standards for recognition of share-based compensation expense for the specified
year. For a discussion of the valuation assumptions with respect to these awards, please see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements
included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(2) Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation includes annual cash bonuses paid to the Named Executive Officers based on service during the year
included in the table and awarded in the following year pursuant to the Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan. The Performance Award and
Cash Bonus Plan, including the performance targets used for 2017, is described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2017 Bonus
Structure.”
(3) There are no nonqualified deferred compensation earnings included in this column because no Named Executive Officers received above-market
or preferential earnings on such compensation during 2017, 2016 or 2015.
(4) All other compensation for 2017 consists of the following:
Company
Contributions
to Savings
Plans(1)
$
Life, Health
and Welfare
Insurance
Premiums
$
Dividend
Equivalents on
Restricted Share
Unit (RSU)
$
Executive
Expatriate
Allowances and
Perquisites(2)
$
299,200
183,236
178,220
123,475
113,505
20,936
17,112
17,284
16,329
17,312
34,135
22,086
155,732
1,000
--
--
--
83,115
--
--
Expatriate
Relocation
$
7,366
101,801
77,869
--
--
All Other
Compensation
Total
$
361,637
324,235
512,220
140,804
130,817
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark Mey
John B. Stobart
Howard Davis
Brady Long
(1) All Named Executive Officers participate in the U.S. 401(k) Savings Plan and Savings Restoration Plan.
(2) Amounts include automobile and housing allowance ($45,557); cost of living allowance ($30,001); home country leave
allowances; and a 2016 financial planning benefit for Mr. Stobart.
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2017
The following table provides information concerning the annual performance bonus and long-term incentive
awards made to each of the Named Executive Officers in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Name
Jeremy Thigpen
Mark Mey
John Stobart
Howard Davis
Brady Long
Grant
Date
--
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
--
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
--
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
--
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
--
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
2/10/2017
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2)
Threshold
($)
--
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
1,200,000 2,400,000
--
646,000
1,292,000
--
670,000
1,340,000
--
412,500
825,000
--
367,500
735,000
--
--
--
--
--
187,238
374,476
80,887
161,774
81,186
162,372
64,410
128,820
59,916
119,832
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units(3)
Exercise
Price of
Option
Award(4)
$
112,897
217,618
--
13.35
48,772
94,001
--
13.35
48,952
94,359
--
13.35
38,837
74,861
--
13.35
36,127
69,638
--
13.35
Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock and
Option
Awards (5)
($)
2,499,627
1,507,175
1,400,677
1,079,841
651,106
605,092
1,083,833
653,509
607,332
859,874
518,474
481,835
799,879
482,295
448,218
(1) This column shows the amount of cash payable to the Named Executive Officers under our Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan. Actual
amounts earned by the Named Executive Officers under the plan appear in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Column of the Summary
Compensation Table. For more information regarding our Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan, including the performance targets used for
2017, see “Compensation Discussion Analysis—2017 Bonus Structure.”
(2) The February 10, 2017, performance share unit award is subject to a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2019. The actual number
of performance units received will be determined in the first 60 days of 2020 and is contingent on our performance in total shareholder return
relative to the Performance Peer Group. Any earned shares will vest on December 31, 2019. For more information regarding long-term incentives
plans, including the performance targets used for 2017 and the contingent nature of the long-term incentives granted, please see “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Incentives.”
(3) This column shows the number of time-vested restricted share units and non-qualified stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers under
the long-term incentives plans. The units and options vest in one-third increments over a three-year period commencing on March 1, 2018, and the
anniversary of the date of grant, respectively.
(4) This column shows the exercise or base price of option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers as long-term incentives.
(5) This column represents the grant-date fair value of these awards calculated in accordance with accounting standards for recognition of share-based
payment awards. The 2017 performance share unit fair value is calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation to value total shareholder return at the
share price on the grant date.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End 2017
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to outstanding equity awards at December 31,
2017, for the Named Executive Officers.
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
77,985
-
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options Not
Exercisable
155,972
217,618
Option
Exercise
Price
($/Share)
8.61
13.35
Name
Jeremy Thigpen
Mark Mey
32,679
-
65,360
94,011
8.61
13.35
John Stobart
38,597
32,828
-
65,657
94,359
59.30
8.61
13.35
Howard Davis
24,509
-
49,020
74,861
8.61
13.35
Brady Long
19,496
-
38,993
69,638
8.61
$13.35
Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
that have not
Vested (1)
(#)
Market Value of
Shares or Units of
Stock That Have
Not Vested (2)
($)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units, Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested
(#)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units,
Other Rights That
Have Not Vested (2)
($)
113,785
91,432
112,897
1,215,224
976,494
1,205,740
73,620
38,314
48,772
786,262
409,194
520,885
18,353
38,488
48,952
196,010
411,052
522,807
6,667
28,736
38,837
71,204
306,900
414,779
17,834
22,858
36,127
190,467
244,123
385,836
274,295(3)
187,238(4)
2,929,471
1,999,702
114,943(3)
80,887(4)
1,227,591
863,873
115,465(3)
81,186(4)
1,233,166
867,066
86,207(3)
64,410(4)
920,691
687,899
68,574(3)
59,916(4)
732,370
639,903
Option
Expiration
Date
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/13/2023
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
Grant/
Award
Date
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
4/22/2015
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
5/28/2015
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/14/2013
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/13/2015
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
8/17/2015
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
11/10/2015
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
(1) Represents time-vested restricted share units. Restricted share units vest in one-third increments over a three-year period.
(2) For purposes of calculating the amounts in these columns, the closing price of our shares on the NYSE on December 31, 2017, of $10.68 was used.
(3) Represents performance share units, which are subject to a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2018. The actual number of
performance shares units received will be determined in the first 60 days of 2019 and is contingent on our performance in the total shareholder
return relative to the Performance Peer Group. Any shares earned will vest on December 31, 2018. For more information regarding long-term
incentives plans, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Incentives.”
(4) Represents performance share units, which are subject to a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2019. The actual number of
performance shares units received will be determined in the first 60 days of 2020 and is contingent on our total shareholder return relative to the
Performance Peer Group. Any shares earned will vest on December 31, 2019. For more information regarding long-term incentives plans, please
see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Incentives.”
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Option Exercises and Shares Vested for 2017
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the exercise of options and the vesting of
restricted share units, as applicable, during 2017 for the Named Executive Officers.
Name
Jeremy Thigpen
Mark Mey
John Stobart
Howard Davis
Brady Long
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
--
--
--
--
--
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
--
--
--
--
--
Number of
Shares Acquired on
Vesting
(#)
159,499
92,777
82,508
21,034
29,262
Value
Realized on
Vesting (1)
($)
1,928,055
972,963
1,128,834
250,392
367,084
(1) Value realized on vesting is calculated by multiplying the closing price of our shares on the NYSE on the date of vesting multiplied by the
number of shares that vested on such date.
Pension Benefits for 2017
We maintain the following pension plans for executive officers and other employees that provide for post-
retirement income based on age and years of service:
• Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
• Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan
• Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
The following table and narrative disclosure set forth certain information with respect to pension benefits payable
to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to these plans:
Name
Plan Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Mark Mey
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
John B. Stobart
Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan
Howard Davis
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Brady Long
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Number of
Years Credited
Service
(#)
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit
($)
516,873
284,278
240,381
406,958
97,970
148,805
133,621
Payments
During
2017
($)
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
The Company maintains the Transocean Savings Restoration Plan, a nonqualified, unfunded, defined contribution
plan for key management employees who earn compensation in excess of certain limits in the Internal Revenue Code. All
Named Executive Officers participate in this plan. Effective January 1, 2017, all participants in this plan are fully vested.
The plan provides that eligible participants receive an annual contribution equal to 10% (or such other percentage as
determined by the administrative committee) of the compensation earned in a particular calendar year that is in excess of
the Internal Revenue Code limits. Compensation considered under this plan includes basic salary and annual performance
bonus. A participant must be employed on the last day of the calendar year in order to receive a contribution for a particular
year.
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Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan
The Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified pension plan. Benefit accruals under this plan were frozen
effective as of December 31, 2014. Mr. Stobart is the only the Named Executive who participates in this plan.
The purpose of the plan is to provide post-retirement income benefits to employees in recognition of their long-
term service to the Company. Benefits available to executives are no greater than those offered to non-executive
participants. The plan is funded through cash contributions made by the Company based on actuarial valuations and
regulatory requirements. Employees working for the Company in the U.S. are fully vested after completing five years of
eligible employment. Employees earn the right to receive a benefit upon retirement at the normal retirement age of 65 or
upon early retirement (age 55 or older with five years of service).
The elements of compensation included in computing the retirement benefit are basic salary and annual
performance bonuses earned prior to January 1, 2015. Retirement benefits are calculated as (i) the sum of 1% of the
employee’s compensation for each calendar year (or partial year) of employment, divided by (ii) twelve.
Certain assumptions and calculation methods were used to determine the values of the pension benefits disclosed
in the Pension Benefits Table above. In particular, monthly accrued pension benefits, payable at age 65, were determined
as of December 31, 2017. The present value of these benefits was calculated based on assumptions used in the Company’s
financial statements for 2017.
Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
The Pension Equalization Plan (“PEP”) is a nonqualified, unfunded, noncontributory pension plan that was frozen
effective December 31, 2014. Mr. Stobart is the only Named Executive with a frozen benefit in the PEP.
Certain employees are eligible to receive a benefit under the PEP if the level of their compensation prior to
January 1, 2015, would otherwise cause them to exceed the Internal Revenue Code compensation limitations imposed on
the Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan. The purpose of the PEP is to provide supplemental post-retirement income in
recognition of service to the Company. Benefits are payable upon a participant’s termination of employment, or six months
after termination in the case of certain officers.
The plan recognizes the same forms of compensation and the same formula used to calculate the plan benefit as
the Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan however, earnings are not limited to the pay cap under the Internal Revenue Code
Section 401(a)(17) ($260,000 in 2014 when the PEP was frozen). Benefits are not earned until the individual has five years
of credited service with the Company.
Certain assumptions and calculation methods were used to determine the values of the pension benefits disclosed
in the Pension Benefits Table above. In particular, monthly accrued pension benefits, payable at age 65, were determined
as of December 31, 2017. The present value of these benefits was calculated based on assumptions used in the Company’s
financial statements for 2017.
CEO Pay Ratio
Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company is required to disclose in this proxy
statement the ratio of the total annual compensation of our CEO to the median of the total annual compensation of all
employees of the Company other than the CEO.
Based on SEC rules for this disclosure and applying the methodology described below, the Company determined
that our CEO’s total compensation for 2017 was $8,968,889, and the median total 2017 compensation provided to all
employees was $111,358. Accordingly, the Company estimates the ratio of our CEO’s total compensation for 2017 to the
median compensation of all employees to be 81 to 1.
In determining the applicable median salary, we first excluded 218 of our non-U.S. employees located in India,
representing 4.9% of our workforce, a de minimis number of non-US employees as allowed under the SEC rules. Next,
for all other non-U.S. employees paid in local non-U.S. currency, salaries were denominated in U.S. dollars by applying
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applicable currency exchange rates in place on December 31, 2017. This currency exchange was necessary for comparison
to our CEO pay which is denominated in U.S. dollars. We then identified the median employee based on a tabulation of
base annual salary for all included employees on December 31, 2017, the last day of our fiscal year.
Once the median employee was identified as described above, the total annual compensation for 2017 for that
employee was determined using the same rules that apply to reporting NEO compensation in the “Total” column of the
Summary Compensation Tables.
P-78
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
The following tables and narrative disclosure set forth certain information with respect to compensation that
would be payable to the Named Executive Officers, as of December 31, 2017, upon a variety of termination or change of
control scenarios.
As of December 31, 2017, the Named Executive Officers of the Company were eligible for the executive
severance benefit policy. However, members of the Executive Management Team are further subject to the full limitations
of the Minder Ordinance regarding severance.
Voluntary Not-for-Cause Termination
Compensation Element
Pension Equalization Plan
Savings Restoration Plan
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
--
516,873
516,873
Mr. Mey
$
--
284,278
284,278
Mr. Stobart(1)
$
240,381
406,958
647,339
Mr. Davis
$
--
148,805
148,805
Mr. Long
$
--
133,621
133,621
(1) The amount of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits which would have
been payable as of December 31, 2017.
Involuntary Not-for-Cause Termination
Compensation Element
Cash Severance Payment
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation
Equity Incentive Compensation
Vested Stock Options
Unvested Stock Options(2)
Time-based Restricted Share Units(3)
Performance-based Units(4)
Pension Equalization Plan(5)
Outplacement Services
Savings Restoration Plan(5)
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
--
1,656,000
161,429
--
2,170,645
2,205,799
--
--
516,873
6,710,746
Mr. Mey
$
--
891,480
67,646
--
1,191,176
941,269
--
--
284,278
3,375,849
Mr. Stobart
$
--
924,600
Mr. Davis(1)
$
550,000
569,250
Mr. Long(1)
$
525,000
507,150
67,954
--
602,634
945,066
240,381
--
406,958
3,187,593
50,734
--
381,915
732,095
--
27,500
148,805
2,460,299
40,357
--
453,902
642,954
--
26,250
133,621
2,329,234
(1) Any involuntary not-for-cause termination as of December 31, 2017, would have been calculated under the executive severance benefit and the
Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan.
(2) The terms and conditions of the non-qualified option awards provide that upon an involuntary, not-for-cause termination, any unvested options
are canceled as of the date of termination.
(3) Upon an involuntary, not-for-cause termination, all unvested, time-based restricted shares granted prior to 2017 and a pro-rata portion granted
in 2017 would vest.
(5) Performance-based Units (PSUs) are based upon the achievement of a performance standard over a three-year period. Upon an involuntary,
not-for-cause termination, the Named Executive Officers would receive a pro-rata portion of the earned PSUs. The performance achievement
of the PSUs will be determined within 60 days of the end of each three-year performance period and the pro-rata portion of the earned PSUs is
determined based on the period of time the Named Executive Officer was employed during the performance period.
(6) The amount of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits which would have
been payable as of December 31, 2017.
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Death
Compensation Element
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation(1)
Equity Incentive Compensation
Vested Stock Options
Unvested Stock Options(2)
Time-based Restricted Share Units(2)
Performance-based Units(3)
Pension Equalization Plan(4)
Life Insurance Benefit
Savings Restoration Plan(4)
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
1,656,000
161,429
484,291
3,397,458
4,929,172
--
1,000,000
516,873
12,145,223
Mr. Mey
$
891,480
67,646
135,295
1,716,340
2,091,464
--
1,000,000
284,278
6,186,503
Mr. Stobart
$
924,600
67,954
135,910
1,129,869
2,100,233
173,637
1,000,000
406,958
5,939,161
Mr. Davis
$
569,250
50,734
101,471
792,883
1,608,590
--
1,000,000
148,805
4,271,733
Mr. Long
$
507,150
40,357
80,716
820,427
1,372,273
--
1,000,000
133,621
3,954,543
(1) Each Named Executive Officer’s beneficiary would receive the pro-rata non-equity incentive plan earned compensation for 2017. If the Named
Executive Officer died on December 31, 2017, then this pro-rata share would be equal to 100% of such Named Executive Officer's targeted
non-equity incentive compensation for 2017.
(2) Unvested stock options and RSUs vest immediately upon death.
(3) The beneficiary of each Named Executive Officer is entitled to a pro-rata portion of PSUs upon such Named Executive Officer's death.
(4) The amount of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits which would have
been payable upon death.
Disability
Compensation Element
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation (1)
Equity Incentive Compensation
Vested Stock Options
Unvested Stock Options(2)
Time-based Restricted Share Units(2)
Performance-based Units(3)
Pension Equalization Plan(4)
Disability Benefit(5)
Savings Restoration Plan
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
1,656,000
161,429
484,291
3,397,458
4,929,172
--
--
516,873
11,145,223
Mr. Mey
$
891,480
67,646
135,295
1,716,340
2,091,464
--
--
284,278
5,186,503
Mr. Stobart
$
924,600
67,954
135,910
1,129,869
2,100,233
240,381
--
406,958
5,005,905
Mr. Davis
$
569,250
50,734
101,471
792,883
1,608,590
--
--
148,805
3,271,733
Mr. Long
$
507,150
40,357
80,716
820,427
1,372,273
--
--
133,621
2,954,543
(1) The potential non-equity incentive plan compensation payments under this “Disability” scenario would be the same as contemplated under the
“Death” scenario described above.
(2) Unvested stock options and RSUs vest immediately upon disability.
(3) Each Named Executive Officer is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the PSUs upon disability.
(4) The amount of PEP benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits which would have been payable upon disability.
(5) Named Executive Officers are not eligible for any disability benefits beyond those benefits that are available generally to all salaried employees.
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Retirement
Compensation Element
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation
Equity Incentive Compensation
Vested Stock Options
Unvested Stock Options
Time-based Restricted Share Units
Performance-based Units(1)
Pension Equalization Plan(2)
Savings Restoration Plan(2)
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
1,656,000
161,429
--
2,170,645
2,205,799
--
516,873
6,710,746
Mr. Mey
$
891,480
67,646
--
1,191,176
941,269
--
284,278
3,375,848
Mr. Stobart
$
924,600
67,954
--
602,634
945,066
240,381
406,958
3,187,593
Mr. Davis
$
569,250
50,734
--
381,915
732,095
--
148,805
1,882,799
Mr. Long
$
507,150
40,357
--
453,902
642,954
--
133,621
1,777,983
(1) The treatment of PSU awards upon retirement would be the same as described under “Involuntary Not-for-Cause Termination” above.
(2) The amount of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits, which would
have been payable upon retirement.
Change of Control
Compensation Element
Cash Severance Payment
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation
Equity Incentive Compensation
Vested Stock Options
Unvested Stock Options (2)
Time-based Restricted Share Units (2)
Performance-based Units (3)
Pension Equalization Plan(4)
Outplacement Services
Savings Restoration Plan(4)
Total Potential Payments
Mr. Thigpen
$
--
1,656,000
161,429
484,291
3,397,458
4,929,172
--
--
516,873
11,145,223
Mr. Mey
$
--
891,480
67,646
202,941
1,716,340
2,091,464
--
--
284,278
5,254,149
Mr. Stobart
$
--
924,600
Mr. Davis(1)
$
550,000
569,250
Mr. Long(1)
$
525,000
507,150
67,954
203,864
1,129,869
2,100,233
240,381
--
406,958
5,073,859
50,734
152,205
792,883
1,608,590
--
27,500
148,805
3,899,966
40,357
121,072
820,427
1,372,273
--
26,250
133,621
3,546,150
(1) Any termination in connection with a change of control as of December 31, 2017, would have been calculated under the executive severance
benefit policy and the Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan.
(2) Unvested stock options and RSUs vest immediately upon a change of control termination.
(3) Each Named Executive Officer is entitled to the number of PSUs equal to the target award upon a change of control termination.
(4) The amount of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits included in the table represents the present value of those benefits which would have
been payable upon Change of Control termination.
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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity
compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders
Total
Number of Securities
to be
Issued Upon Exercise
of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(a)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(b) (U.S.$)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a))
(c)
2,753,463
—
2,753,463
34.98
—
34.98
15,823,896
—
15,823,896
(1) We may also grant restricted shares and restricted share units under our long-term incentive plans previously approved by our shareholders. At
December 31, 2017, we had 5,942,727 shares available for future issuance pursuant to grants of restricted shares and restricted share units
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
OTHER MATTERS
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors during 2017 were Tan Ek Kia, Chairman,
Frederico F. Curado, Vincent J. Intrieri and Martin B. McNamara, who retired from the Board of Directors on January 30,
2018. There are no matters relating to interlocks or insider participation that we are required to report.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Federal securities laws require the Company’s Executive Officers and directors, and persons who own more than
ten percent of the Company’s shares, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the
Company’s equity securities with the SEC. Based solely on a review of such reports furnished to the Company and written
representations that no report on Form 5 was required for 2017, the Company believes that no director, officer or beneficial
owner of more than ten percent of the Company’s shares failed to file a report on a timely basis in 2017.
Householding
The SEC permits us, under certain circumstances, to send a single set of the Notice, proxy materials, and annual
reports to any household at which two or more shareholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family. This
procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces
mailing and printing expenses.
In order to take advantage of this opportunity, we have delivered only one copy of the Notice or, if you previously
requested to receive paper proxy materials by mail, one proxy statement and annual report to shareholders who share an
address (unless we received contrary instructions from one or more of the affected shareholders prior to the mailing date).
However, if any such shareholder residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate copy of any of these documents
either now or in the future, or if any such shareholder who elected to continue to receive separate copies wishes to receive
a single copy in the future, that shareholder should send a request in writing to Investor Relations at our offices in the
United States, at 4 Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046 or by calling +1 (713) 232-7500. We will deliver, promptly
upon written or oral request to Investor Relations, a separate copy of the Notice, proxy materials or annual report, as
applicable, to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.
A number of brokerage firms have instituted householding. If your family or others with a shared address have
one or more “street name” accounts under which you beneficially own shares, you may have received householding
information from your broker/dealer, financial institution or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record
directly if you have questions, require additional copies of the proxy materials or wish to revoke your decision to household
and thereby receive multiple copies.
Proposals of Shareholders
Shareholder Proposals in the Proxy Statement. Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act addresses when a company
must include a shareholder’s proposal in its proxy statement and identify the proposal in its form of proxy when the
company holds an annual or special meeting of shareholders. Under Rule 14a-8, in order for your proposals to be
considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy card relating to our 2019 Annual General Meeting, your
proposals must be received at our principal executive offices c/o Transocean Management Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312
Steinhausen, Switzerland by no later than 5:00 p.m. Swiss time on November 20, 2018. However, if the date of the 2019
Annual General Meeting changes by more than 30 days from the anniversary of the 2018 Annual General Meeting, the
deadline is a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy materials. We will notify you of this deadline in
a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in a Current Report on Form 8-K or in another communication to you. Shareholder
proposals must also be otherwise eligible for inclusion.
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Shareholder Proposals and Nominations for Directors to be Presented at Meetings. If you desire to bring a matter
before an annual general meeting and the proposal is submitted outside the process of Rule 14a-8, you must follow the
procedures set forth in our Articles of Association. Our Articles of Association provide generally that, if you desire to
propose any business at an annual general meeting (including the nomination of any director), you must give us written
notice at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement in connection with Transocean’s last
annual general meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual general meeting is 30 calendar days before or
after the anniversary date of the last annual general meeting, such request must instead be made by the tenth day following
the date on which we have made public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting. The deadline under our
Articles of Association for submitting proposals will be 5:00 p.m. Swiss time on February 17, 2019, for the 2019 annual
meeting unless it is more than 30 calendar days before or after May 18, 2019.
In order for the notice to be considered timely under Rule 14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act, proposals must be
received no later than 5:00 p.m. Swiss time on February 17, 2019. The request must specify the relevant agenda items and
motions, together with evidence of the required shareholdings recorded in the share register, as well as any other
information required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the SEC.
If you desire to nominate directors to be presented at an annual general meeting, you must give us written notice
within the time period described in the preceding paragraph. If you desire to nominate directors to be presented at an
extraordinary general meeting at which the Board of Directors has determined that directors will be elected, you must give
us written notice by the close of business on the tenth day following our public disclosure of the meeting date. Notice for
the nomination of directors at any general meeting must set forth:
• your name and address and the name and address of the person or persons to be nominated;
• a representation that you are a holder of record of our shares entitled to vote at the meeting or, if the record
date for the meeting is subsequent to the date required for that shareholder notice, a representation that you
are a holder of record at the time of the notice and intend to be a holder of record on the date of the meeting
and, in either case, setting forth the class and number of shares so held, including shares held beneficially;
• a representation that you intend to appear in person or by proxy as a holder of record at the meeting to
nominate the person or persons specified in the notice;
• a description of all arrangements or understandings between you and each nominee you propose and any other
person or persons under which the nomination or nominations are to be made by you;
• any other information regarding each nominee you propose that would be required to be included in a proxy
statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC; and
• the consent of each nominee to serve as a director if so elected.
The Board of Directors may refuse to transact any business you propose or to acknowledge your nomination of
any person if you fail to comply with the foregoing procedures. You may obtain a copy of our Articles of Association and
Organizational Regulations, in which these procedures are set forth, upon written request to our Corporate Secretary,
Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland.
Cost of Solicitation
The accompanying proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors. The expenses of preparing,
printing and mailing the proxy and the materials used in the solicitation will be borne by us. We have retained D.F. King &
Co., Inc. (New York) to aid in the solicitation of proxies. Proxies may be solicited by personal interview, mail, telephone,
facsimile, internet or other means of electronic distribution by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive
additional compensation for those services. Arrangements also may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of shares held by those
persons, and we will reimburse them for reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with the forwarding of
solicitation materials.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements included in this proxy statement, including in the letter to shareholders and in the section entitled
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary—2017 Business Overview,” regarding future financial
performance, results of operations, liquidity, stacking of assets and the market and other statements that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of
the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including,
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but not limited to, the future prices of oil and gas, operating hazards and delays, actions by customers and other third
parties, conditions in the drilling industry and in the capital markets and those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in
the 2017 Annual Report and in our other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize
(or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual
results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
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ANNEX A – Renewal of Authorized Share Capital
Genehmigtes
Aktienkapital
1 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, das
Aktienkapital jederzeit bis zum 18. Mai
2020 im Maximalbetrag von
CHF 2’770’388.90 durch Ausgabe von
höchstens 27’703’889 vollständig zu
liberierenden Aktien mit einem Nennwert
von je CHF 0.10 zu erhöhen. Eine
Erhöhung (i) auf dem Weg einer
Festübernahme durch eine Bank, ein
Bankenkonsortium oder Dritte und eines
anschliessenden Angebots an die
bisherigen Aktionäre sowie (ii) in
Teilbeträgen ist zulässig.
2 Der Verwaltungsrat legt den Zeitpunkt
der Ausgabe, den Ausgabebetrag, die Art,
wie die neuen Aktien zu liberieren sind,
den Beginn der Dividendenberechtigung,
die Bedingungen für die Ausübung der
Bezugsrechte sowie die Zuteilung der
Bezugsrechte, welche nicht ausgeübt
wurden, fest. Nicht-ausgeübte
Bezugsrechte kann der Verwaltungsrat
verfallen lassen, oder er kann diese bzw.
Aktien, für welche Bezugsrechte
eingeräumt, aber nicht ausgeübt werden,
zu Marktkonditionen platzieren oder
anderweitig im Interesse der Gesellschaft
verwenden.
Authorized
1 The Board of Directors is authorized to
Share
Capital
increase the share capital, at any time until
May 18, 2020, by a maximum amount of
CHF 2,770,388.90 by issuing a maximum of
27,703,889 fully paid up Shares with a par
value of CHF 0.10 each. An increase of the
share capital (i) by means of an offering
underwritten by a financial institution, a
syndicate of financial institutions or another
third party or third parties, followed by an
offer to the then-existing shareholders of the
Company, and (ii) in partial amounts shall be
permissible.
2 The Board of Directors shall determine the
time of the issuance, the issue price, the
manner in which the new Shares have to be
paid up, the date from which the Shares carry
the right to dividends, the conditions for the
exercise of the preemptive rights and the
allotment of preemptive rights that have not
been exercised. The Board of Directors may
allow the preemptive rights that have not been
exercised to expire, or it may place such rights
or Shares, the preemptive rights of which have
not been exercised, at market conditions or
use them otherwise in the interest of the
Company.
3 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die
3 The Board of Directors is authorized to
Bezugsrechte der Aktionäre zu entziehen
oder zu beschränken und einzelnen
Aktionären oder Dritten zuzuweisen:
(a) wenn der Ausgabebetrag der neuen
Aktien unter Berücksichtigung des
Marktpreises festgesetzt wird; oder
(b) für die Übernahme von Unternehmen,
Unternehmensteilen oder
Beteiligungen oder für die
Finanzierung oder Refinanzierung
solcher Transaktionen oder die
Finanzierung von neuen
Investitionsvorhaben der Gesellschaft;
oder
(c) zum Zwecke der Erweiterung des
Aktionärskreises in bestimmten
Finanz- oder Investoren-Märkten, zur
Beteiligung von strategischen
Partnern, oder im Zusammenhang mit
der Kotierung von neuen Aktien an
A-1
withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the
shareholders and to allot them to individual
shareholders or third parties:
(a) if the issue price of the new Shares is
determined by reference to the market
price; or
(b) for the acquisition of an enterprise, part(s)
of an enterprise or participations, or for the
financing or refinancing of any of such
transactions, or for the financing of new
investment plans of the Company; or
(c) for purposes of broadening the shareholder
constituency of the Company in certain
financial or investor markets, for purposes
of the participation of strategic partners, or
in connection with the listing of new
Shares on domestic or foreign stock
exchanges; or
inländischen oder ausländischen
Börsen; oder
(d) für die Einräumung einer
Mehrzuteilungsoption (Greenshoe)
von bis zu 20% der zu platzierenden
oder zu verkaufenden Aktien an die
betreffenden Erstkäufer oder
Festübernehmer im Rahmen einer
Aktienplatzierung oder eines
Aktienverkaufs; oder
(e) für die Beteiligung von Mitgliedern
des Verwaltungsrates, Mitglieder der
Geschäftsleitung, Mitarbeitern,
Beauftragten, Beratern oder anderen
Personen, die für die Gesellschaft
oder eine ihrer Tochtergesellschaften
Leistungen erbringen.
(d) for purposes of granting an over-allotment
option (Greenshoe) of up to 20% of the
total number of Shares in a placement or
sale of Shares to the respective initial
purchaser(s) or underwriter(s); or
(e) for the participation of members of the
Board of Directors, members of the
Executive Management Team, employees,
contractors, consultants or other persons
performing services for the benefit of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries.
4 Die neuen Aktien unterliegen den
Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das
Aktienbuch von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser
Statuten.
4 The new Shares shall be subject to the
limitations for registration in the share register
pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of these Articles
of Association.
A-2
ANNEX B - TRANSOCEAN LTD. 2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Plan. Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the “Company”), established this Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (this “Plan”), effective as of May 15, 2015 (the “Effective Date”).
2. Objectives. This Plan is designed to attract and retain employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to attract and
retain qualified non-employee directors of the Company, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such employees
and directors and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the
Company and its Subsidiaries. These objectives are to be accomplished by making Awards under this Plan and
thereby providing Participants with a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of the Company and its
Subsidiaries.
3. Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the following respective meanings:
“Award” means the grant of any Option, Share Appreciation Right, Share-Based Award or Cash Award, any of
which may be structured as a Performance Award, whether granted singly, in combination or in tandem, to a
Participant pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in
accordance with the objectives of this Plan.
“Award Agreement” means the document (in written or electronic form) communicating the terms, conditions
and limitations applicable to an Award. The Committee may, in its discretion, require that the Participant
execute such Award Agreement or may provide for procedures through which Award Agreements are made
effective without execution.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cash Award” means an Award denominated in cash.
“Change of Control” means:
(i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Exchange Act) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of the Company (the “Outstanding
Company Shares”) or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided,
however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of
Control: (1) any acquisition directly from the Company, (2) any acquisition by the Company, (3) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any
corporation or other entity controlled by the Company or (4) any acquisition by any corporation or other entity
pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (x) and (y) of subsection (iii) of this definition; or
(ii) Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any
reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that for purposes of this definition any
individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by
the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the
Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but
excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an
actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or
threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii) Consummation of a scheme of arrangement, reorganization, merger, demerger, conversion or consolidation
or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”),
in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (x) all or substantially all of the individuals and
entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Shares and Outstanding
Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares or shares of common stock and the
combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
B-1
directors, as the case may be, of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination
(including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the
Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries)
in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of
the Outstanding Company Shares and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, and (y) at
least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the action of the Board providing for such
Business Combination; or
(iv) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, and any successor committee thereto or such
other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer this Plan in whole or in part
including any subcommittee of the Board as designated by the Board.
“Company” means Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation, or any successor thereto.
“Director” means an individual serving as a member of the Board who is not an Employee.
“Director Award” means the grant of any Award (other than an Option, SAR or Cash Award) to a Participant
who is a Director pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions, and limitations established by the Board.
“Dividend Equivalents” means, in the case of Restricted Share Units or Performance Units settled in Shares, an
amount equal to all dividends and other distributions (or the economic equivalent thereof) that are payable to
shareholders of record during the Restriction Period or performance period, as applicable, on a like number of
Shares that are subject to the Award. Dividend Equivalents may be payable in cash or in any form determined
by the Committee in its absolute discretion.
“Employee” means an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Employee Award” means the grant of any Award, whether granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, to an
Employee pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions, and limitations established by the Committee.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
“Exercise Price” means the price at which a Participant may exercise an Option or SAR.
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any day, the closing price of the Shares on such day (or on the next preceding
business day, if such day is not a business day or if no trading occurred on such day) as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange or on such other securities exchange or reporting system as may be designated by the
Committee. In the event that the price of a Share shall not be so reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall
be determined by the Committee in its absolute discretion.
“Grant Date” means the date an Award is granted to a Participant pursuant to this Plan.
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is intended to comply with the requirements set forth in Code
Section 422.
“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not intended to comply with the requirements set forth in
Code Section 422.
“Option” means a right to purchase a specified number of Shares at a specified Exercise Price, which is either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
“Participant” means an Employee or Director to whom an Award has been made under this Plan.
B-2
“Performance Award” means an Award made pursuant to this Plan to a Participant which is subject to the
attainment of one or more Performance Objectives.
“Performance Objective” means one or more standards established by the Committee to determine in whole or
in part whether a Performance Award shall be earned.
“Performance Unit” means a unit evidencing the right to receive in specified circumstances one Share or
equivalent value in cash, determined as a function of the extent to which established performance criteria have
been satisfied.
“Performance Unit Award” means an Award in the form of Performance Units.
“Prior Plan” means the Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd., as amended and restated as of February
12, 2009.
“Qualified Performance Awards” has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 8(a)(vii)(B).
“Restricted Share Award” means an Award in the form of Restricted Shares.
“Restricted Shares” means a Share that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.
“Restricted Share Unit” means a unit evidencing the right to receive in specified circumstances one Share or
equivalent value in cash that is restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.
“Restricted Share Unit Award” means an Award in the form of Restricted Share Units.
“Restriction Period” means a period of time beginning as of the date upon which a Restricted Share Award or
Restricted Share Unit Award is made pursuant to this Plan and ending as of the date upon which such Award is
no longer restricted or subject to forfeiture provisions.
“Share Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive a payment, in cash or Shares, equal to the excess
of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Shares on the date the right is exercised over a specified
Exercise Price.
“Share-Based Award” means an Award in the form of Shares, including a Restricted Share Award, a Restricted
Share Unit Award or Performance Unit Award that may be settled in Shares, and excluding Options and SARs.
“Share-Based Award Limitations” has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 5(f)(ii).
“Shares” means the registered shares, par value 15.00 Swiss francs per share, of the Company.
“Subsidiary” means any entity, including partnerships and joint ventures, in which the Company has a
significant ownership interest, as determined by the Committee.
4. Eligibility. All Employees are eligible for Employee Awards under this Plan. All Directors are eligible for Director
Awards under this Plan. The Committee (or the Board, in the case of Director Awards) shall determine the type or
types of Awards to be made under this Plan and shall designate from time to time the Employees or Directors who
are to be granted Awards under this Plan.
5. Shares Available for Awards; Award Limitations.
(a) Shares Initially Available for Awards. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 15 hereof, there shall be available
for Awards under this Plan granted wholly or partly in Shares (including rights or Options that may be exercised
for or settled in Shares) an aggregate of 19,500,000 Shares plus the shares remaining available for awards under
the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date, all of which shall be available for Incentive Stock Options. Each Share
issued pursuant to an award of Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units (including those designated as
Performance Awards) granted on or after the Effective Date shall reduce the Available Shares by 1.68.
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(b) Shares Again Available for Awards. If an Award expires or is terminated, cancelled or forfeited, the Shares
associated with the expired, terminated, cancelled or forfeited Award shall again be available for Awards under
this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Shares shall not become available for Awards under this
Plan: (i) Shares tendered by an Participant or withheld by the Company for payment of an Exercise Price, (ii)
Shares tendered by a Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy the Company’s tax withholding obligation
in connection with an Award, (iii) Shares reacquired in the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from
the exercise of Options, and (iv) Shares that are not issued to a Participant due to a net settlement of an Award.
For purposes of clarity, SARs and Options shall be counted in full against the Shares available for issuance under
this Plan, regardless of the number of Shares issued upon settlement of the SARs and Options.
(c) Prior Plan. Shares represented by awards granted under the Prior Plan that are forfeited, expired or canceled
without delivery of Shares shall again become available for Awards under this Plan, with each such Share that
relates to (i) awards of Options or SARs granted at any time or awards of Restricted Shares, Restricted Share
Units, or Performance Units granted prior to May 15, 2009, increasing the Shares available for Awards under this
Plan by 1.00 Share and (ii) awards of Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, or Performance Units granted
between May 15, 2009 and the Effective Date, increasing the Shares available for Awards under this Plan by 1.68
Shares.
(d) Substitute Awards. The foregoing notwithstanding, subject to applicable securities exchange listing requirements,
the number Shares available for Awards shall not be reduced by (x) Shares issued under Awards granted in
assumption, substitution or exchange for previously granted awards of a company acquired by the Company and
(y) available shares under a shareholder approved plan of an acquired company (as appropriately adjusted to
reflect the transaction) and such shares shall be available for Awards under this Plan.
(e) Authority. The Board and the appropriate officers of the Company shall from time to time take whatever actions
are necessary to file any required documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges and transaction
reporting systems to ensure that Shares are available for issuance pursuant to Awards.
(f) Award Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the following limitations
shall apply to any Awards made hereunder:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
No Employee may be granted during any calendar year Awards consisting of Options or SARs that are
exercisable for more than 600,000 Shares;
No Employee may be granted during any calendar year Awards that are Share-Based Awards covering
or relating to more than 600,000 Shares (the limitation set forth in this clause (ii), together with the
limitation set forth in clause (i) above, being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Share-Based
Award Limitations”);
No Employee may be granted during any calendar year Awards that may be settled solely in cash having
a value determined on the Grant Date in excess of $5,000,000; and
No Director may be granted during any calendar year Director Awards having a value determined on
the Grant Date in excess of $1,000,000.
Shares delivered by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued Shares (Shares
issued out of the Company’s authorized or conditional share capital), Shares held in the treasury of the Company, Shares
purchased on the open market or by private purchase or any combination of the foregoing.
6. Administration.
(a) Authority of the Committee. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan with respect to actions or determinations
by the Board, this Plan shall be administered by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) any and all members
of the Committee shall satisfy any independence requirements prescribed by any stock exchange on which the
Company lists its Shares; (ii) Awards may be granted to individuals who are subject to Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act only if the Committee is composed solely of two or more “Non-Employee Directors” as defined
in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 (as amended from time to time, and any successor rule,
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regulation or statute fulfilling the same or similar function); and (iii) any Award intended to qualify for the
“performance-based compensation” exception under Code Section 162(m) shall be granted only if the Committee
is composed solely of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Code Section l62(m) and regulations
pursuant thereto. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Committee shall have full and exclusive power and
authority to administer this Plan and to take all actions that are specifically contemplated hereby or are necessary
or appropriate in connection with the administration hereof. The Committee shall also have full and exclusive
power to interpret this Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out this Plan as it may
deem necessary or proper, all of which powers shall be exercised in the best interests of the Company and in
keeping with the objectives of this Plan. Subject to Paragraph 6(c) hereof, the Committee may, in its discretion,
(x) provide for the extension of the exercisability of an Award, or (y) in the event of death, disability, retirement,
Change of Control or any other reason, accelerate the vesting or exercisability of an Award, eliminate or make
less restrictive any restrictions contained in an Award, waive any restriction or other provision of this Plan or an
Award or otherwise amend or modify an Award in any manner that is, in either case, (i) not materially adverse to
the Participant to whom such Award was granted, (ii) consented to by such Participant or (iii) authorized by
Paragraph 15(c) hereof; provided, however, that except as expressly provided in Paragraph 8(a)(i) or 8(a)(ii)
hereof, no such action shall permit the term of any Option or SAR to be greater than 10 years from its Grant Date.
The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in
any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable to further this
Plan’s purposes. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of this Plan shall lie
within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned. The
Board shall have the same powers as the Committee with respect to Director Awards.
(b) Indemnity. No member of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company to whom the Committee has
delegated authority in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 7 of this Plan shall be liable for anything done
or omitted to be done by such person, by any member of the Board or the Committee or by any officer of the
Company in connection with the performance of any duties under this Plan, except for his own willful misconduct
or as expressly provided by statute.
(c) Prohibition on Repricing of Awards. Except for adjustments made pursuant to Paragraph 15, in no event will the
Committee, without first obtaining approval by the majority of the shareholders of the Company, (i) decrease the
Exercise Price of an Option or SAR after the Grant Date; (ii) accept for surrender to the Company any outstanding
Option or SAR granted under this Plan as consideration for the grant of a new Option or SAR with a lower
Exercise Price or for the grant of any other Award; (iii) repurchase from Participants whether for cash or any
other consideration any outstanding Options or SARs that have an Exercise Price per share higher than the then
current Fair Market Value of a Share; or (iv) grant any Option or SAR that contains a so-called “reload” feature
under which additional Options, SARs or other Awards are granted automatically to the Participant upon exercise
of the original Option or SAR.
7. Delegation of Authority. The Committee may delegate any of its authority to grant Awards to Employees who are
not subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act subject to Paragraph 6(a) above, to the Board or the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, provided such delegation is made in writing and specifically sets forth such delegated
authority. The Committee and the Board, as applicable, may engage or authorize the engagement of a third party
administrator to carry out administrative functions under this Plan. Any such delegation hereunder shall only be
made to the extent permitted by applicable law.
8. Employee Awards.
(a) Award Provisions. The Committee shall determine the type or types of Employee Awards to be made under this
Plan and shall designate from time to time the Employees who are to be the recipients of such Awards. Each
Employee Award shall be embodied in an Award Agreement, which shall contain such terms, conditions and
limitations as shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and, if required by the Committee,
shall be signed by the Participant to whom the Award is granted and by the Company. Awards may consist of
those listed in this Paragraph 8(a) and may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards may also be
made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, grants or rights under this Plan
or any other plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the plan of any acquired entity. All or part
of an Award may be subject to conditions established by the Committee. Upon the termination of employment
by a Participant who is an Employee, any unexercised, unvested or unpaid Awards shall be treated as set forth in
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the applicable Award Agreement or in any other written agreement the Company has entered into with the
Participant.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
Options. An Employee Award may be in the form of an Option. An Option awarded pursuant to this
Plan may consist of either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option. The Exercise Price
of an Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Grant Date, subject to
adjustment as provided in Paragraph 15 hereof. The term of an Option shall not exceed 10 years from
the Grant Date. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to
any Option, including, but not limited to, the term of any Option and the date or dates upon which the
Option becomes vested and exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.
Share Appreciation Rights. An Employee Award may be in the form of an SAR. The Exercise Price for
an SAR shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Grant Date, subject to
adjustment as provided in Paragraph 15 hereof. The holder of a tandem SAR may elect to exercise either
the Option or the SAR, but not both. The exercise period for an SAR shall extend no more than 10
years after the Grant Date. Subject to the foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions, and limitations
applicable to any SAR, including, but not limited to, the term of any SAR and the date or dates upon
which the SAR becomes vested and exercisable, shall be determined by the Committee.
Restricted Share Awards. An Employee Award may be in the form of a Restricted Share Award. The
terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Restricted Share Award, including, but not limited
to, the Restriction Period, shall be determined by the Committee.
Restricted Share Unit Awards. An Employee Award may be in the form of a Restricted Share Unit
Award. The terms, conditions and limitations applicable to a Restricted Share Unit Award, including,
but not limited to, the Restriction Period, shall be determined by the Committee. Subject to the terms of
this Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle Restricted Share Units in the form of cash or
in Shares (or in a combination thereof) equal to the value of the vested Restricted Share Units.
Performance Unit Awards. An Employee Award may be in the form of a Performance Unit Award.
Subject to the terms of this Plan, after the applicable performance period has ended, the Participant shall
be entitled to receive settlement of the value and number of Performance Units earned by the Participant
over the performance period, as determined based on the extent to which the corresponding performance
objectives have been achieved. Settlement of earned Performance Units shall be as determined by the
Committee and as evidenced in an Award Agreement. Subject to the terms of this Plan, the Committee,
in its sole discretion, may settle earned Performance Units in the form of cash or in Shares (or in a
combination thereof) equal to the value of the earned Performance Units as soon as practicable after the
end of the performance period and following the Committee’s determination of actual performance
against the performance measures and related goals established by the Committee.
Cash Awards. An Employee Award may be in the form of a Cash Award. The terms, conditions and
limitations applicable to a Cash Award, including, but not limited to, vesting or other restrictions, shall
be determined by the Committee.
Performance Awards. Without limiting the type or number of Awards that may be made under the other
provisions of this Plan, an Employee Award may be in the form of a Performance Award. The terms,
conditions and limitations applicable to an Award that is a Performance Award shall be determined by
the Committee. The Committee shall set Performance Objectives in its discretion which, depending on
the extent to which they are met, will determine the value and/or amount of Performance Awards that
will be paid out to the Participant and/or the portion of an Award that may be exercised.
(A) Nonqualified Performance Awards. Performance Awards granted to Employees that are not
intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Code Section
162(m) shall be based on achievement of such Performance Objectives and be subject to such
terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee or its delegate shall determine.
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(B) Qualified Performance Awards. Performance Awards granted to Employees under this Plan
that are intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Code Section
162(m) (“Qualified Performance Awards”) shall be paid, vested or otherwise deliverable
solely on account of the attainment of one or more pre-established, objective Performance
Objectives established by the Committee prior to the earlier to occur of (1) 90 days after the
commencement of the period of service to which the Performance Objective relates and
(2) the lapse of 25% of the period of service (as scheduled in good faith at the time the goal
is established), and in any event while the outcome is substantially uncertain. A Performance
Objective is objective if a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine
whether the goal is met. One or more of such goals may apply to the Employee, one or more
business units, divisions or sectors of the Company, or the Company as a whole, and if so
desired by the Committee, by comparison with a peer group of companies. A Performance
Objective shall include one or more of the following: (1) increased revenue; (2) net income
measures (including but not limited to income after capital costs and income before or after
taxes); (3) Share price measures (including but not limited to growth measures and total
shareholder return); price per Share; market share; earnings per Share (actual or targeted
growth); (4) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”);
(5) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (6) market value added; (7) debt to
equity ratio; (8) cash flow measures (including but not limited to cash flow return on capital,
cash flow return on tangible capital, net cash flow and net cash flow before financing
activities cash flow value added, cash flow return on market capitalization); (9) return
measures (including but not limited to return on equity, return on average assets, return on
capital, risk-adjusted return on capital, return on investors’ capital and return on average
equity); (10) operating measures (including operating income, funds from operations, cash
from operations, after-tax operating income; sales volumes, production volumes and
production efficiency); (11) expense measures (including but not limited to overhead cost
and general and administrative expense cost control and project management); (12) margins;
(13) shareholder value; (14) total shareholder return; (15) proceeds from dispositions; and
(16) total market value and corporate values measures (including ethics compliance,
environmental, human resources development and safety).
Unless otherwise stated, such a Performance Objective need not be based upon an increase
or positive result under a particular business criterion and could include, for example,
maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses (measured, in each case, by reference
to specific business criteria). In interpreting Plan provisions applicable to Qualified
Performance Awards, it is the intent of this Plan to conform with the standards of Code
Section 162(m) and Treasury Regulation § 1.162-27(e)(2)(i), as to grants to Employees, who
are or may be “covered employees,” as defined in Code Section 162(m), and the Committee
in establishing such goals and interpreting this Plan shall be guided by such provisions.
Prior to the payment of any compensation based on the achievement of Performance
Objectives applicable to Qualified Performance Awards, the Committee must certify in
writing that applicable Performance Objectives and any of the material terms thereof were,
in fact, satisfied. For this purpose, approved minutes of the Committee meeting in which
the certification is made shall be treated as such written certification. Subject to the
foregoing provisions, the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to any Qualified
Performance Awards made pursuant to this Plan shall be determined by the Committee.
(b) Minimum Vesting. Subject to Paragraph 6(a) hereof, all Employee Awards shall have a minimum vesting period
or Restriction Period, as applicable, of one year from the Grant Date.
9. Director Awards. The Board has the sole authority to grant Director Awards from time to time in accordance with
this Paragraph 9. Director Awards may consist of the forms of Award described in Paragraph 8, with the exception of
Options, SARs, Performance Awards and Cash Awards, and shall be granted subject to such terms and conditions as
specified in Paragraph 8. Each Director Award may, in the discretion of the Board, be embodied in an Award
Agreement, which shall contain such terms, conditions, and limitations as shall be determined by the Board, in its sole
discretion. Subject to Paragraph 6(a) hereof, all Director Awards shall vest at such time as the Board may designate
in its sole discretion, but not earlier than the first to occur of (a) the first anniversary of the Grant Date of
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such Director Award or (b) the date of the annual general meeting of the Board next following the Grant Date of such
Director Award.
10. Award Payment; Dividends and Dividend Equivalents.
(a) General. Payment of Awards may be made in the form of cash or Shares, or a combination thereof, and may
include such restrictions as the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Director Awards) shall determine,
including, but not limited to, in the case of Shares, restrictions on transfer and forfeiture provisions. For a
Restricted Share Award, the certificates evidencing the shares of such Restricted Shares (to the extent that such
shares are so evidenced) shall contain appropriate legends and restrictions that describe the terms and conditions
of the restrictions applicable thereto. For a Restricted Share Unit Award that may be settled in Shares, the Shares
that may be issued at the end of the Restriction Period shall be evidenced by book entry registration or in such
other manner as the Committee may determine.
(b) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Rights to (i) dividends will be extended to and made part of any Restricted
Share Award and (ii) Dividend Equivalents may be extended to and made part of any Restricted Share Unit Award
and Performance Unit Award, subject in each case to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee
may establish; provided, however, that no such Dividend Equivalents shall be paid with respect to unvested
Restricted Share Unit Awards or Performance Unit Awards. Dividend Equivalents with respect to unvested
Restricted Share Unit Awards or Performance Unit Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be
accumulated and paid to the Participant at the time that such Restricted Share Unit Award or Performance Unit
Award vests. Dividends and/or Dividend Equivalents shall not be made part of any Options or SARs.
11. Option Exercise. The Exercise Price shall be paid in full at the time of exercise in cash or, if permitted by the
Committee and elected by the Participant, the Participant may purchase such shares by means of the Company
withholding Shares otherwise deliverable on exercise of the Award or tendering Shares valued at Fair Market Value
on the date of exercise, or any combination thereof. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine acceptable
methods for Participants to tender Shares or other Awards. The Committee may provide for procedures to permit the
exercise or purchase of such Awards by use of the proceeds to be received from the sale of Shares issuable pursuant
to an Award (including cashless exercise procedures approved by the Committee involving a broker or dealer
approved by the Committee). The Committee may adopt additional rules and procedures regarding the exercise of
Options from time to time, provided that such rules and procedures are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Paragraph 11.
12. Taxes. The Company shall have the right to deduct applicable taxes from any Award payment and withhold, at the
time of delivery or vesting of cash or Shares under this Plan, an appropriate amount of cash or number of Shares or a
combination thereof for payment of required withholding taxes or to take such other action as may be necessary in the
opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for withholding of such taxes; provided, however, that the number
of Shares withheld for payment of required withholding taxes must equal no more than the required minimum
withholding taxes. The Committee may also permit withholding to be satisfied by the transfer to the Company of
Shares theretofore owned by the holder of the Award with respect to which withholding is required. If Shares are
used to satisfy tax withholding, such Shares shall be valued based on the Fair Market Value when the tax withholding
is required to be made.
13. Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination. The Board may amend, modify, suspend or terminate this
Plan (and the Committee may amend an Award Agreement) for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in
legal requirements or for any other purpose permitted by law, except that (i) no amendment or alteration that would
materially adversely affect the rights of any Participant under any Award previously granted to such Participant shall
be made without the consent of such Participant and (ii) no amendment or alteration shall be effective prior to its
approval by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is otherwise required by applicable
legal requirements or the requirements of the securities exchange on which the Company’s shares are listed, including
any amendment that expands the types of Awards available under this Plan, materially increases the number of Shares
available for Awards under this Plan, materially expands the classes of persons eligible for Awards under this Plan,
materially extends the term of this Plan, materially changes the method of determining the Exercise Price of Options,
or deletes or limits any provisions of this Plan that prohibit the repricing of Options or SARs.
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14. Assignability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee (or the Board in the case of Director Awards) or
expressly provided for in an Award Agreement, no Award or any other benefit under this Plan shall be assignable or
otherwise transferable except (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations
order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction that is not contrary to the terms and conditions of this Plan or
applicable Award and in a form acceptable to the Committee. The Committee may prescribe and include in applicable
Award Agreements other restrictions on transfer. Any attempted assignment of an Award or any other benefit under
this Plan in violation of this Paragraph 14 shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Award may be
transferred for value or consideration.
15. Adjustments.
(a) The existence of outstanding Awards shall not affect in any manner the right or power of the Company or its
shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in
the capital stock of the Company or its business or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of
bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock (whether or not such issue is prior to, on a parity with or
junior to Shares) or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its
assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding of any kind, whether or not of a character similar to
that of the acts or proceedings enumerated above.
(b) In the event of any subdivision or consolidation of outstanding Shares, declaration of a dividend payable in
Shares, combination of shares, or other stock split, then (1) the number of Shares reserved under this Plan, (2) the
number of Shares covered by outstanding Awards in the form of Shares or units denominated in Shares, (3) the
Exercise Price or other price in respect of such Awards, (4) the Share-Based Award Limitations, and (5) the
appropriate Fair Market Value and other price determinations for such Awards shall each be proportionately
adjusted by the Committee as appropriate to reflect such transaction. In the event of any other recapitalization or
capital reorganization of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with another corporation or
entity, the adoption by the Company of any plan of exchange affecting the Shares, rights offer, dissolution,
demerger, conversion, spin-off, or any distribution to holders of Shares of securities or property (other than
normal cash dividends or dividends payable in Shares), the Committee shall make appropriate adjustments to (i)
the number of Shares reserved under this Plan, (ii) the number and kind of Shares covered by Awards in the form
of Shares or units denominated in Shares, (iii) the Exercise Price or other price in respect of such Awards, (iv)
the appropriate Fair Market Value and other price determinations for such Awards, and (v) the Share-Based
Award Limitations to reflect such transaction; provided that such adjustments shall only be such as are necessary
to maintain the proportionate interest of the holders of the Awards and preserve, without increasing, the value of
such Awards.
(c) In the event of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or
liquidation, the Committee may make such adjustments to Awards or other provisions for the disposition of
Awards as it deems equitable, and shall be authorized, in its discretion, (i) to provide for the substitution of a new
Award or other arrangement (which, if applicable, may be exercisable for such property or stock as the Committee
determines) for an Award or the assumption of the Award, regardless of whether in a transaction to which Code
Section 424(a) applies, (ii) to provide, prior to the transaction, for the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability
of, or lapse of restrictions with respect to, the Award and, if the transaction is a cash merger, provide for the
termination of any portion of the Award that remains unexercised at the time of such transaction, or (iii) to cancel
any such Awards and to deliver to the Participants cash in an amount that the Committee shall determine in its
sole discretion is equal to the Fair Market Value of such Awards on the date of such event, which in the case of
Options or Share Appreciation Rights shall be the excess (if any) of the Fair Market Value of Shares on such date
over the Exercise Price of such Award.
(d) No adjustment or substitution pursuant to this Paragraph 15 shall be made in a manner that results in
noncompliance with the requirements of Code Section 409A, to the extent applicable.
16. Restrictions. No Shares or other form of payment shall be issued with respect to any Award unless the Company
shall be satisfied based on the advice of its counsel that such issuance will be in compliance with applicable federal
and state securities and other laws. Certificates evidencing Shares delivered under this Plan (to the extent that such
Shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may
deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any
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securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the Shares are then listed or to which it is admitted
for quotation and any applicable federal or state securities or other laws. The Committee may cause a legend or
legends to be placed upon such certificates (if any) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
17. Unfunded Plan. This Plan is unfunded. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to
Participants who are entitled to cash, Shares or rights thereto under this Plan, any such accounts shall be used
merely as a bookkeeping convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any
time be represented by cash, Shares or rights thereto, nor shall this Plan be construed as providing for such
segregation, nor shall the Company, the Board or the Committee be deemed to be a trustee of any cash, Shares or
rights thereto to be granted under this Plan. Any liability or obligation of the Company to any Participant with
respect to an Award of cash, Shares or rights thereto under this Plan shall be based solely upon any contractual
obligations that may be created by this Plan and any Award Agreement, and no such liability or obligation of the
Company shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Company.
None of the Company, the Board or the Committee shall be required to give any security or bond for the
performance of any obligation that may be created by this Plan. With respect to this Plan and any Awards granted
hereunder, Participants are general and unsecured creditors of the Company and have no rights or claims except as
otherwise provided in this Plan or any applicable Award Agreement.
18. Code Section 409A.
(a) Awards made under this Plan are intended to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A, and ambiguous
provisions hereof, if any, shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with such intent. No payment,
benefit or consideration shall be substituted for an Award if such action would result in the imposition of taxes
under Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, if any Plan provision or Award
under this Plan would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Code Section 409A, that Plan provision
or Award shall be reformed, to the extent permissible under Code Section 409A, to avoid imposition of the
additional tax, and no such action shall be deemed to adversely affect the Participant’s rights to an Award.
(b) Unless the Committee provides otherwise in an Award Agreement, each Restricted Share Unit Award,
Performance Unit Award or Cash Award (or portion thereof if the Award is subject to a vesting schedule) shall
be settled no later than the 15th day of the third month after the end of the first calendar year in which the Award
(or such portion thereof) is no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Code
Section 409A. If the Committee determines that a Restricted Share Unit Award, Performance Unit Award or Cash
Award is intended to be subject to Code Section 409A, the applicable Award Agreement shall include terms that
are designed to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A.
(c) If the Participant is identified by the Company as a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section
409A(a)(2)(B)(i) on the date on which the Participant has a “separation from service” (other than due to death)
within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h), any Award payable or settled on account of a
separation from service that is deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A shall be paid or settled on
the earliest of (i) the first business day following the expiration of six months from the Participant’s separation
from service, (ii) the date of the Participant’s death, or (iii) such earlier date as complies with the requirements of
Code Section 409A.
19. Governing Law. This Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not
otherwise governed by mandatory provisions of the Code or the securities laws of the United States, shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
20. Right to Continued Service or Employment. Nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or
limit in any way the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate any Participant’s employment or
other service relationship with the Company or its Subsidiaries at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any
right to continue in the capacity in which such Participant is employed or otherwise serves the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
21. Non-Uniform Determinations. Determinations by the Committee or the Board under this Plan (including, without
limitation, determinations of the persons to receive Awards under this Plan; the form, amount and timing of such
Awards; the terms and provisions of such Award Agreements evidencing same; and provisions with respect to
B-10
termination of employment or service) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who
receive, or are eligible to receive, awards under this Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.
22. Clawback Right. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award shall be subject to recovery or
clawback by the Company under any clawback policy adopted by the Company whether before or after the Grant
Date of the Award.
23. Usage. Words used in this Plan in the singular shall include the plural and in the plural the singular, and the gender
of words used shall be construed to include whichever may be appropriate under any particular circumstances of the
masculine, feminine or neuter genders.
24. Headings. The headings in this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning
or interpretation of this Plan.
25. Effectiveness. This Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date. This Plan shall continue until terminated by
action of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the adoption of this Plan is expressly conditioned upon the
approval by the holders of a majority of Shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the 2015 annual
general meeting of the Company’s shareholders. If the shareholders of the Company should fail to so approve this
Plan at such meeting, (i) this Plan shall not be of any force or effect and (ii) any grants of Awards hereunder shall be
null and void.
B-11
FIRST AMENDMENT TO TRANSOCEAN LTD. 2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the “Company”), has established and maintains the Transocean
Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan, the Company has the right to amend the Plan at any time by action
of its Board of Directors, subject to prior approval by the Company’s shareholders to the extent such approval is
determined to be required by applicable legal and/or securities exchange requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan to increase the number of registered shares of the Company
(“Shares”) available for issuance under the Plan, subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company; and
WHEREAS, such increase in shares of Common Stock shall be submitted for shareholder approval at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company on May 18, 2018;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the aggregate number of Shares available for issuance
under the Plan is hereby increased by 12,000,000 Shares and the first sentence of Section 5(a) of the Plan is hereby
amended to read as follows, effective May 18, 2018, contingent on the approval of the shareholders of the
Company:
“Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 15 hereof, there shall be available for Awards under this Plan
granted wholly or partly in Shares (including rights or Options that may be exercised for or settled in
Shares) an aggregate of 31,500,000 Shares plus the 1,212,966 Shares remaining available for awards
under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date, all of which shall be available for Incentive Stock
Options.”
B-12
APPENDIX A
Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Related Margins
(in millions, except percentages)
Operating revenues
Drilling contract termination fees
Adjusted Normalized Revenues
Net income (loss)
Interest expense, net of interest income
Income tax expense (benefit)
Depreciation expense
EBITDA
Litigation matters
Restructuring charges
Acquisition costs
Loss on impairment of assets
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net
Loss on retirement of debt
Adjusted EBITDA
Drilling contract termination fees
Adjusted Normalized EBITDA
EBITDA margin
Adjusted EBITDA margin
Adjusted Normalized EBITDA margin
YTD
12/31/17
$2,973
(201)
$2,772
$(3,097)
448
94
832
(1,723)
(8)
3
4
1,498
1,590
55
1,419
(201)
$1,218
(58) %
48 %
44 %
AP-1
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Ernst & Young Ltd
Maagplatz 1
P.O. Box
CH-8010 Zurich
Phone
Fax
www.ey.com/ch
+41 58 286 86 86
+41 58 286 86 00
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Zurich, March 9, 2018
Report of the statutory auditor on the compensation report
We have audited the compensation report (pages CR-2 to CR-5) of Transocean Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and overall fair presentation of the compensation report in accordance with Swiss
law and the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Stock Exchange Listed Companies (Ordinance). The Board of Directors is also
responsible for designing the compensation system and defining individual compensation packages.
Auditor's responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the accompanying compensation report. We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss
Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the compensation report complies with Swiss law and articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence on the disclosures made in the compensation report with regard to
compensation, loans and credits in accordance with articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatements in the compensation report, whether due to fraud or error. This
audit also includes evaluating the reasonableness of the methods applied to value components of compensation, as well as assessing the
overall presentation of the compensation report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the compensation report for the year ended December 31, 2017 of Transocean Ltd. complies with Swiss law and
articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance.
Ernst & Young Ltd.
/s/ Jolanda Dolente
Jolanda Dolente
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Jennifer Mathias
Jennifer Mathias
Certified public accountant
CR-1
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT
General
Transocean Ltd. (“Transocean”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is the parent company of Transocean Inc., Transocean Management Ltd., and
Transocean Management Services GmbH., our direct wholly-owned subsidiaries. Transocean is registered with the commercial register in
the canton of Zug, and its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). We are thus bound by the legal and regulatory
requirements of both the United States of America (“U.S.”) and Switzerland. Our shares were previously listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange
(“SIX”). Effective on March 31, 2016, at our request, our shares were delisted from the SIX.
This Compensation Report reflects the requirements of Articles 13–16 of the Swiss Federal Ordinance Against Excessive
Compensation in Public Corporations, and discloses any compensation paid to our members of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. For a description of our governance framework relating to executive
and director compensation, please refer to page P-39 et seq. of our 2018 Proxy Statement under the caption "Executive and Director
Compensation Process." For a description of our directors' compensation principles, please refer to page P-43 et seq. of our 2018 Proxy
Statement under the captions "Director Compensation Strategy" and "2017 Director Compensation." For a description of our Executive
Management Team compensation principles, please refer to page P-48 et seq. of our 2018 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have presented all compensation amounts in U.S. dollars and Swiss francs
using the average annual currency exchange rate of USD 1.00 to CHF 0.99 and CHF 0.98, respectively.
Board of Directors’ Compensation
Our Board of Directors is paid in U.S. dollars and our non-employee directors were eligible to receive compensation as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2017
Payment
currency
Swiss franc
equivalent
CHF
320,905
CHF
Swiss franc
equivalent
Year ended December 31, 2016
Payment
currency
USD 325,000
—
100,000
325,000
—
210,000
318,500
—
98,000
318,500
—
205,800
—
—
Annual retainer for non-executive chairman
Annual retainer for non-executive vice-chairman
Annual retainer for non-employee directors
Annual award of restricted share units for non-executive chairman
Annual award of restricted share units for non-executive vice-chairman
Annual award of restricted share units for non-employee directors
USD
Additional annual retainer for committee chairmen:
Audit committee
Compensation committee
Corporate governance committee, finance committee,
and health, safety and environment committee
325,000
—
100,000
325,000
—
210,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
98,740
320,905
207,354
34,559
19,748
9,874
35,000
20,000
10,000
34,300
19,600
9,800
In addition to the directors’ compensation, we pay or reimburse our directors for travel and incidental expenses incurred for
attending board, committee and shareholder meetings and for other company-related business purposes. Our directors who are our
employees do not receive compensation for board service. With the exception of Jeremy D. Thigpen, all of the directors on our Board of
Directors receive compensation as non-employees. No director served in the position of non-executive vice chairman for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
We grant restricted share units to the non-executive chairman and each non-employee director annually with an aggregate value
of USD 325,000 and USD 210,000, respectively, based upon the average of the high and low market prices of our shares for each of the
10 trading days preceding the date of grant. The restricted share units vest on the date first to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the date of
grant or (ii) the Annual General Meeting next following the date of grant, subject to continued service through the vesting date. Vesting of
the restricted share units is not subject to any performance measures. Each director may elect to receive the vested units or the shares
attributable to such vested units, upon vesting or to have us hold such vested units, or shares attributable to such vested units, until the
director no longer serves on the board.
Certain members of our Board of Directors received compensation for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean
Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”), our consolidated subsidiary. On December 9, 2016, Transocean Partners completed a merger with
one of our subsidiaries as contemplated under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 31, 2016, and as amended on November 21,
2016. Following the completion of the merger, Transocean Partners continued as the surviving company and is a wholly owned indirect
subsidiary of Transocean Ltd.
CR-2
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
We paid to our non-employee directors total compensation as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2017
Year ended December 31, 2016
Total
compensation
for board
membership
634,138
642,230
CHF
USD
Fees
earned
(a)
320,905
325,000
CHF
USD
Restricted
share units
(value)
(b)
313,233
317,230
CHF
USD
Total
compensation for
board
membership
Restricted
share units
(quantity)
29,871 CHF
601,509
613,785
CHF
USD
USD
Fees
earned
(a)
318,500
325,000
Restricted
share units
(value)
(b)
283,009
288,785
CHF
USD
Restricted
share units
(quantity)
31,220
335,693
339,977
301,134
304,977
301,134
304,977
133,299
135,000
98,740
100,000
98,740
100,000
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
19,301
19,301
19,301
315,168
321,600
280,868
286,600
280,868
286,600
132,300
135,000
98,000
100,000
98,000
100,000
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
20,173
20,173
20,173
311,008
314,977
108,614
110,000
202,394
204,977
19,301
290,668
296,600
107,800
110,000
182,868
186,600
20,173
320,882
324,977
301,134
304,977
311,008
314,977
301,134
304,977
311,008
314,977
118,488
120,000
98,740
100,000
108,614
110,000
98,740
100,000
108,614
110,000
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
202,394
204,977
19,301
19,301
19,301
19,301
19,301
300,468
306,600
280,868
286,600
290,668
296,600
280,868
286,600
290,668
296,600
117,600
120,000
98,000
100,000
107,800
110,000
98,000
100,000
107,800
110,000
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
182,868
186,600
20,173
20,173
20,173
20,173
20,173
Name and function
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr (c)
Chairman of the board since May 15, 2015; vice
chairman of the board from November 14, 2014
until May 15, 2015; member of the board since
September 22, 2014
Glyn Barker (d)
Member of the board; chairman of the audit committee
since May 16, 2014 and a prior member of such
committee; member of the finance committee
Vanessa C.L. Chang (c)
Member of the board; member of the audit and finance
committees
Frederico F. Curado (e)
Member of the board; member of the compensation
committee; member of the audit committee since
May 16, 2014; member of the health, safety and
environment committee until May 16, 2014
Chad Deaton (c)
Member of the board; chairman of the health, safety
and environment committee since May 16, 2014
and a prior member of such committee; member of
the corporate governance committee; member of
the audit committees until May 16, 2014
Tan Ek Kia (f)
Member of the board; chairman of the compensation
committee; member of the health, safety and
environment committee
Vincent J. Intrieri (c)
Member of the board, member of the corporate
governance and compensation committees since
May 16, 2014; member of finance committee since
May 12, 2016
Martin B. McNamara (c)
Member of the board; chairman of the corporate
governance committee and member of the
compensation committee
Samuel Merksamer (c)(g)
Member of the board; member of the finance and
health, safety and environment committees
Edward R. Muller (c)
Member of the board; chairman of the finance
committee; member of the health, safety and
environment committee since May 16, 2014;
member of the corporate governance committee
until May 16, 2014
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
CHF
USD
3,428,272
3,472,020
1,293,494
1,310,000
2,134,778
2,162,020
203,580
CHF
USD
3,212,621
3,278,185
CHF
USD
1,283,800
1,310,000
CHF
USD
1,928,821
1,968,185
212,777
(a) Fees earned include cash retainer fees.
(b) For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we estimated the fair value of restricted share units to be USD 10.62 and USD 9.25, respectively, equivalent to CHF 10.49
and CHF 9.07, respectively, based on the market price of our shares as reported on the NYSE on the grant date.
(c) Total compensation is not subject to employer-paid social taxes. Effective January 31, 2018, Mr. McNamara retired from the Board of Directors.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Barker received compensation as follows: (i) employer-paid U.K. social tax contributions on Transocean compensation,
(ii) fees for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean Partners, (iii) equity-based compensation for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean Partners, and
(iv) employer-paid U.K. social taxes on Transocean Partners compensation. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, such employer-paid social taxes on Transocean
compensation were USD 18,395 and USD 19,079, respectively, equivalent to CHF 18,163 and CHF 18,697, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2017 Mr. Barker
received no compensation from Transocean Partners and in the year ending December 31, 2016, Mr. Barker received fees for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean
Partners of USD 69,164, equivalent to CHF 67,781, equity-based compensation for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean Partners of USD 77,589, equivalent to
CHF 76,037, employer-paid social taxes on Transocean Partners compensation of USD 32,667, equivalent to CHF 32,014.
In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Curado received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the years ended December 31,
2017 and 2016, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 7,845 and USD 8,265, respectively, equivalent to CHF 7,746 and CHF 8,100, respectively.
In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Tan received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 7,247 and USD 9,866, respectively, equivalent to CHF 7,156 and CHF 9,669, respectively.
In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Merksamer received fees for service on the Board of Directors of Transocean Partners. In the year ended December 31,
2017 Mr. Merksamer received no compensation from Transocean Partners and in the year ended December 31, 2016, such fees were USD 24,935, equivalent to CHF 24,436.
CR-3
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
Executive Management Team Compensation
Overview
We paid the members of our Executive Management Team total compensation as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2017
Year ended December 31, 2016
Name and function
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Chief Executive Officer since April 22, 2015
Mark-Anthony Lovell Mey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 28, 2015
John B. Stobart
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Performance Officer
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
3,066,519
3,105,650
CHF
USD
Total
share-based
compensation
Total
compensation
CHF
USD
5,876,266
5,951,252
CHF
USD
8,942,785
9,056,902
1,931,853
1,956,505
2,145,836
2,173,219
2,538,557
2,570,951
2,547,940
2,580,454
4,470,410
4,527,456
4,693,776
4,753,673
CHF
USD
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
3,545,811
3,618,174
2,333,812
2,381,441
2,282,141
2,328,715
CHF
USD
Total
share-based
compensation
5,442,429
5,553,499
2,280,639
2,327,183
2,291,000
2,337,756
CHF
USD
Total
compensation
8,988,240
9,171,673
4,614,451
4,708,624
4,573,141
4,666,471
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
CHF
USD
7,144,208
7,235,374
CHF
USD
10,962,763 CHF
11,102,657
USD
18,106,970
18,338,031
CHF
USD
8,161,764
8,328,330
CHF
USD
10,014,068
10,218,438
CHF
USD
18,715,832
18,546,768
Salary and other non-share-based compensation
We paid members of our Executive Management Team total salary and other non-share-based compensation, before deductions
for employee social insurance and pension contributions, as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2017
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark-Anthony Lovell Mey
John B. Stobart
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
_____________________________
Additional
compensation
(b)
Employer’s
pension
contributions
Base
salary
Bonus
(a)
1,635,134 CHF
CHF
USD 1,000,000 USD 1,656,000 USD
987,400 CHF
750,424
760,000
661,558
670,000
880,247
891,480
912,950
924,600
CHF 2,399,382 CHF 3,428,332 CHF
USD 2,430,000 USD 3,472,080 USD
40,978 CHF
41,501 USD
49,909
50,546
308,294
312,228
399,181 CHF
404,275 USD
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
Retirement and
social security
benefits
(c)
107,576 CHF
3,066,519
108,949 USD 3,105,650
1,931,853
70,345
1,956,505
71,243
2,145,836
82,107
2,173,219
83,155
CHF
295,430
299,200 USD
180,927
183,236
180,927
183,236
CHF
657,284
665,672 USD
260,029 CHF 7,144,208
263,347 USD 7,235,374
(a) Bonus represents the amount earned in the year ended December 31, 2017, but not paid as of December 31, 2017.
(b) Additional compensation includes dividend equivalents, relocation pay and moving expenses; housing, automobile, home leave and cost of living allowances;
(c)
and other company-reimbursed expenses and benefits provided to expatriate employees.
Includes employer-paid social taxes and costs of health benefits, such as medical and dental insurance. Through December 31, 2017, Mr. Stobart has accrued benefits
of USD 240,381, equivalent to CHF 237,352 under the Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan and USD 97,970, equivalent to CHF 96,736 under the Transocean
U.S. Retirement Plan.
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark-Anthony Lovell Mey
John B. Stobart
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
_____________________________
Base
salary
980,000
1,000,000
744,800
760,000
656,600
670,000
2,381,400
2,430,000
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
Bonus
(a)
1,952,160
1,992,000
1,050,913
1,072,360
1,089,956
1,112,200
Year ended December 31, 2016
Additional
compensation
(b)
Employer’s
pension
contributions
Retirement and
social security
benefits
(c)
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
319,004
325,514
346,304
353,372
317,144
323,616
CHF
USD
212,125
216,455
127,416
130,016
157,584
160,800
CHF
USD
82,522
84,205
64,379
65,693
60,857
62,099
3,545,811
3,618,174
2,333,812
2,381,441
2,282,141
2,328,715
8,161,764
8,328,330
CHF
USD
4,093,029
4,176,560
CHF
USD
982,452
1,002,502
CHF
USD
497,125
507,271
CHF
USD
207,758
211,997
CHF
USD
(a) Bonus represents the amount earned in the year ended December 31, 2016, but not paid as of December 31, 2016.
(b) Additional compensation includes relocation pay and moving expenses; housing, automobile, home leave and cost of living allowances; dividend equivalents; club
(c)
membership dues; and other company-reimbursed expenses and benefits provided to expatriate employees.
Includes employer-paid social taxes and costs of health benefits, such as medical and dental insurance. Additionally, beginning in 2015, amounts include service costs
under retirement plans accumulated in 2015. Through the end of fiscal year 2016, Mr. Stobart has accrued benefits of USD 232,003, equivalent to CHF 227,363,
under the Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan and USD 94,417, equivalent to CHF 92,529, under the Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan.
CR-4
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
Share-based compensation
We granted to the members of our Executive Management Team share-based compensation awards under our long-term incentive
plans. As presented below, total share-based compensation represents the fair value of grants made to the members of our Executive
Management Team and does not represent actual income earned. Any income earned from subsequent vesting of the awards will be subject
to employer-paid social taxes at the statutory rate prevailing at the time income is earned.
To measure the fair values of stock options granted or modified, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and apply
assumptions for the expected life, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and expected volatility. To measure the fair values of granted or
modified service-based restricted share units, we use the market price of our shares on the grant date or modification date. To measure the
fair values of granted or modified performance share units that are subject to market factors, such as total shareholder return, we use a
Monte Carlo simulation model and, in addition to the assumptions applied for the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, we apply
assumptions using a risk neutral approach and the average price at the performance start date.
In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we granted performance share units to members of our Executive Management
Team. Such performance share units are subject to a three-year performance period during which the actual number of units remain
uncertain. The number of performance share units presented below represents the targeted number of shares awarded. The actual number
of share units earned will be determined in the first 60 days following the performance period based on performance thresholds and may
range between zero and two shares per performance share unit.
Share-based compensation awards were granted as follows:
Stock options
Restricted share units
Performance share units
Year ended December 31, 2017
Name
Options (a)
Fair value
Units (a)
Fair value
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark-Anthony Lovell Mey
John B. Stobart
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
_____________________________
217,618 CHF
USD
94,011
94,359
405,988
CHF
USD
1,383,801
1,401,460
597,803
605,431
600,015
607,672
2,581,619
2,614,563
112,897 CHF
USD
48,772
48,952
210,621
CHF
USD
1,488,184
1,507,175
642,902
651,106
645,275
653,509
2,776,362
2,811,790
Fair value
CHF
USD
Units (a)(b)
187,238
80,887
81,186
Total
share-based
compensation
3,004,280
3,042,618
1,297,852
1,314,414
1,302,650
1,319,273
5,604,782
5,676,304
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
5,876,266
5,951,252
2,538,557
2,570,951
2,547,940
2,580,454
10,962,763
11,102,657
349,311
CHF
USD
(a) We granted stock options, restricted share units and performance share units to the members of our Executive Management Team on February 10, 2017.
(b) The three-year performance period is January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 and is based on our total shareholder return relative to our performance peer group.
Stock options
Restricted share units
Performance share units
Year ended December 31, 2016
Name
Options (a)
Fair value
Units (a)
Fair value
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark-Anthony Lovell Mey
John B. Stobart
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
_____________________________
233,957 CHF
USD
98,039
98,485
430,481
CHF
USD
1,167,024
1,190,841
489,038
499,019
491,263
501,289
2,147,325
2,191,149
137,147 CHF
USD
57,471
57,732
252,350
CHF
USD
1,157,219
1,180,836
484,929
494,825
487,131
497,073
2,129,279
2,172,734
Fair value
CHF
USD
Units (a)(b)
274,295
114,943
115,465
Total
share-based
compensation
3,118,186
3,181,822
1,306,672
1,333,339
1,312,606
1,339,394
5,737,464
5,854,555
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
5,442,429
5,553,499
2,280,639
2,327,183
2,291,000
2,337,756
10,014,068
10,218,438
504,703
CHF
USD
(a) We granted stock options, restricted share units and performance share units to the members of our Executive Management Team on February 11, 2016.
(b) The three year performance period is January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 and is based on our total shareholder return relative to our performance peer group.
Credits and Loans Granted to Governing Bodies
In compliance with Article 29f paragraph 1 of our Articles of Association, which our shareholders adopted at the annual general
meeting held in May 2014, we did not grant credits or loans to active or former members of our Board of Directors, members of our
Executive Management Team or to any other related persons during the two-year period ended December 31, 2017. At December 31,
2017 and 2016, we had no outstanding credits or loans to active or former members of our Board of Directors, members of our
Executive Management Team or to any other related persons.
Compensation to Former Members of our Board of Directors or our Executive Management Team or to
Related Persons
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not pay or grant any compensation to former members of our
Board of Directors or our Executive Management Team or to related persons of active or former members of our Board of Directors or our
Executive Management Team.
CR-5
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TRANSOCEAN LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
Item
Business
Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART I
PART II
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART III
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
Page
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Forward-Looking Information
The statements included in this annual report regarding future financial performance and results of operations and other statements
that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities Act of
1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, but are not
limited to, statements about the following subjects:
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
our results of operations, our revenue efficiency and other performance indicators and our cash flow from operations;
the offshore drilling market, including the effects of declines in commodity prices, supply and demand, utilization rates, dayrates, customer
drilling programs, stacking and reactivation of rigs, effects of new rigs on the market, the impact of changes to regulations in the jurisdictions
in which we operate and changes in the global economy or market outlook for our various geographical operating sectors and classes of
rigs;
customer drilling contracts, including contract backlog, force majeure provisions, contract awards, commencements, extensions,
terminations, contract option exercises, contract revenues, early termination payments, indemnity provisions and rig mobilizations;
liquidity, including availability under our bank credit agreement, and adequacy of cash flows for our obligations;
regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of the acquisition of Songa Offshore SE, a European public company limited by shares,
or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus (“Songa”);
the success of our business following completion of the Songa acquisition;
the ability to successfully integrate our business with the Songa business;
the risk that we may be unable to achieve expected synergies from our acquisition of Songa or that it may take longer or be more costly
than expected to achieve those synergies;
extension or replacement of our Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility before the expiration of the underlying bank credit agreement;
debt levels, including impacts of a financial and economic downturn, and interest rates;
newbuild, upgrade, shipyard and other capital projects, including completion, delivery and commencement of operation dates, expected
downtime and lost revenue, the level of expected capital expenditures and the timing and cost of completion of capital projects;
effects of remediation efforts to address the material weakness discussed in “Part II. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures”;
the cost and timing of acquisitions and the proceeds and timing of dispositions;
the optimization of rig-based spending;
tax matters, including our effective tax rate, changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations, tax assessments and liabilities for tax issues,
including those associated with our activities in Brazil, Nigeria, Norway, the United Kingdom and the U.S.;
legal and regulatory matters, including results and effects of legal proceedings and governmental audits and assessments, outcomes and
effects of internal and governmental investigations, customs and environmental matters;
insurance matters, including adequacy of insurance, renewal of insurance, insurance proceeds and cash investments of our wholly owned
captive insurance company;
effects of accounting changes and adoption of accounting policies; and
investment in recruitment, retention and personnel development initiatives, defined benefit pension plan contributions, the timing of
severance payments and benefit payments.
Forward-looking statements in this annual report are identifiable by use of the following words and other similar expressions:
(cid:131) anticipates
(cid:131) believes
(cid:131) projects
(cid:131) scheduled
(cid:131) estimates
(cid:131) expects
(cid:131) forecasts
(cid:131) intends
(cid:131) budgets
(cid:131) could
(cid:131) plans
(cid:131) predicts
(cid:131) may
(cid:131) might
(cid:131) should
Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this annual report;
the adequacy of and access to sources of liquidity;
our inability to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that do not have contracts;
our inability to renew drilling contracts at comparable dayrates;
operational performance;
the cancellation of drilling contracts currently included in our reported contract backlog;
the effectiveness of our remediation efforts with respect to the material weakness discussed in “Part II. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures”;
losses on impairment of long-lived assets;
shipyard, construction and other delays;
the results of meetings of our shareholders;
changes in political, social and economic conditions;
the effect and results of litigation, regulatory matters, settlements, audits, assessments and contingencies; and
other factors discussed in this annual report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are
available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
The foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Should one or
more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from
those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking
to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard
to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required
by law.
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Item 1.
Business
Overview
PART I
Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the
“Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of February 19,
2018, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 47 mobile offshore drilling units. As of February 19, 2018, our fleet
consisted of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters, 12 harsh environment floaters, two deepwater floaters and six midwater floaters. At February 19,
2018, we also had two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction or under contract to be constructed. Additionally, we operated
two high-specification jackups that were under contract when we sold the rigs, and we continue to operate such rigs until completion or
novation of the respective drilling contracts.
Our primary business is to contract our drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil
and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding regions of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on
ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe our mobile offshore drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in
the world, consisting of drillship and semisubmersible floaters used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on
a worldwide basis.
Transocean Ltd. is a Swiss corporation with its registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug and with principal executive offices
located at Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Zug, Switzerland. Our telephone number at that address is +41 41 749-0500. Our shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RIG”. For information about the revenues, operating income, assets and other information
related to our business, our segments and the geographic areas in which we operate, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 18—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers.”
Recent Developments
Business combination—On August 13, 2017, we entered into the Transaction Agreement with Songa Offshore SE, a European
public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus (“Songa”). On January 30, 2018, we completed
our acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa. By March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of
the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition, which is available to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the
acquisition, we acquired seven mobile offshore drillings units, including five harsh environment floaters and two midwater floaters. In
connection with the acquisition, we issued 66.9 million shares and an aggregate principal amount of $854 million of the 0.5% Exchangeable
Senior Bonds due January 2023. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements and —Note 20—Subsequent Event.”
Drilling Fleet
Fleet overview—Our drilling fleet of floaters consists of drillships and semisubmersibles. Most of our drilling equipment is suitable
for both exploration and development, and we normally engage in both types of drilling activity. All of our drilling rigs are mobile and can be
moved to new locations in response to customer demand. All of our mobile offshore drilling units are designed to operate in locations away
from port for extended periods of time and have living quarters for the crews, a helicopter landing deck and storage space for drill pipe, riser
and drilling supplies.
Drillships are generally self-propelled vessels, shaped like conventional ships, and are the most mobile of the major rig types. All
of our drillships are ultra-deepwater capable and equipped with a computer-controlled dynamic positioning thruster system, which allows
them to maintain position without anchors through the use of their onboard propulsion and station-keeping systems. These rigs typically
have greater deck load and storage capacity than early generation semisubmersible rigs, which provides logistical and resupply efficiency
benefits for customers. Drillships are generally better suited to operations in calmer sea conditions and typically do not operate in areas
considered to be harsh environments. We have 17 ultra-deepwater drillships that are, and two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction
that will be, equipped with our patented dual-activity technology. Dual-activity technology employs structures, equipment and techniques
using two drilling stations within a dual derrick to allow these drillships to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel, rather than a
sequential manner, which reduces critical path activity and improves efficiency in both exploration and development drilling. In addition to
dynamic positioning thruster systems, dual-activity technology, industry-leading hoisting capacity and a second blowout preventer system,
our two newbuild drillships under construction will be outfitted to accommodate a future upgrade to a 20,000 pounds per square inch (“psi”)
blowout preventer.
Semisubmersibles are floating vessels that can be partially submerged by means of a water ballast system such that the lower
column sections and pontoons are below the water surface during drilling operations. These rigs are capable of maintaining their position
over a well through the use of an anchoring system or a computer-controlled dynamic positioning thruster system. Although most
semisubmersible rigs are relocated with the assistance of tugs, some units are self-propelled and move between locations under their own
power when afloat on pontoons. Typically, semisubmersibles are capable of operating in rougher sea conditions than drillships. We have
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two custom-designed, high-capacity, dual-activity semisubmersible drilling rigs, equipped for year-round operations in harsh environments,
including those of the Norwegian continental shelf and sub-Arctic waters. Five of our 24 semisubmersibles are equipped with our patented
dual-activity technology and also have mooring capability.
Fleet categories—We further categorize the drilling units of our fleet as follows: (1) “ultra-deepwater floaters,” (2) “harsh
environment floaters,” (3) “deepwater floaters” and (4) “midwater floaters”. Ultra-deepwater floaters are equipped with high-pressure mud
pumps and are capable of drilling in water depths of 7,500 feet or greater. Harsh environment floaters are capable of drilling in harsh
environments in water depths between 1,500 and 10,000 feet and have greater displacement, which offers larger variable load capacity,
more useable deck space and better motion characteristics. Deepwater floaters are generally those other semisubmersible rigs and drillships
capable of drilling in water depths between 4,500 and 7,500 feet. Midwater floaters are generally comprised of those non-high-specification
semisubmersibles that have a water depth capacity of less than 4,500 feet.
As of February 19, 2018, we owned and operated a fleet of 47 rigs, including the seven rigs recently acquired in the Songa
acquisition and excluding two newbuilds under construction, as follows:
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(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
27 ultra-deepwater floaters;
12 harsh environment floaters;
Two deepwater floaters; and
Six midwater floaters.
Fleet status—Depending on market conditions, we may idle or stack non-contracted rigs. An idle rig is between drilling contracts,
readily available for operations, and operating costs are typically at or near normal levels. A stacked rig typically has reduced operating
costs, is staffed by a reduced crew or has no crew and is (a) preparing for an extended period of inactivity, (b) expected to continue to be
inactive for an extended period, or (c) completing a period of extended inactivity. Stacked rigs will continue to incur operating costs at or
above normal operating levels for approximately 30 days following initiation of stacking. Some idle rigs and all stacked rigs require additional
costs to return to service. The actual cost to return to service, which in many instances could be significant and could fluctuate over time,
depends upon various factors, including the availability and cost of shipyard facilities, cost of equipment and materials and the extent of
repairs and maintenance that may ultimately be required. We consider these factors, together with market conditions, length of contract,
dayrate and other contract terms, when deciding whether to return a stacked rig to service. We may, from time to time, consider marketing
stacked rigs as accommodation units or for other alternative uses until drilling activity increases and we obtain drilling contracts for these
units. We may not return some stacked rigs to work for drilling services or for these alternative uses.
Drilling units—The following tables, presented as of February 19, 2018, provide certain specifications for our rigs, including the
seven rigs recently acquired in the Songa acquisition. Unless otherwise noted, the stated location of each rig indicates either the current
drilling location, if the rig is operating, or the next operating location, if the rig is in shipyard with a follow-on contract. The dates provided
represent the expected time of completion, the year placed into service, and, if applicable, the year of the most recent upgrade. As of
February 19, 2018, we owned all of the drilling rigs in our fleet noted in the tables below, except for the following: (1) the ultra-deepwater
floater Petrobras 10000, which is subject to a capital lease through August 2029, and (2) the ultra-deepwater floater Discoverer Luanda,
which is owned through our 65 percent ownership interest in Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Ltd. (“ADDCL”).
Expected
completion
Water
depth
capacity
(in feet)
Drilling
depth
capacity
(in feet)
Contracted
location or
contracted
status
2Q 2020
4Q 2020
12,000
12,000
40,000
40,000
Uncontracted
Uncontracted
Rigs under construction (2)
Name
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Ultra-deepwater drillship TBN1 (a) (b) (c) (d)
Ultra-deepwater drillship TBN2 (a) (b) (c) (d)
Type
HSD
HSD
“HSD” means high-specification drillship.
To be dynamically positioned.
(a)
(b)
To be equipped with dual-activity.
(c) Designed to accommodate a future upgrade to a 20,000 pounds psi blowout preventer.
(d)
To be equipped with two blowout preventers.
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Drilling
depth
capacity
Water
depth
capacity
(in feet)
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
7,500
12,000
12,000
12,000
7,500
12,000
12,000
12,000
7,500
7,500
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
8,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
(in feet)
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
35,000
40,000
40,000
37,500
37,500
40,000
35,000
37,500
37,500
35,000
35,000
35,000
30,000
30,000
35,000
30,000
30,000
Contracted
location or
standby
status
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
Stacked
Ivory Coast
Stacked
Myanmar
U.S. Gulf
Stacked
Idle
U.S. Gulf
Idle
India
Stacked
Australia
Stacked
Stacked
Stacked
Stacked
Malaysia
Stacked
Stacked
Stacked
Water
depth
capacity
(in feet)
1,640
1,640
1,640
1,640
1,500
10,000
10,000
5,000
4,500
2,000
1,650
1,500
Drilling
depth
capacity
Contracted
location or
standby
status
Norwegian N. Sea
Norwegian N. Sea
Norwegian N. Sea
Norwegian N. Sea
Stacked
Norwegian N. Sea
Canada
Canada
U.K. N. Sea
U.K. N. Sea
Norwegian N. Sea
Stacked
(in feet)
28,000
28,000
28,000
28,000
25,000
30,000
30,000
30,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
30,000
Year
entered
service
2018
2017
2016
2016
2016
2014
2014
2011
2010
2010
2010
2010
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2005
2005
2001
2000
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
1999
Type
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSS
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSS
HSS
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSD
HSS
HSD
HSD
HSD
Year
entered
service/
upgraded
2016
2016
2015
2015
1985/2014
2010
2009
1985/2007
1987/1997
1990
1986
1984
Type
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
HSS
Ultra-deepwater floaters (27)
Name
Deepwater Poseidon (a) (b) (c) (d)
Deepwater Pontus (a) (b) (c) (d)
Deepwater Conqueror (a) (b) (c) (d)
Deepwater Proteus (a) (b) (c) (d)
Deepwater Thalassa (a) (b) (c) (d)
Deepwater Asgard (a) (b) (d)
Deepwater Invictus (a) (b) (d)
Deepwater Champion (a) (b)
Discoverer India (a) (b) (e)
Discoverer Luanda (a) (b) (e)
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 (a)
Discoverer Inspiration (a) (b) (d) (e)
Discoverer Americas (a) (b) (e)
Development Driller III (a) (b) (f)
Petrobras 10000 (a) (b)
Discoverer Clear Leader (a) (b) (d) (e)
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 (a)
GSF Development Driller II (a) (b) (f)
GSF Development Driller I (a) (b) (f)
Discoverer Deep Seas (a) (b) (e)
Discoverer Spirit (a) (b) (e)
GSF C.R. Luigs (a)
Deepwater Discovery (a)
Deepwater Nautilus (f)
Discoverer Enterprise (a) (b) (e)
Deepwater Frontier (a)
Deepwater Millennium (a)
“HSD” means high-specification drillship.
“HSS” means high-specification semisubmersible.
(a) Dynamically positioned.
(b) Dual-activity.
(c) Designed to accommodate a future upgrade to a 20,000 pounds psi blowout preventer.
(d) Two blowout preventers.
(e) Enterprise-class or Enhanced Enterprise-class rig.
(f) Moored.
Harsh environment floaters (12)
Name
Songa Enabler (a) (b)
Songa Encourage (a) (b)
Songa Endurance (a) (b)
Songa Equinox (a) (b)
Polar Pioneer (b)
Transocean Spitsbergen (a) (b) (c)
Transocean Barents (a) (b) (c)
Henry Goodrich (b)
Transocean Leader (b)
Paul B, Loyd, Jr.(b)
Transocean Arctic (b)
Songa Dee (b)
“HSS” means high-specification semisubmersible.
(a) Dynamically positioned.
(b) Moored.
(c) Dual-activity.
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Deepwater floaters (2)
Name
Transocean 706 (a)
Jack Bates (b)
“OS” means other semisubmersible.
(a) Dynamically positioned.
(b) Moored.
Midwater floaters (6)
Name
Sedco 714
Transocean 712
Actinia
Sedco 711
Songa Delta
Songa Trym
“OS” means other semisubmersible.
Markets
Year
entered
service/
upgraded
1976/2008
1986/1997
Water
depth
capacity
(in feet)
6,500
5,400
Drilling
depth
capacity
(in feet)
25,000
30,000
Type
OS
OS
Contracted
location or
standby
status
Brazil
India
Year
entered
service/
upgraded
1983/1997
1983
1982
1982
1981
1976
Type
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
Water
depth
capacity
(in feet)
1,600
1,600
1,500
1,800
1,640
1,300
Drilling
depth
capacity
(in feet)
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
Contracted
location or
standby
status
Stacked
U.K. N. Sea
India
Stacked
Stacked
Stacked
Our operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world. We operate
in a single, global offshore drilling market, as our drilling rigs are mobile assets and are able to be moved according to prevailing market
conditions. We may mobilize our drilling rigs between regions for a variety of reasons, including to respond to customer contracting
requirements or capture demand in another locale. Consequently, we cannot predict the percentage of our revenues that will be derived
from particular geographic or political areas in future periods.
As of February 19, 2018, our drilling fleet, including stacked and idle rigs, but excluding rigs under construction, was located in the
(“U.S.”) Gulf of Mexico (ten units), Trinidad (seven units), United Kingdom
India (three units), Canada (two units), Aruba (one unit), Australia (one unit),
Norwegian North Sea (ten units),
(“U.K.”) North Sea (five units), Malaysia (four units),
Brazil (one units), Ivory Coast (one unit), Myanmar (one unit), and Romania (one unit).
the United States
We categorize the market sectors in which we operate as follows: (1) ultra-deepwater, (2) deepwater and (3) midwater. The
ultra-deepwater, deepwater and midwater market sectors, collectively known as the floater market, are serviced by our drillships and
semisubmersibles, 12 of which are suited to work in harsh environments. We generally view the ultra-deepwater market sector as water
depths beginning at 7,500 feet and extending to the maximum water depths in which rigs are capable of drilling, which is currently up to
12,000 feet. The deepwater market sector services water depths beginning at approximately 4,500 feet to approximately 7,500 feet, and the
midwater market sector services water depths from approximately 300 feet to approximately 4,500 feet.
The market for offshore drilling rigs and related services reflects oil companies’ demand for equipment for drilling exploration,
appraisal and development wells and for performing maintenance on existing production wells. Activity levels of exploration and production
(“E&P”) companies and their associated capital expenditures are largely driven by the worldwide demand for energy, including crude oil and
natural gas. Worldwide energy supply and demand drives oil and natural gas prices, which, in turn, impact E&P companies’ ability to fund
investments in exploration, development and production activities.
The industry is continuing to experience a cyclical downturn. A multi-year weak commodity pricing environment has resulted in
our customers delaying investment decisions and postponing exploration and production programs. Relative to years prior to the downturn,
we have experienced significantly reduced demand, resulting in a decline in the execution of drilling contracts for the global offshore drilling
fleet and an unprecedented level of early terminations and cancellations of drilling contracts. Over the past year, however, opportunities
have increased for our drilling services. In markets requiring harsh environment floating drilling rigs, such as the Norwegian North Sea and
eastern Canada, the limited supply of these specialized rigs has improved fleet utilization, which is resulting in increased dayrates on
high-specification rigs being tendered for new work. Outside of harsh environment markets, the excess supply of ultra-deepwater floaters
relative to demand continues and has delayed improvement of dayrates. However, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand balance improves,
we expect sustained improvement of oil prices, ultimately resulting in greater demand for ultra-deepwater drilling rigs and improvement of
dayrates. In this environment, older and less capable assets are more likely to be permanently retired, ultimately reducing the available
supply of drilling rigs. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we sold for scrap value three, 11 and 17 drilling units,
respectively, and at December 31, 2017, we had five additional rigs classified as held for sale for scrap value.
Longer term, our outlook for the offshore drilling sector remains positive, particularly for high-specification assets. Prior to the
downturn, Brazil, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa emerged as key ultra-deepwater market sectors, and licensing activity
demonstrated an increased interest in deepwater fields as E&P companies looked to explore new prospects. We expect deepwater oil and
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gas production will continue to be a part of the long-term strategy for E&P companies as they strive to replace reserves to meet global
demand for hydrocarbons. As commodity prices stabilize and confidence improves in the stability of such price levels, we anticipate additional
projects will be approved. Typically, these projects are technically demanding due to factors such as water depth, complex well designs,
deeper drilling depth, high pressure and temperature, sub-salt, harsh environments, and heightened regulatory standards; therefore, they
require sophisticated drilling units. Generally, ultra-deepwater rigs are the most modern, technologically advanced class of the offshore fleet
and have capabilities that are attractive to E&P companies operating in deeper water depths, other challenging environments or with complex
well designs. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business.”
Financial Information about Geographic Areas
The following table presents the geographic areas in which our operating revenues were earned (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Operating revenues
U.S.
Brazil
U.K.
Other countries (a)
Total operating revenues
$
$
1,527
335
288
823
2,973
$
$
1,977 $
453
551
1,180
4,161 $
2,416
673
1,139
3,158
7,386
(a) Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had operating revenues representing less than 10 percent
of consolidated operating revenues earned for any of the periods presented.
The following table presents the geographic areas in which our long-lived assets were located (in millions):
Long-lived assets
U.S.
Trinidad
Other countries (a)
Total long-lived assets
December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
7,541 $
2,563
7,298
17,402 $
6,181
3,977
10,935
21,093
(a) Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had long-lived assets representing less than 10 percent of
consolidated long-lived assets for any of the periods presented.
Contract Drilling Services
Our contracts to provide offshore drilling services are individually negotiated and vary in their terms and provisions. We obtain
most of our drilling contracts through competitive bidding against other contractors and direct negotiations with operators. Drilling contracts
generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods while the drilling unit is operating and lower rates or zero rates
for periods of mobilization or when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted by equipment breakdowns, adverse environmental
conditions or other conditions beyond our control.
A dayrate drilling contract generally extends over a period of time covering either the drilling of a single well or group of wells or
covering a stated term. At December 31, 2017, the contract backlog was approximately $9.5 billion, representing a decrease of 19 percent
and 41 percent, respectively, compared to the contract backlog at December 31, 2016 and 2015, which was $11.7 billion and $16.0 billion,
respectively. See “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Outlook—
Performance and Other Key Indicators.”
Certain of our drilling contracts may be cancelable for the convenience of the customer upon payment of an early termination
payment. Such payments, however, may not fully compensate us for the loss of the contract. Contracts also customarily provide for either
automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer, typically without the payment of any termination fee, under various
circumstances such as non-performance, in the event of extended downtime or impaired performance caused by equipment or operational
issues, or periods of extended downtime due to force majeure events. Many of these events are beyond our control. The contract term in
some instances may be extended by the customer exercising options for the drilling of additional wells or for an additional term. Our contracts
also typically include a provision that allows the customer to extend the contract to finish drilling a well-in-progress. During periods of
depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to renegotiate firm drilling contracts to reduce the term of their obligations or the
average dayrate through term extensions, or may seek to repudiate their contracts. Suspension of drilling contracts will result in the reduction
in or loss of dayrate for the period of the suspension. If our customers cancel some of our contracts and we are unable to secure new
contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, or if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if a number of
our contracts are renegotiated, it could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations or cash flows. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—
Risks related to our business—Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions,
our customers may seek to repudiate or renegotiate their contracts.”
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Consistent with standard industry practice, our customers generally assume, and indemnify us against, well control and subsurface
risks under dayrate drilling contracts. Under all of our current drilling contracts, our customers, as the operators, indemnify us for pollution
damages in connection with reservoir fluids stemming from operations under the contract and we indemnify the operator for pollution from
substances in our control that originate from the rig, such as diesel used onboard the rig or other fluids stored onboard the rig and above the
water surface. Also, under all of our current drilling contracts, the operator indemnifies us against damage to the well or reservoir and loss
of subsurface oil and gas and the cost of bringing the well under control. However, our drilling contracts are individually negotiated, and the
degree of indemnification we receive from the operator against the liabilities discussed above can vary from contract to contract, based on
market conditions and customer requirements existing when the contract was negotiated. In some instances, we have contractually agreed
upon certain limits to our indemnification rights and can be responsible for damages up to a specified maximum dollar amount. The nature
of our liability and the prevailing market conditions, among other factors, can influence such contractual terms. In most instances in which
we are indemnified for damages to the well, we have the responsibility to redrill the well at a reduced dayrate. Notwithstanding a contractual
indemnity from a customer, there can be no assurance that our customers will be financially able to indemnify us or will otherwise honor their
contractual indemnity obligations. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our business involves numerous operating
hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.”
The interpretation and enforceability of a contractual indemnity depends upon the specific facts and circumstances involved, as
governed by applicable laws, and may ultimately need to be decided by a court or other proceeding, which will need to consider the specific
contract language, the facts and applicable laws. The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be
against public policy. Courts also restrict indemnification for criminal fines and penalties. The inability or other failure of our customers to
fulfill their indemnification obligations, or unenforceability of our contractual protections could have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies.”
Significant Customers
We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading international oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many
government-controlled oil companies and independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our most significant
customers were Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”), Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”) and
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”), representing approximately 29 percent, 17 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our consolidated
operating revenues. No other customers accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated operating revenues in the year ended
December 31, 2017. Additionally, as of February 19, 2018, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog
associated with our drilling contracts were Shell, Statoil ASA (together with its affiliates, “Statoil”) and Chevron, representing approximately
52 percent, 31 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of our total contract backlog. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our
business—We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the loss
of a customer could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.”
Employees
We require highly skilled personnel to operate our drilling units. Consequently, we conduct extensive personnel recruiting, training
and safety programs. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately 4,900 employees, including approximately 400 persons engaged
through contract labor providers. Approximately 26 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Brazil, Norway and the U.K. are
represented by, and some of our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject
to annual salary negotiation. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased operational
restrictions, as the outcome of such negotiations affect the market for all offshore employees not just the union members. Additionally, failure
to reach agreement on certain key issues may result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages that may materially impact our operations.
Joint Venture, Agency and Sponsorship Relationships and Other Investments
In some areas of the world, local customs and practice or governmental requirements necessitate the formation of joint ventures
with local participation. We may or may not control these joint ventures. We participate in several joint venture drilling companies, principally
in Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria. Local laws or customs in some areas of the world also effectively mandate the establishment
of a relationship with a local agent or sponsor. When appropriate in these areas, we enter into agency or sponsorship agreements. At
December 31, 2017, joint ventures in which we participate were as follows:
We hold a 65 percent interest in ADDCL, a consolidated Cayman Islands joint venture company formed to own Discoverer Luanda.
Our local partner, Angco Cayman Limited, a Cayman Islands company, holds the remaining 35 percent interest in ADDCL. Angco
Cayman Limited has the right to exchange its interest in the joint venture for cash at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the
drillship, subject to certain adjustments.
We hold a 24 percent direct interest and a 36 percent indirect interest in Indigo Drilling Limited (“Indigo”), a consolidated Nigerian
joint venture company formed to engage in drilling operations offshore Nigeria. Our local partners, Mr. Fidelis Oditah and
Mr. Chima Ibeneche, each hold a 12.5 percent direct interest, and our other partners, Mr. Joseph Obi and Mr. Ben Osuno, together own a
15 percent indirect interest, in Indigo.
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Additionally, we hold interests in certain joint venture companies in Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria and other countries that
have been formed to perform certain management services and other onshore support services for our operations.
Technological Innovation
Since launching the offshore industry’s first jackup drilling rig in 1954, we have achieved a long history of technological innovations,
including the first dynamically positioned drillship, the first rig to drill year-round in the North Sea, the first 10,000-ft. rated ultra-deepwater
drillship and the first semisubmersible rig for year-round sub-Arctic operations. We have repeatedly achieved water depth world records in
the past. Twenty-two drillships and semisubmersibles in our existing fleet are, and our two drillships that are under construction will be,
equipped with our patented dual-activity technology, which allows our rigs to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel rather than
sequential manner and reduces critical path activity while improving efficiency in both exploration and development drilling.
We continue to develop and deploy industry-leading technology. In addition to our patented dual-activity drilling technology, two of
our drillships under construction will include industry-leading hookload capability, hybrid power systems for reduced fuel consumption and
reduced emissions as well as advanced generator protection for power plant reliability. We are focused on a breakthrough drilling innovation
program that includes a fault-resistant and fault-tolerant blowout preventer control system. Nine drillships in our existing fleet are, and our
two drillships that are under construction will be, outfitted with two blowout preventers and triple liquid mud systems. Five drillships in our
existing fleet are, and our two drillships that are under construction will be, designed to accept 20,000 psi blowout preventers in the future.
Six of our harsh environment semi-submersibles are designed and constructed specifically to provide highly efficient performance offshore
Norway and in the Barents Sea. We believe the continual improvement of, and effective use of, technology to meet or exceed our customers’
requirements is critical to maintain our competitive position within the contract drilling services industry. Additionally, our digital transformation
program delivers real-time data feeds from equipment and processes, which is used to build machine health models. These models allow
us to systematically optimize equipment maintenance and achieve higher levels of operational efficiency. This data-driven approach,
augmented by the size of our fleet, is helping us build a knowledge framework for sustainable process optimization.
Environmental Compliance
Our operations are subject to a variety of global environmental regulations. We monitor our compliance with environmental
regulation in each country of operation and, while we see an increase in general environmental regulation, we have made and will continue
to make the required expenditures to comply with current and future environmental requirements. We make expenditures to further our
commitment to environmental improvement and the setting of a global environmental standard. We assess the environmental impacts of
our business, focusing on the areas of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, discharges and waste management. Our actions are
designed to reduce risk in our current and future operations, to promote sound environmental management and to create a proactive
environmental program. To date, we have not incurred material costs in order to comply with recent environmental legislation, and we do
not believe that our compliance with such requirements will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, consolidated results
of operations or cash flows. For a discussion of the effects of environmental regulation, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our
business—Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly, expose us to liability and could limit our operations.”
Available Information
Our website address is www.deepwater.com. Information contained on or accessible from our website is not incorporated by
reference into this annual report and should not be considered a part of this report or any other filing that we make with the SEC. We make
available on this website free of charge, our annual reports, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments
to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those materials with, or furnish those materials to, the SEC.
You may also find on our website information related to our corporate governance, board committees and company code of business conduct
and ethics. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding
SEC registrants, including us.
We intend to satisfy the requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K to disclose any amendments to our Code of Integrity and any
waiver from any provision of our Code of Integrity by posting such information in the Governance page on our website at
www.deepwater.com.
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Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Risks related to our business
(cid:131) Our business depends on the level of activity in the offshore oil and gas industry, which is significantly affected by volatile
oil and gas prices and other factors.
Our business depends on the level of activity in oil and gas exploration, development and production in offshore areas worldwide.
Demand for our services depends on oil and natural gas industry activity and expenditure levels that are directly affected by trends in oil and,
to a lesser extent, natural gas prices. Oil and gas prices are extremely volatile and are affected by numerous factors, including the following:
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
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worldwide demand for oil and gas, including economic activity in the U.S. and other large energy-consuming markets;
the ability of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) to set and maintain production levels, productive spare
capacity and pricing;
the level of production in non-OPEC countries;
the policies of various governments regarding exploration and development of their oil and gas reserves;
international sanctions on oil-producing countries, or the lifting of such sanctions;
advances in exploration, development and production technology;
the further development of shale technology to exploit oil and gas reserves;
the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves;
the rate of decline of existing oil and gas reserves;
laws and regulations related to environmental matters, including those addressing alternative energy sources and the risks of global climate
change;
the development and exploitation of alternative fuels;
accidents, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters and other similar incidents relating to the oil and gas industry; and
the worldwide security and political environment, including uncertainty or instability resulting from an escalation or outbreak of armed
hostilities, civil unrest or other crises in the Middle East or other geographic areas or acts of terrorism.
Demand for our services is particularly sensitive to the level of exploration, development and production activity of, and the
corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies, including national oil companies. Prolonged reductions in oil and natural
gas prices could depress the immediate levels of exploration, development and production activity. Perceptions of longer-term lower oil and
natural gas prices by oil and gas companies could similarly reduce or defer major expenditures given the long-term nature of many large-scale
development projects. Lower levels of activity result in a corresponding decline in the demand for our services, which could have a material
adverse effect on our revenue and profitability. Oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these prices significantly
affect this level of activity. However, increases in near-term commodity prices do not necessarily translate into increased offshore drilling
activity since customers’ expectations of longer-term future commodity prices typically drive demand for our rigs. Consistent with this
dynamic, customers may delay or cancel many exploration and development programs, resulting in reduced demand for our services. Also,
increased competition for customers’ drilling budgets could come from, among other areas, land-based energy markets worldwide. The
availability of quality drilling prospects, exploration success, relative production costs, the stage of reservoir development and political and
regulatory environments also affect customers’ drilling campaigns. Worldwide military, political and economic events have contributed to oil
and gas price volatility and are likely to do so in the future.
(cid:131)
The offshore drilling industry is highly competitive and cyclical, with intense price competition.
The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive with numerous industry participants, none of which has a dominant
market share. Drilling contracts are traditionally awarded on a competitive bid basis. Although rig availability, service quality and technical
capability are drivers of customer contract awards, bid pricing and intense price competition are often key determinants for which a qualified
contractor is awarded a job.
The offshore drilling industry has historically been cyclical and is impacted by oil and natural gas price levels and volatility. There
have been periods of high customer demand, limited rig supply and high dayrates, followed by periods of low customer demand, excess rig
supply and low dayrates. Changes in commodity prices can have a dramatic effect on rig demand, and periods of excess rig supply may
intensify competition in the industry and result in the idling of older and less technologically advanced equipment. We have idled and stacked
rigs, and may in the future idle or stack additional rigs or enter into lower dayrate drilling contracts in response to market conditions. Idled
or stacked rigs may remain out of service for extended periods of time.
During prior periods of high dayrates and rig utilization rates, we and other industry participants have responded to increased
customer demand by increasing the supply of rigs through ordering the construction of new units. In periods of low oil and natural gas price
levels, new construction has historically resulted in an oversupply of rigs and has caused a subsequent decline in dayrates and rig utilization
rates, sometimes for extended periods of time. Additional rigs that remain under construction, and the entry into service of these new units
will increase overall supply.
Our two ultra-deepwater drillships currently under construction have not been contracted for work. Combined with the expected
increase in the number of rigs in the global market completing contracts and becoming idle, the number of new units expected to be delivered
without contracts has intensified and may further intensify price competition. Any further near-term increase in the construction of new units
would likely exacerbate the negative impact of increased supply on dayrates and utilization rates. Additionally, lower market dayrates and
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intense price competition may drive customers to seek to renegotiate existing contracts to lower dayrates in exchange for longer contract
terms. In an oversupplied market, we may have limited bargaining power to negotiate on more favorable terms. Lower dayrates and rig
utilization rates could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
(cid:131) Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions, our customers
may seek to repudiate or renegotiate their contracts.
Certain of our drilling contracts with customers may be cancelable at the option of the customer upon payment of an early
termination payment. Such payments may not, however, fully compensate us for the loss of the contract. Drilling contracts also customarily
provide for either automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer typically without the payment of any termination fee,
under various circumstances such as non-performance, as a result of significant downtime or impaired performance caused by equipment
or operational issues, or sustained periods of downtime due to force majeure events. Many of these events are beyond our control. During
periods of depressed market conditions, we are subject to an increased risk of our customers seeking to repudiate their contracts, including
through claims of non-performance. We are at continued risk of experiencing early contract terminations in the current weak commodity
price environment as operators look to reduce their capital expenditures. In February 2018, after experiencing equipment breakdown that
could not be repaired timely, we and our customer mutually agreed to amend the drilling contract for one of our rigs at a reduced dayrate
and for reduced duration. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our customers early terminated or cancelled contracts for
one and eight of our rigs, respectively. Our customers’ ability to perform their obligations under their drilling contracts, including their ability
to fulfill their indemnity obligations to us, may also be negatively impacted by an economic downturn. Our customers, which include national
oil companies, often have significant bargaining leverage over us. If our customers cancel some of our contracts, and we are unable to
secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, or if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if
a number of our contracts are renegotiated, it could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or
cash flows. See “Item 1. Business—Contract Drilling Services.”
(cid:131) Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be fully realized.
At February 19, 2018, our contract backlog was approximately $12.8 billion. This amount represents the number of days remaining
in the firm term of the drilling contract multiplied by the maximum contractual operating dayrate, excluding revenues for mobilization,
demobilization and contract preparation or other incentive provisions, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling
revenues. The contractual operating dayrate may be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive or an alternative contractual
dayrate, such as waiting on weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate, may apply under certain circumstances. Our
contractual backlog includes amounts associated with our newbuild units that are currently under construction. The contractual operating
dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate 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, including: equipment breakdowns and
other unforeseen engineering problems, labor strikes and other work stoppages, shortages of material and skilled labor, surveys by
government and maritime authorities, periodic classification surveys, severe weather or harsh operating conditions, and force majeure
events.
In certain drilling contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero if, for example, repairs extend beyond a stated period of time. Our
contract backlog includes only firm commitments, which are represented by signed drilling contracts or, in some cases, other definitive
agreements awaiting contract execution. We may not be able to realize the full amount of our contract backlog due to events beyond our
control. In addition, some of our customers have experienced liquidity issues in the past and these liquidity issues could be experienced
again if commodity prices decline for an extended period of time. Liquidity issues and other market pressures could lead our customers to
seek bankruptcy protection or to seek to repudiate, cancel or renegotiate these agreements for various reasons (see “—Our drilling contracts
may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to repudiate or renegotiate
their contracts.”) Our inability to realize the full amount of our contract backlog may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
(cid:131) We may not be able to renew or obtain new drilling contracts for rigs whose contracts are expiring, cancelled or terminated
or obtain drilling contracts for our uncontracted newbuilds.
The offshore drilling markets in which we compete experience fluctuations in the demand for drilling services. Our ability to renew
expiring drilling contracts or obtain new drilling contracts depends on the prevailing or expected market conditions at the time of expiration.
A number of existing drilling contracts for our drilling rigs that are currently operating are scheduled to expire before December 31, 2018,
and our two ultra-deepwater drillships currently under construction do not have customer drilling contracts. We may be unable to obtain
drilling contracts for our rigs that are currently operating upon the expiration or termination of such contracts or obtain drilling contracts for
our newbuilds, and there may be a gap in the operation of the rigs between the current contracts and subsequent contracts. When oil and
natural gas prices are low or it is expected that such prices will decrease in the future, we may be unable to obtain drilling contracts at
attractive dayrates or at all. We may not be able to obtain new drilling contracts in direct continuation with existing contracts or for our
uncontracted newbuild units, or depending on prevailing market conditions, we may enter into drilling contracts at dayrates substantially
below the existing dayrates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to existing contract terms, which may have an adverse effect on
our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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(cid:131) We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our fleet, and we may be required to make significant
capital expenditures to maintain our competitiveness and to comply with laws and the applicable regulations and standards
of governmental authorities and organizations, or to execute our growth plan.
We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our fleet. These expenditures could increase as a result
of changes in the cost of labor and materials, requirements of customers, the size of our fleet, the cost of replacement parts for existing rigs,
the geographic location of the rigs and the length of drilling contracts. Our expenditures may also increase as a result of industry standards,
governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization and technical standards related to safety, security or the environment.
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 order to maintain our competitiveness. Changes in governmental regulations,
safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations, may require
us to make additional unforeseen capital expenditures. As a result, we may be required to take our 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 older rigs profitably during the remainder of their economic lives.
In addition, if we are unable to fund capital expenditures with our cash flows from operations or proceeds from sales of non-strategic
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 changes in laws and regulations or interpretation thereof
and by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that
are beyond our control. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, existing shareholders may experience dilution. Our failure to obtain
the funds for necessary future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated statements
of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
(cid:131) Various credit rating agencies have rated our debt below investment grade, which could limit our access to capital and have
a materially adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Three credit rating agencies have rated our non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt (“Debt Rating”) below
investment grade. Our Debt Rating levels could have material adverse consequences on our business and future prospects and could:
(cid:131)
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limit our ability to access debt markets, including for the purpose of refinancing our existing debt or replacing our existing credit agreements;
cause us to refinance, issue debt or enter into bank credit agreements with less favorable terms and conditions, which debt may require
collateral and restrict, among other things, our ability to pay distributions or repurchase shares;
increase certain fees under our credit facilities and interest rates under indentures governing certain of our senior notes;
negatively impact current and prospective customers’ willingness to transact business with us;
impose additional insurance, guarantee and collateral requirements;
limit our access to bank and third-party guarantees, surety bonds and letters of credit; and
suppliers and financial institutions may lower or eliminate the level of credit provided through payment terms or intraday funding when
dealing with us thereby increasing the need for higher levels of cash on hand, which would decrease our ability to repay debt balances.
The Debt Ratings have caused some of the effects listed above, and any further downgrades may cause or exacerbate, any of the
effects listed above.
(cid:131) We have a substantial amount of debt, including secured debt, and we may lose the ability to obtain future financing and
suffer competitive disadvantages.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our total consolidated debt was $7.4 billion and $8.5 billion, respectively. This substantial level
of debt and other obligations could have significant adverse consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:
(cid:131)
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we may be unable to obtain financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements,
distributions, share repurchases, or other purposes;
we may be unable to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds
to service the debt;
we could become more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including increases in interest rates, particularly
given our substantial indebtedness, some of which bears interest at variable rates;
we may be unable to meet financial ratios in the indentures governing certain of our debt or in our bank credit agreements or satisfy certain
other conditions included in our bank credit agreements, which could result in our inability to meet requirements for borrowings under our
credit agreements or a default under these indentures or agreements, impose restrictions with respect to our access to certain of our capital,
and trigger cross default provisions in our other debt instruments;
if we default under the terms of our secured financing arrangements, the secured debtholders may, among other things, foreclose on the
collateral securing the debt, including the applicable drilling units; and
we may be less able to take advantage of significant business opportunities and to react to changes in market or industry conditions than
our less levered competitors.
See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Sources and Uses of Liquidity.”
AR-11
(cid:131) We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the
loss of a customer could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading international oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many
government-controlled oil companies and independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our most significant
customers were Chevron, Shell and Petrobras, accounting for approximately 29 percent, 17 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our
consolidated operating revenues. As of February 19, 2018, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog
were Shell, Statoil and Chevron, representing approximately 52 percent, 31 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of our total contract
backlog. The loss of any of these customers or another significant customer, or a decline in payments under any of our drilling contracts,
could, at least in the short term, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, our drilling contracts subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations
under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general
economic conditions, the condition of the offshore drilling industry, prevailing prices for oil and natural gas, the overall financial condition of
the counterparty, the dayrates received and the level of expenses necessary to maintain drilling activities. In addition, in depressed market
conditions, such as we are currently experiencing, our customers may no longer need a drilling rig that is currently under contract or may be
able to obtain a comparable drilling rig at a lower dayrate. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under an agreement with us,
we could sustain losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated statement of financial condition
results of operations or cash flows.
(cid:131) Worldwide financial, economic and political conditions could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Worldwide financial and economic conditions could restrict our ability to access the capital markets at a time when we would like,
or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.
Worldwide economic conditions have in the past impacted, and could in the future impact, the lenders participating in our credit facilities and
our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. If economic conditions preclude or limit financing from banking institutions
participating in our credit facilities, we may not be able to obtain similar financing from other institutions. A slowdown in economic activity
could further reduce worldwide demand for energy and extend or worsen the current period of low oil and natural gas prices. These potential
developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our consolidated statement of financial position,
results of operations or cash flows. In addition, turmoil and hostilities in the Middle East, North Africa and other geographic areas and
countries are adding to overall risk. An extended period of negative outlook for the world economy could further reduce the overall demand
for oil and natural gas and for our services. A further decline in oil and natural gas prices or an extension of the current low oil and natural
gas prices could reduce demand for our drilling services and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
(cid:131) 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 fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues. Costs for
operating a rig are generally fixed or only semi-variable regardless of the dayrate being earned. In addition, should our rigs incur unplanned
downtime while on contract or idle time between drilling contracts, we will not always reduce the staff on those rigs because we could use
the crew to prepare the rig for its next contract. During times of reduced activity, reductions in costs may not be immediate because portions
of the crew may be required to prepare rigs for stacking, after which time the crew members may be assigned to active rigs or released. 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 and inflation. Equipment maintenance costs fluctuate depending upon
the type of activity the unit is performing and the age and condition of the equipment, and these costs could increase for short or extended
periods as a result of regulatory or customer requirements that raise maintenance standards above historical levels. Contract preparation
costs vary based on the scope and length of contract preparation required and the duration of the firm contractual period over which such
expenditures are amortized.
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(cid:131) Our shipyard projects and operations are subject to delays and cost overruns.
As of February 19, 2018, we had two ultra-deepwater floater newbuild rigs under construction. We also have a variety of other
more limited shipyard projects at any given time. These shipyard projects are subject to the risks of delay or cost overruns inherent in any
such construction project resulting from numerous factors, including the following:
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shipyard availability, failures and difficulties;
shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor;
unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment;
design and engineering problems, including those relating to the commissioning of newly designed equipment;
latent damages or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions;
unanticipated actual or purported change orders;
disputes with shipyards and suppliers;
failure or delayed deliveries of significant parts or equipment due to supplier shortages, constraints, disruption or quality issues;
availability of suppliers to recertify equipment for enhanced regulations;
strikes, labor disputes and work stoppages;
customer acceptance delays;
adverse weather conditions, including damage caused by such conditions;
terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest;
unanticipated cost increases; and
difficulty in obtaining necessary permits or approvals.
These factors may contribute to cost variations and delays in the delivery of our newbuild units and other rigs undergoing shipyard
projects. Delayed delivery of these units would impact contract commencement, resulting in a loss of revenue to us, and may also cause
customers to terminate or shorten the term of the drilling contract for the rig pursuant to applicable late delivery clauses. In the event of
termination of any of these drilling contracts, we may not be able to secure a replacement contract on as favorable terms, if at all.
Our operations also rely on a significant supply of capital and consumable spare parts and equipment to maintain and repair our
fleet. We also rely on the supply of ancillary services, including supply boats and helicopters. Our reliance on our suppliers, manufacturers
and service providers to secure equipment, parts, components and sub-systems used in our operations exposes us to volatility in the quality,
prices and availability of such items. Certain 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. A disruption in the deliveries from our suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, capacity constraints, production disruptions,
price increases, quality control issues, recalls or other decreased availability of parts and equipment or ancillary services could adversely
affect our ability to meet our commitments to customers, adversely impact our operations, increase our operating costs and result in increases
in rig downtime and delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet.
(cid:131) We could experience a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or
cash flows to the extent the Macondo well’s operator fails to indemnify us or is otherwise unable to indemnify us for
compensatory damages related to the Macondo well incident as required under the terms of our settlement agreement.
The Macondo well incident resulted in the most extensive spill of hydrocarbons in U.S. history. Under the Deepwater Horizon
drilling contract and in accordance with our settlement agreement with the operator, BP plc (together with its affiliates “BP”) agreed to
indemnify us with respect to certain matters, and we agreed to indemnify BP with respect to certain matters. We could experience a material
adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows to the extent that BP fails to fully satisfy
its indemnification obligations, including by reason of financial or legal restrictions, or our insurance policies do not fully cover these amounts.
In addition, in connection with our settlement with the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), we agreed that we will not use payments pursuant
to a civil consent decree by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Consent Decree”) as a basis for indemnity or reimbursement
from non-insurer defendants named in the complaint by the U.S. or their affiliates.
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The continuing effects of the enhanced regulations enacted following the Macondo well incident and of agreements applicable
to us could materially and adversely affect our worldwide operations.
Following the Macondo well incident, enhanced governmental safety and environmental requirements applicable to both deepwater
and shallow water operations were adopted for drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In order to obtain drilling permits, operators must submit
applications that demonstrate compliance with the enhanced regulations, which require independent third-party inspections, certification of
well design and well control equipment and emergency response plans in the event of a blowout, among other requirements. Operators
have previously had, and may in the future have, difficulties obtaining drilling permits in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the oil and gas
industry has adopted new equipment and operating standards, such as the American Petroleum Institute Standard 53 related to the
installation and testing of well control equipment. These safety and environmental guidelines and standards and any further new guidelines
or standards the U.S. government or industry may issue or any other steps the U.S. government or industry may take, could disrupt or delay
operations, increase the cost of operations, increase out-of-service time or reduce the area of operations for drilling rigs in the U.S. and
non-U.S. offshore areas.
Other governments could take similar actions related to implementing new safety and environmental regulations in the future.
Additionally, some of our customers have elected to voluntarily comply with some or all of the new inspections, certification requirements
AR-13
and safety and environmental guidelines on rigs operating outside of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Additional governmental regulations and
requirements concerning licensing, taxation, equipment specifications and training requirements or the voluntary adoption of such
requirements or guidelines by our customers could increase the costs of our operations, increase certification and permitting requirements,
increase review periods and impose increased liability on offshore operations. The continuing effects of the enhanced regulations may also
decrease the demand for drilling services, negatively affect dayrates and increase out-of-service time, which could ultimately have a material
adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.
(cid:131) Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly, expose us to liability and could limit our operations.
Our business in the offshore drilling industry is affected by laws and regulations relating to the energy industry and the environment,
including international conventions and treaties, and regional, national, state, and local laws and regulations. The offshore drilling industry
depends on demand for services from the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and, accordingly, we are directly affected by the
adoption of laws and regulations that, for economic, environmental or other policy reasons, curtail exploration and development drilling for
oil and gas. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require us to make significant capital
expenditures, such as the installation of costly equipment or operational changes, and may affect the resale values or useful lives of our rigs.
We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs
relating to air emissions, including greenhouse gases, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and
implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents.
Offshore drilling in certain areas has been curtailed and, in certain cases, prohibited because of concerns over protection of the environment.
These costs could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. A
failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension
or termination of our operations.
To the extent new laws are enacted or other governmental actions are taken that prohibit or restrict offshore drilling or impose
additional environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, in general, or the offshore drilling
industry, in particular, our business or prospects could be materially adversely affected. The operation of our drilling rigs will require certain
governmental approvals. These governmental approvals may involve public hearings and costly undertakings on our part. We may not
obtain such approvals or such approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner. If we fail to timely secure the necessary approvals or
permits, our customers may have the right to terminate or seek to renegotiate their drilling contracts to our detriment. The amendment or
modification of existing laws and regulations or the adoption of new laws and regulations curtailing or further regulating exploratory or
development drilling and production of oil and gas could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial
condition. Compliance with any such new legislation or regulations could have an adverse effect on our consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows.
As an operator of mobile offshore drilling units in some offshore areas, we may be liable for damages and costs incurred in
connection with oil spills or waste disposals related to those operations, and we may also be subject to significant fines in connection with
spills. For example, an oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation costs for
natural resource damages, as well as third-party damages, to the extent that the contractual indemnification provisions in our drilling contracts
are not enforceable or otherwise sufficient, or if our customers are unwilling or unable to contractually indemnify us from these risks.
Additionally, we may not be able to obtain such indemnities in our future drilling contracts, and our customers may not have the financial
capability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us. Also, these indemnities may be held to be unenforceable in certain jurisdictions, as a
result of public policy or for other reasons. For example, one of the courts in the litigation related to the Macondo well incident refused to
enforce aspects of our indemnity with respect to certain environmental-related liabilities. Laws and regulations protecting the environment
have become more stringent in recent years, and may in some cases impose strict liability, rendering a person liable for environmental
damage without regard to negligence. These laws and regulations may expose us to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by
others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. The application of these requirements or
the adoption of new requirements or measures could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
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The global nature of our operations involves additional risks.
We operate in various regions throughout the world, which may expose us to political and other uncertainties, including risks of:
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terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest;
seizure, expropriation or nationalization of our equipment;
expropriation or nationalization of our customers’ property;
repudiation or nationalization of contracts;
imposition of trade or immigration barriers;
import-export quotas;
wage and price controls;
changes in law and regulatory requirements, including changes in interpretation and enforcement;
involvement in judicial proceedings in unfavorable jurisdictions;
damage to our equipment or violence directed at our employees, including kidnappings;
complications associated with supplying, repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations;
the inability to move income or capital; and
currency exchange fluctuations and currency exchange restrictions, including exchange or similar controls that may limit our ability to convert
local currency into U.S. dollars and transfer funds out of a local jurisdiction.
Our non-U.S. contract drilling operations are subject to various laws and regulations in certain countries in which we operate,
including laws and regulations relating to the import and export, equipment and operation of drilling units, currency conversions and
repatriation, oil and gas exploration and development, taxation and social contributions of offshore earnings and earnings of expatriate
personnel. We are also subject to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and other U.S. laws and
regulations governing our international operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors
have proposed or adopted divestment and other initiatives regarding investments including, with respect to state governments, by state
retirement systems in companies that do business with countries that have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. State
Department. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to sanctions and export restrictions, may subject
us to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions or seizures of assets. Investors could view
any potential violations of OFAC regulations negatively, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares.
Governments in some countries have become increasingly active in regulating and controlling the ownership of concessions and
companies holding concessions, the exploration for oil and gas and other aspects of the oil and gas industries in their countries, including
local content requirements for participating in tenders for certain drilling contracts. Many governments favor or effectively require the
awarding of drilling contracts to local contractors or require nonlocal contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular
jurisdiction or require use of a local agent. In addition, government action, including initiatives by OPEC, may continue to cause oil or gas
price volatility. In some areas of the world, this governmental activity has adversely affected the amount of exploration and development
work by major oil companies and may continue to do so.
A substantial portion of our drilling contracts are partially payable in local currency. Those amounts may exceed our local currency
needs, leading to the accumulation of excess local currency, which, in certain instances, may be subject to either temporary blocking or other
difficulties converting to U.S. dollars, our functional currency, or to other currencies in which we operate. Excess amounts of local currency
may be exposed to the risk of currency exchange losses.
The shipment of goods, services and technology across international borders subjects us to extensive trade laws and regulations.
Our import and export activities are governed by unique customs laws and regulations in each of the countries where we operate. Moreover,
many countries, including the U.S., control the import and export of certain goods, services and technology and impose related import and
export recordkeeping and reporting obligations. Governments also may impose economic sanctions against certain countries, persons and
other entities that may restrict or prohibit transactions involving such countries, persons and entities, and we are also subject to the U.S.
anti-boycott law.
The laws and regulations concerning import and export activity, recordkeeping and reporting, import and export control and
economic sanctions are complex and constantly changing. These laws and regulations may be enacted, amended, enforced or interpreted
in a manner materially impacting our operations. Ongoing economic challenges may increase some governments’ efforts to enact, enforce,
amend or interpret laws and regulations as a method to increase revenue. Shipments can be delayed and denied import or export 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.
An inability to obtain visas and work permits for our employees on a timely basis could impact our operations and have an adverse
effect on our business. Our ability to operate worldwide depends on our ability to obtain the necessary visas and work permits for our
personnel to travel in and out of, and to work in, the jurisdictions in which we operate. Governmental actions in some of the jurisdictions in
which we operate may make it difficult for us to move our personnel in and out of these jurisdictions by delaying or withholding the approval
of these permits. If we are not able to obtain visas and work permits for the employees we need to operate our rigs on a timely basis, we
might not be able to perform our obligations under our drilling contracts, which could allow our customers to cancel the contracts. If our
customers cancel some of our drilling contracts, and we are unable to secure new drilling contracts on a timely basis and on substantially
similar terms, it could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
AR-15
(cid:131) Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be
adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.
Our operations are subject to the usual hazards inherent in the drilling of oil and gas wells, such as, blowouts, reservoir damage,
loss of production, loss of well control, lost or stuck drill strings, equipment defects, craterings, fires, explosions 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. These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and
equipment, pollution or environmental damage, claims by third parties or customers and suspension of operations. Our offshore fleet is also
subject to hazards inherent in marine operations, either while on site or during mobilization, such as capsizing, sinking, grounding, collision,
piracy, damage from severe weather and marine life infestations.
The South China Sea, the Northwest Coast of Australia and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are areas subject to typhoons, hurricanes or
other extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis, and our drilling rigs in these regions may be exposed to damage or 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. Some experts believe global climate
change could increase the frequency and severity of these extreme weather conditions. 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.
We customarily provide contract indemnity to our customers for certain claims that could be asserted by us relating to damage to or loss of
our equipment, including rigs, and claims that could be asserted by us or our employees relating to personal injury or loss of life.
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 extensive uncontrolled fires. We may also be subject to property damage,
environmental indemnity and other claims by oil and natural gas companies. 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 offshore risks, such as personal
injury, third-party property claims, and third-party non-crew claims, including wreck removal and pollution. We generally have no hull and
machinery insurance coverage for damages caused by named storms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We maintain per occurrence deductibles
that generally range up to $10 million for various third-party liabilities and an additional aggregate annual deductible of $50 million, which is
self-insured through our wholly-owned captive insurance company. We also retain the risk for any liability in excess of our $750 million
excess liability coverage. However, 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 adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations 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 generally do not carry insurance
for loss of revenue, and certain other claims may also not be reimbursed 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.
(cid:131) Swiss corporate governance may affect our business.
The Swiss Federal Council Ordinance Against Excessive Compensation at Public Companies (the “Ordinance”), among other
things, (a) requires a binding shareholder “say on pay” vote with respect to the compensation of members of our executive management and
board of directors (b) generally prohibits the making of severance, advance, transaction premiums and similar payments to members of our
executive management and board of directors, and (c) requires the declassification of our board of directors and the amendment of our
articles of association to specify various compensation-related matters. At our annual general meetings, our shareholders are required to
approve the maximum aggregate compensation of (1) our board of directors for the period through the successive annual general meeting
and (2) our executive management team for the following year. The Ordinance further provides for criminal penalties against directors and
members of executive management in case of noncompliance with certain of its requirements. The Ordinance may negatively affect our
ability to retain executive management and members of our board of directors.
AR-16
(cid:131) Corporate restructuring activity, divestitures, acquisitions and other business combinations and reorganizations could
adversely affect our ability to achieve our strategic goals.
We have undertaken and continue to seek appropriate opportunities for restructuring our organization, engaging in strategic
acquisitions, divestitures and other business combinations in order to optimize our fleet and strengthen our competitiveness. We face risks
arising from these activities, which could adversely affect our ability to achieve our strategic goals. For example:
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we may be unable to realize the growth or investment opportunities, improvement of our financial position and other expected benefits by
these activities in the expected time period or at all;
transactions may not be completed as scheduled or at all due to legal or regulatory requirements, market conditions or contractual and
other conditions to which such transactions are subject;
unanticipated problems could also arise in the integration or separation processes, including unanticipated restructuring or separation
expenses and liabilities, as well as delays or other difficulties in transitioning, coordinating, consolidating, replacing and integrating
personnel, information and management systems, and customer products and services;
the diversion of management and key employees' attention may detract from our ability to increase revenues and minimize costs; and
certain transactions may result in other unanticipated adverse consequences.
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Failure to recruit and retain key personnel could hurt our operations.
We depend on the continuing efforts of key members of our management, as well as other highly skilled personnel, to operate and
provide technical services and support for our business worldwide. Historically, competition for the personnel required for drilling operations
has intensified as the number of rigs activated, added to worldwide fleets or under construction increased, leading to shortages of qualified
personnel in the industry and creating upward pressure on wages and higher turnover. We may experience a reduction in the experience
level of our personnel as a result of any increased turnover and ongoing staff reduction initiatives, which could lead to higher downtime and
more operating incidents, which in turn could decrease revenues and increase costs. If increased competition for qualified personnel were
to intensify in the future we may experience increases in costs or limits on operations.
(cid:131) Our labor costs and the operating restrictions under which we operate could increase as a result of collective bargaining
negotiations and changes in labor laws and regulations.
Approximately 26 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Brazil, Norway and the U.K. are represented by, and some of
our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation.
These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased operational restrictions as the outcome of
such negotiations affect the market for all offshore employees not just the union members. Legislation has been introduced in the U.S.
Congress that could encourage additional unionization efforts in the U.S., as well as increase the chances that such efforts succeed.
Additional unionization efforts, if successful, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our labor
costs and operating restrictions.
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Failure to comply with 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 an adverse effect on our business.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (“Bribery Act”) and similar anti-bribery laws in other
jurisdictions, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining
business. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict
compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. If we are found to be liable for violations under the FCPA,
the Bribery Act or other similar laws, either due to our acts or omissions or due to the acts or omissions of others, including our partners in
our various joint ventures, we could suffer from civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, investors could negatively view potential violations, inquiries or
allegations of misconduct under the FCPA, the Bribery Act or similar laws, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our
shares.
We could also face fines, sanctions and other penalties from authorities in the relevant jurisdictions, including prohibition of our
participating in or curtailment of business operations in those jurisdictions and the seizure of rigs or other assets. Additionally, we could face
other third-party claims by agents, shareholders, debt holders, or other interest holders or constituents of our company. Further, disclosure
of the subject matter of any investigation could adversely affect our reputation and our ability to obtain new business from potential customers
or retain existing business from our current customers, to attract and retain employees and to access the capital markets. Our customers in
relevant jurisdictions could seek to impose penalties or take other actions adverse to our interests, and we may be required to dedicate
significant time and resources to investigate and resolve allegations of misconduct, regardless of the merit of such allegations.
(cid:131) Regulation of greenhouse gases and climate change could have a negative impact on our business.
Some scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, including greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane,
may be contributing to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. In response to such studies, the issue of climate
change and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular emissions from fossil fuels, is attracting increasing attention worldwide.
AR-17
In the U.S., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun adopting and implementing a comprehensive suite of regulations
to restrict emissions of greenhouse gases under existing provisions of the Clean Air Act. In addition, a number of other federal, state and
regional efforts have focused on tracking or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts have also 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. In
December 2015, the U.S. joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. The resulting agreement (the “Paris Agreement”) calls for the parties to undertake
“ambitious efforts” to limit the average global temperature and to conserve and enhance sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. The
U.S. is one of over 70 nations having ratified or otherwise consented to be bound by the Paris Agreement. The greenhouse gas emission
reductions called for by the Paris Agreement are not binding. On June 1, 2017, the U.S. announced its plan to withdraw from the
Paris Agreement and to seek negotiations either to reenter the Paris Agreement on different terms or establish a new framework agreement.
The Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process beginning in November 2016, which would result in an effective exit-date of
November 2020. The U.S.’s adherence to the exit process is uncertain, and the terms on which the U.S. may reenter the Paris Agreement
or a separately negotiated agreement if it chooses to do so, are unclear at this time.
Because our business depends on the level of activity in the offshore oil and gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations,
treaties or international agreements related to greenhouse gases and climate change, including incentives to conserve energy or use
alternative energy sources, could have a negative impact on our business if such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements
reduce the worldwide demand for oil and gas or limit drilling opportunities. In addition, such laws, regulations, treaties or international
agreements could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, which may have a negative impact on our
business.
(cid:131) We are subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse
effect on us.
We are subject to a variety of disputes, investigations and litigation. Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to and have been
involved in litigation with certain of our customers. We have subsidiaries that have issued debt under indentures that are subject to covenant
compliance, some of which have been accused of breaching certain requirements of such covenants (see “Part II. Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies—Global
Marine litigation”). Certain of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure
to asbestos or toxic fumes or resulting from other occupational diseases, such as silicosis, and various other medical issues that can remain
undiscovered for a considerable amount of time. Some of these subsidiaries that have been put on notice of potential liabilities have no
assets. Certain subsidiaries are subject to litigation relating to environmental damage. Our patent for dual-activity technology has been
successfully challenged in certain jurisdictions. We are also subject to a number of significant tax disputes. We cannot predict the outcome
of the cases involving those subsidiaries or the potential costs to resolve them. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases,
insurers may not remain solvent and policies may not be located. Suits against non-asset-owning subsidiaries have and may in the future
give rise to alter ego or successor-in-interest claims against us and our asset-owning subsidiaries to the extent a subsidiary is unable to pay
a claim or insurance is not available or sufficient to cover the claims. To the extent that one or more pending or future litigation matters is
not resolved in our favor and is not covered by insurance, a material adverse effect on our financial results and condition could result.
(cid:131) Our information technology systems are subject to cybersecurity risks and threats.
We depend on digital technologies to conduct our offshore and onshore operations, to collect payments from customers and to
pay vendors and employees. Threats to our information technology systems associated with cybersecurity risks and cyber-incidents or
attacks continue to grow. In addition, breaches to our systems could go unnoticed for some period of time. Risks associated with these
threats include disruptions of certain systems on our rigs; other impairments of our ability to conduct our operations; loss of intellectual
property, proprietary information or customer data; disruption of our customers’ operations; loss or damage to our customer data delivery
systems; and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events. If such a cyber-incident were to occur, it could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
(cid:131) Acts of terrorism, piracy and political and social unrest could affect the markets for drilling services, which may have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations.
Acts of terrorism and social unrest, brought about by world political events or otherwise, have caused instability in the world’s
financial and insurance markets in the past and may occur in the future. Such acts could be directed against companies such as ours. In
addition, acts of terrorism, piracy and social unrest could lead to increased volatility in prices for crude oil and natural gas and could affect
the markets for drilling services. Insurance premiums could increase and coverage may be unavailable in the future. Government regulations
may effectively preclude us from engaging in business activities in certain countries. These regulations could be amended to cover countries
where we currently operate or where we may wish to operate in the future. Our drilling contracts do not generally provide indemnification
against loss of capital assets or loss of revenues resulting from acts of terrorism, piracy or political or social unrest. We have limited insurance
for our assets providing coverage for physical damage losses resulting from risks, such as terrorist acts, piracy, vandalism, sabotage, civil
unrest, expropriation and acts of war, and we do not carry insurance for loss of revenues resulting from such risks.
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(cid:131) Public health threats could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our financial results.
Public health threats, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, severe influenza and other highly communicable viruses or
diseases, outbreaks of which have already occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, could 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. Quarantine of personnel or inability to access our offices or rigs could adversely affect our operations. Travel restrictions
or operational problems in any part of the world in which we operate, or any reduction in the demand for drilling services caused by public
health threats in the future, may materially impact operations and adversely affect our financial results.
Other risks
(cid:131) We have significant carrying amounts of long-lived assets that are subject to impairment testing.
At December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of our property and equipment was $17.4 billion, representing 78 percent of our total
assets. In accordance with our critical accounting policies, we review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes
in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable. In the year ended December 31, 2017,
we recognized an aggregate loss of $1.4 billion associated with the impairment of certain assets sold for scrap value or for alternative use,
and we recognized a loss of $94 million associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group. In the year ended December 31,
2016, we recognized an aggregate loss of $52 million associated with the impairment of our deepwater floater asset group, and we
recognized a loss of $41 million associated with the impairment of certain assets sold for scrap value. Future expectations of lower dayrates
or rig utilization rates or a significant change to the composition of one or more of our asset groups or to our contract drilling services reporting
unit could result in the recognition of additional losses on impairment of our long-lived asset groups if future cash flow expectations, based
upon information available to management at the time of measurement, indicate that the carrying amount of our asset groups may be
impaired.
(cid:131) A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we have operations, are
incorporated or are resident could result in a higher tax rate on our worldwide earnings, which could result in a significant
negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations.
We operate worldwide through our various subsidiaries. Consequently, we are subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties
or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could include laws or policies directed toward companies organized in
jurisdictions with low tax rates. A material change in the tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or application, of any country
in which we have significant operations, or in which we are incorporated or resident, could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide
earnings and such change could be significant to our financial results.
The U.S., for example, has enacted tax legislation that eliminates some perceived tax advantages of companies that have legal
domiciles outside the U.S., but have certain U.S. connections. Switzerland, in response to certain guidance from and demands by the
European Union (“EU”) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”), has been carefully considering
various tax reform proposals. Some of these tax reform measures may be adopted into law and effective as early as 2019. Switzerland’s
implementation of any material change in tax laws or policies or its adoption of new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings could
result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Similarly, the OECD issued its action plan of tax reform measures that called for member states to take action to prevent “base
erosion and profit shifting”. Some of these measures impact transfer pricing, requirements to qualify for tax treaty benefits, and the definition
of permanent establishments depending on each jurisdiction’s adoption and interpretation of such proposals. Respective countries have
adopted various measures into their own tax laws. The EU issued its Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive in 2016 that required its member states
to adopt specific tax reform measures by 2019. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from such
legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material
adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other tax jurisdictions in which we operate may consider implementing similar legislation. The implementation of such legislation,
any other material changes in tax laws or policies or the adoption of new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings could result in a
higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and any such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement
of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
(cid:131) A loss of a major tax dispute or a successful tax challenge to our operating structure, intercompany pricing policies or the
taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries could result in a higher tax rate on our worldwide earnings, which
could result in a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations.
We are a Swiss corporation that operates through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world.
Consequently, we are subject to tax laws, treaties and regulations in and between the countries in which we operate. Our income taxes are
based upon the applicable tax laws and tax rates in effect in the countries in which we operate and earn income as well as upon our operating
structures in these countries.
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Our income tax returns are subject to review and examination. We do not recognize the benefit of income tax positions we believe
are more likely than not to be disallowed upon challenge by a tax authority. If any tax authority successfully challenges our operational
structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries; or if the terms of certain income
tax treaties are interpreted in a manner that is adverse to our structure; or if we lose a material tax dispute in any country, particularly in the
U.S., India, Brazil or Nigeria, our effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings could increase substantially and our earnings and cash flows
from operations could be materially adversely affected. For example, we cannot be certain that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”)
will not successfully contend that we or any of our key subsidiaries were or are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. or, when applicable,
that we or any of our key subsidiaries maintained or maintain a permanent establishment in the U.S., since, among other things, such
determination involves considerable uncertainty. If we or any of our key subsidiaries were considered to have been engaged in a trade or
business in the U.S., when applicable, through a permanent establishment, we could be subject to U.S. corporate income and additional
branch profits taxes on the portion of our earnings effectively connected to such U.S. business during the period in which this was considered
to have occurred, in which case our effective tax rate on worldwide earnings for that period could increase substantially, and our earnings
and cash flows from operations for that period could be adversely affected.
(cid:131) U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a passive foreign investment company, which would have adverse U.S. federal income
tax consequences to U.S. holders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if
either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of passive income or (2) at least 50 percent of
the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of passive income. For purposes of these
tests, passive income includes dividends, interest and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and certain rents and royalties,
but does not include income derived from the performance of services.
We believe that we have not been and will not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. Our income from offshore contract
drilling services should be treated as services income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. Accordingly, we believe that our
income from our offshore contract drilling services should not constitute "passive income," and the assets that we own and operate in
connection with the production of that income should not constitute passive assets.
There is significant legal authority supporting this position, including statutory provisions, legislative history, case law and IRS
pronouncements concerning the characterization, for other tax purposes, of income derived from services where a substantial component of
such income is attributable to the value of the property or equipment used in connection with providing such services. It should be noted,
however, that a prior case and an IRS pronouncement which relies on the case characterize income from time chartering of vessels as rental
income rather than services income for other tax purposes. However, the IRS subsequently has formally announced that it does not agree
with the decision in that case. Moreover, we believe that the terms of the time charters in the prior case differ in material respects from the
terms of our drilling contracts with customers. No assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will accept our position, and there is a risk
that the IRS or a court could determine that we are a PFIC.
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. shareholders would face adverse U.S. tax consequences. Under
the PFIC rules, unless a shareholder makes certain elections available under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and such
elections could themselves have adverse consequences for such shareholder, such shareholder generally would be liable to pay U.S. federal
income tax at the highest applicable income tax rates on ordinary income upon the receipt of excess distributions, as defined for U.S. tax
purposes, and upon any gain from the disposition of our shares, plus interest on such amounts, as if such excess distribution or gain had
been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of our shares. In addition, under applicable statutory provisions, the
preferential tax rate on “qualified dividend income,” which applies to dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders does not apply to dividends
paid by a foreign corporation if the foreign corporation is a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable
year.
(cid:131) We may be limited in our use of net operating losses and tax credits.
Our ability to benefit from our deferred tax assets depends on us having sufficient future earnings to utilize our net operating loss
and tax credit carryforwards before they expire. We have established a valuation allowance against the future tax benefit for a number of
our U.S. and non U.S. net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards, and we could be required to record an additional valuation allowance
against other U.S. or non-U.S. deferred tax assets if market conditions change materially and, as a result, our future earnings are, or are
projected to be, significantly less than we currently estimate. Our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are subject to review and
potential disallowance upon audit by the tax authorities of the jurisdictions where these tax attributes are incurred.
(cid:131) As a Swiss corporation, our flexibility may be limited with respect to certain aspects of capital management, and we may be
unable to make distributions or repurchase shares without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding tax.
Under Swiss law, our shareholders may approve an authorized share capital that allows the board of directors to issue new shares
without additional shareholder approval. The authorized share capital is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of a company’s registered share
capital and is subject to re-approval by shareholders every two years. Shareholders at our annual general meeting in May 2018 will be
requested to approve an authorized share capital since the current authorized share capital will expire on May 12, 2018. Our current
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authorized share capital is limited to approximately five percent of our registered share capital. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions,
Swiss law grants preemptive rights to existing shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares. Further, Swiss law does not provide
as much flexibility in the various terms that can attach to different classes of shares as the laws of some other jurisdictions. Swiss law also
reserves for shareholder approval certain corporate actions over which a board of directors would have authority in some other jurisdictions.
For example, dividends must be approved by shareholders. These Swiss law requirements relating to our capital management may limit our
flexibility, and situations may arise where greater flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.
Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction and dividend distributions out of qualifying additional paid-in
capital are not currently subject to the 35 percent Swiss federal withholding tax. However, the Swiss withholding tax rules could also be
changed in the future, and any such change may adversely affect us or our shareholders. In addition, over the long term, the amount of par
value available for us to use for par value reductions or the amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital available for us to pay out as
distributions is limited. If we are unable to make a distribution through a reduction in par value, or out of qualifying additional paid-in capital
as shown on Transocean Ltd.’s standalone Swiss statutory financial statements, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting
our shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
Under Swiss tax law, repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to a
35 percent Swiss withholding tax on the repurchase price less the par value to the extent attributable to qualifying additional paid-in capital,
if any. At our 2009 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the repurchase of up to CHF 3.5 billion of our shares for cancellation
under the share repurchase program. We may repurchase shares under the share repurchase program using a procedure pursuant to which
we can repurchase shares under the share repurchase program via a “virtual second trading line” from market players, in particular, banks
and institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. Our ability to use the “virtual
second trading line” is limited to the share repurchase program currently approved by our shareholders, and any use of the “virtual
second trading line” with respect to future share repurchase programs will require the approval of the competent Swiss tax authorities. We
may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase for purposes of capital reduction on the “virtual second trading
line” without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
(cid:131) As a Swiss corporation, we are subject to Swiss legal provisions that may limit our flexibility to swiftly implement certain
initiatives or strategies.
We are required, from time to time, to evaluate the carrying amount of our investments in affiliates, as presented on our Swiss
standalone balance sheet. If we determine that the carrying amount of any such investment exceeds its fair value, we may conclude that
such investment is impaired. The recognized loss associated with such a non-cash impairment could result in our net assets no longer
covering our statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves. Under Swiss law, if our net assets cover less than 50 percent of our
statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves, the board of directors must in these circumstances convene a general meeting of
shareholders and propose measures to remedy such a capital loss. The appropriate measures depend on the relevant circumstances and
the magnitude of the recognized loss and may include seeking shareholder approval for offsetting the aggregate loss, or a portion thereof,
with our statutory capital reserves including qualifying additional paid-in capital otherwise available for distributions to shareholders or raising
new equity. Depending on the circumstances, we may also need to use qualifying additional paid-in capital available for distributions in order
to reduce our accumulated net loss and such use might reduce our ability to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss
withholding tax. These Swiss law requirements could limit our flexibility to swiftly implement certain initiatives or strategies.
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(cid:131) We are subject to anti-takeover provisions.
Our articles of association and Swiss law contain provisions that could prevent or delay an acquisition of the company by means
of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares. These
provisions, among other things:
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
provide that the board of directors is authorized, subject to obtaining shareholder approval every two years, at any time during a maximum
two-year period, which under the current authorized share capital of the Company will expire on May 12, 2018, to issue a specified number
of shares, which under the current authorized share capital of the Company is approximately five percent of the share capital registered in
the commercial register, and to limit or withdraw the preemptive rights of existing shareholders in various circumstances;
provide for a conditional share capital that authorizes the issuance of additional shares up to a maximum amount of approximately
31 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register as of February 13, 2018 without obtaining additional shareholder
approval through: (1) the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of shares granted in
connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets or new or
already existing contractual obligations by or of any of our subsidiaries; or (2) in connection with the issuance of shares, options or other
share-based awards;
provide that any shareholder who wishes to propose any business or to nominate a person or persons for election as director at any annual
meeting may only do so if advance notice is given to the company;
provide that directors can be removed from office only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares entitled
to vote;
provide that a merger or demerger transaction requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares represented
at the meeting and provide for the possibility of a so-called “cashout” or “squeezeout” merger if the acquirer controls 90 percent of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting;
provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of shares must be taken at a duly called annual or extraordinary
general meeting of shareholders;
limit the ability of our shareholders to amend or repeal some provisions of our articles of association; and
limit transactions between us and an “interested shareholder,” which is generally defined as a shareholder that, together with its affiliates
and associates, beneficially, directly or indirectly, owns 15 percent or more of our shares entitled to vote at a general meeting.
(cid:131)
The results of the U.K.’s referendum on withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic
conditions, financial markets and our business.
In June 2016, a majority of voters in the U.K. elected to withdraw from the European Union in a national referendum, and in
March 2017, the government of the U.K. formally initiated the process. The referendum was advisory, and the terms of any withdrawal are
subject to a negotiation period that could last at least two years after the March 2017 initiation. Nevertheless, the referendum has created
significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.K. and the European Union, including with respect to the laws and
regulations that will apply as the U.K. determines which European Union-derived laws to replace or replicate in the event of a withdrawal.
The referendum has also given rise to calls for the governments of other European Union member states to consider withdrawal. These
developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global
economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability
of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our
access to capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated statement of financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Properties
The description of our property included under “Item 1. Business” is incorporated by reference herein. We maintain offices, land
bases and other facilities worldwide, including the following:
(cid:131)
(cid:131)
principal executive offices in Zug, Switzerland; and
corporate offices in Houston, Texas; and the Cayman Islands.
Our remaining offices and bases are located in various countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. We
lease most of these facilities.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
We have certain actions, claims and other matters pending as discussed and reported in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies” and “Part II. Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies and Uncertainties—” in this annual
report for the year ended December 31, 2017. We are also involved in various tax matters as described in “Part II. Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes” and in “Part II. Item 7.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies and Uncertainties—Tax matters”
in this annual report for the year ended December 31, 2017. All such actions, claims, tax and other matters are incorporated herein by
reference.
As of December 31, 2017, we were also involved in a number of other lawsuits, claims and disputes, which have arisen in the
ordinary course of our business and for which we do not expect the liability, if any, to have a material adverse effect on our current
consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of
any of the matters referred to above or of any such other pending or threatened litigation or legal proceedings. There can be no assurance
that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any lawsuit or claim or dispute will prove correct and the eventual outcome of
these matters could materially differ from management’s current estimates.
In addition to the legal proceedings described above, we may from time to time identify other matters that we monitor through our
compliance program and in response to events arising generally within our industry and in the markets where we do business. For example,
in the year ended December 31, 2015, we began investigating statements made by a former employee of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.
(“Petrobras”) related to the award to us of a drilling services contract in Brazil. These statements were made in connection with an ongoing
criminal investigation by the Brazilian authorities into Petrobras and certain other companies and individuals. We completed our internal
investigation, and we did not identify any wrongdoing by any of our employees or agents in connection with our business. We voluntarily
met with governmental authorities in the U.S. to discuss the statements made by the former Petrobras employee and our internal investigation
as well as our findings. We will continue to investigate these types of allegations and cooperate with governmental authorities. Through the
process of monitoring and proactive investigation, we strive to ensure no violation of our policies, Code of Integrity or law has, or will, occur;
however, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of these matters.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant
We have included the following information, presented as of February 13, 2018, on our executive officers for purposes of U.S.
securities laws in Part I of this report in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. The board of directors elects the officers of the
Company, generally on an annual basis. There is no family relationship between any of our executive officers.
Officer
Office
Age as of
February 13, 2018
Jeremy D. Thigpen (a)
Terry B. Bonno
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
Mark L. Mey (a)
John B. Stobart (a)
David Tonnel
President and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Vice President, Industry and Community Relations
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Performance Officer
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
43
60
59
45
54
63
48
(a) Member of our executive management team for purposes of Swiss law.
in
this position
Jeremy D. Thigpen is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s board of directors. Before joining
the Company
in April 2015, Mr. Thigpen served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. from December 2012 to April 2015. At National Oilwell Varco, Inc., Mr. Thigpen also served as President,
Downhole and Pumping Solutions from August 2007 to December 2012, as President of the Downhole Tools Group from May 2003 to
August 2007 and as manager of the Downhole Tools Group from April 2002 to May 2003. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Thigpen served as the
Director of Business Development and Special Assistant to the Chairman for National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Mr. Thigpen earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University in 1997, and he completed the Program for Management
Development at Harvard Business School in 2001.
Terry B. Bonno is Senior Vice President, Industry and Community Relations, of the Company. Before being named to her current
position in February 2017, Ms. Bonno served as Senior Vice President, Marketing from August 2011 to February 2017 and Vice President,
Marketing from April 2008 to August 2011, and as Director, Marketing North and South America Unit, responsible for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico,
Canada, Trinidad and Brazil, from March 2005 to April 2008. Ms. Bonno has served as a non-executive director of NOW Inc. since May 2014.
Ms. Bonno started with the Company in 2001 and has held various management positions in marketing, accounting and corporate planning.
Ms. Bonno earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980, and she is
a certified public accountant.
Howard E. Davis is Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer of the Company. Before
joining the Company in this position in August 2015, Mr. Davis served as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief
Information Officer of National Oilwell Varco, Inc. from March 2005 to April 2015 and as Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Information Officer from August 2002 to March 2005. Mr. Davis earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky in 1980, and
he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2005.
Brady K. Long is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company. From 2011 to November 2015, when Mr. Long
joined the Company in this position, he served as Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary of Ensco plc, which acquired
Pride International, Inc. where he had served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 2009. Mr. Long joined
Pride International, Inc. in June 2005 as Assistant General Counsel and served as Chief Compliance Officer from June 2006 to
February 2009. He was director of Transocean Partners LLC from May 2016 until December 2016. Mr. Long previously practiced corporate
and securities law with the law firm of Bracewell LLP. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1996 and a
Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1999.
Mark L. Mey is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Before joining the Company in this position in
May 2015, Mr. Mey served as Executive Vice President of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. from January 2015 to May 2015, prior to which he served
as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2010. Mr. Mey was director of Transocean Partners LLC from June 2015
until December 2016. He served as Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Scorpion Offshore Ltd. from August 2005
to July 2010. Prior to 2005, Mr. Mey held various senior financial and other roles in the drilling and financial services industries, including
12 years with Noble Corporation. He earned an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University
of Port Elizabeth in South Africa in 1985, and he is a chartered accountant. Additionally, Mr. Mey completed the Harvard Business School
Executive Advanced Management Program in 1998.
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John B. Stobart is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Performance Officer of the Company. Before being
named to his current position in September 2017, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2012 to
September 2017. Before joining the Company in this position in October 2012, Mr. Stobart served as Vice President, Global Drilling for BHP
Billiton Petroleum from July 2011 to October 2012. At BHP Billiton, he also served as Worldwide Drilling Manager, working in Australia, the
U.K. and the U.S. from January 1995 to June 2011, and as Senior Drilling Engineer, Senior Drilling Supervisor, Drilling Superintendent and
Drilling Manager, working in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia from June 1988 to
December 1994. Mr. Stobart served as Engineering Manager at Husky/Bow Valley from November 1984 to May 1988, and he worked in
engineering roles at Dome Petroleum/Canadian Marine Drilling from May 1980 to October 1984. He began his career working on land rigs
in Canada and the High Arctic in June 1971. Mr. Stobart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University
of Calgary in 1980, and he completed the London Business School Accelerated Development Program in 2000.
David Tonnel is Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of the Company. Before being named to his current position in
April 2017, he served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Corporate Controller from October 2015 to April 2017, as Senior Vice
President, Finance and Controller from March 2012 to October 2015 and as Senior Vice President of the Europe and Africa Unit from
June 2009 to March 2012. Mr. Tonnel served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain from November 2008 to June 2009, as Vice
President of Integration and Process Improvement from November 2007 to November 2008, and as Vice President and Controller from
February 2005 to November 2007. Prior to February 2005, he served in various financial roles, including Assistant Controller; Finance
Manager, Asia Australia Region; and Controller, Nigeria. Mr. Tonnel joined the Company in 1996 after working for Ernst & Young in France
as Senior Auditor. Mr. Tonnel earned a Master of Science degree in Management from HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales) in Paris, France
in 1991.
AR-25
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Market for Shares of Our Common Equity
Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “RIG”. The following table presents the
intraday high and low per share sales prices as reported on the NYSE for the periods indicated.
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
NYSE Stock Price
2017
2016
High
Low
High
Low
$
$
16.16
13.04
10.84
11.78
11.69 $
7.67
7.20
9.33
$
13.48
12.05
13.03
16.66
7.67
8.34
8.68
9.10
On February 15, 2018, the last reported sales price of our shares on the NYSE was $9.23 per share. On February 15, 2018, there
were 6,008 holders of record of our shares and 458,914,707 shares outstanding.
Shareholder Matters
Share issuance
In connection with the acquisition of Songa Offshore SE, a European public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea,
existing under the laws of Cyprus (“Songa”), shareholders at our extraordinary general meeting, held January 16, 2018, were requested to
consider the following: (1) the issuance of up to 68.6 million Transocean Ltd. shares, (2) an amendment of our articles of association to
create additional authorized share capital, (3) election of one new director to our board of directors and (4) issuance of consideration shares
of our authorized share capital and our shares issuable upon exchange of the 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023 (the
“Exchangeable Bonds”).
On January 18, 2018, we announced that shareholders at our extraordinary general meeting approved all proposals related to the
Songa acquisition. On January 30, 2018, we completed the acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa. By
March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition of the
remaining shares not owned by us, which is available to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the acquisition, we issued 66.9 million
shares to shareholders of Songa with an aggregate market value of $735 million, equivalent to $10.99 per share, estimated based on the
market value of our shares on the date of issuance. We also issued an aggregate principal amount of $854 million of the Exchangeable
Bonds as partial consideration for the acquisition of the acquired Songa shares and partial settlement of certain Songa indebtedness. Holders
of the Exchangeable Bonds may convert the notes into shares of Transocean Ltd. under certain circumstances at a rate of 97.29756 shares
per $1,000 note, equivalent to a conversion price of $10.28 per share, subject to adjustment due to the occurrence of certain events. See
“Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 20(cid:326)Subsequent Event.”
Swiss tax consequences to our shareholders
Overview—The tax consequences discussed below are not a complete analysis or listing of all the possible tax consequences
that may be relevant to our shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in respect of the tax consequences related to
receipt, ownership, purchase or sale or other disposition of our shares and the procedures for claiming a refund of withholding tax.
Swiss income tax on dividends and similar distributions—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss income taxes on
dividend income and similar distributions in respect of our shares, unless the shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed
place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder. However, dividends and similar distributions are subject to Swiss
withholding tax, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders.”
Swiss wealth tax—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss wealth taxes unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a
permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder.
Swiss capital gains tax upon disposal of shares—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss income taxes for capital gains
unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such
non-Swiss holder. In such case, the non-Swiss holder is required to recognize capital gains or losses on the sale of such shares, which will
be subject to cantonal, communal and federal income tax.
AR-26
Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders—A Swiss withholding tax of 35 percent is due
on dividends and similar distributions to our shareholders from us, regardless of the place of residency of the shareholder, subject to the
exceptions discussed under “—Exemption” below. We will be required to withhold at such rate and remit on a net basis any payments made
to a holder of our shares and pay such withheld amounts to the Swiss federal tax authorities.
Exemption—Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction or out of qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss
statutory purposes are exempt from Swiss withholding tax. On December 31, 2017, the aggregate amount of par value of our outstanding
shares was CHF 39 million, equivalent to approximately $40 million, and the aggregate amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital of our
outstanding shares was CHF 11.4 billion, equivalent to approximately $11.7 billion. Consequently, we expect that a substantial amount of
any potential future distributions may be exempt from Swiss withholding tax.
Refund available to Swiss holders—A Swiss tax resident, corporate or individual, can recover the withholding tax in full if such
resident is the beneficial owner of our shares at the time the dividend or other distribution becomes due and provided that such resident
reports the gross distribution received on such resident’s income tax return, or in the case of an entity, includes the taxable income in such
resident’s income statement.
Refund available to non-Swiss holders—If the shareholder that receives a distribution from us is not a Swiss tax resident, does not
hold our shares in connection with a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland, and resides in a
country that has concluded a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation with Switzerland for which the conditions for the application and
protection of and by the treaty are met, then the shareholder may be entitled to a full or partial refund of the withholding tax described above.
Switzerland has entered into bilateral treaties for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to income taxes with numerous countries,
including the U.S., whereby under certain circumstances all or part of the withholding tax may be refunded. The procedures for claiming
treaty refunds, and the time frame required for obtaining a refund, may differ from country to country.
Refund available to U.S. residents—The Swiss-U.S. tax treaty provides that U.S. residents eligible for benefits under the treaty
can seek a refund of the Swiss withholding tax on dividends for the portion exceeding 15 percent, leading to a refund of 20 percent, or a
100 percent refund in the case of qualified pension funds. As a general rule, the refund will be granted under the treaty if the U.S. resident
can show evidence of the following: (a) beneficial ownership, (b) U.S. residency and (c) meeting the U.S.-Swiss tax treaty’s limitation on
benefits requirements.
The claim for refund must be filed with the Swiss federal tax authorities (Eigerstrasse 65, 3003 Bern, Switzerland), not later than
December 31 of the third year following the year in which the dividend payments became due. The relevant Swiss tax form is Form 82C for
companies, 82E for other entities and 82I for individuals. These forms can be obtained from any Swiss Consulate General in the U.S. or
from the Swiss federal tax authorities at the above address or can be downloaded from the webpage of the Swiss federal tax administration.
Each form must be completed in triplicate, with each copy duly completed and signed before a notary public in the U.S. Evidence that the
withholding tax was withheld at the source must also be included.
Stamp duties in relation to the transfer of shares—The purchase or sale of our shares may be subject to Swiss federal stamp
taxes on the transfer of securities irrespective of the place of residency of the purchaser or seller if the transaction takes place through or
with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, as those terms are defined in the Swiss Federal Stamp Tax Act and no exemption applies
in the specific case. If a purchase or sale is not entered into through or with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, then no stamp
tax will be due. The applicable stamp tax rate is 0.075 percent for each of the two parties to a transaction and is calculated based on the
purchase price or sale proceeds. If the transaction does not involve cash consideration, the transfer stamp duty is computed on the basis of
the market value of the consideration.
Share repurchases
Repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to the 35 percent Swiss
withholding tax. However, for shares repurchased for capital reduction, the portion of the repurchase price attributable to the par value of
the shares repurchased will not be subject to the Swiss withholding tax. Since January 1, 2011, the portion of the repurchase price that is
according to Swiss tax law and practice attributable to the qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory reporting purposes of the
shares repurchased will also not be subject to the Swiss withholding tax. We would be required to withhold at such rate the tax from the
difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and, since January 2011, the related amount of qualifying
additional paid-in capital, if any. We would be required to remit on a net basis the purchase price with the Swiss withholding tax deducted
to a holder of our shares and pay the withholding tax to the Swiss federal tax authorities.
If we repurchase shares, we expect to use an alternative procedure pursuant to which we repurchase our shares via a "virtual
second trading line" from market players, such as banks and institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the
Swiss withholding tax. Currently, our ability to use the “virtual second trading line” will be limited to the share repurchase program currently
approved by our shareholders, and any use of the “virtual second trading line” with respect to future share repurchase programs will require
approval of the competent Swiss tax and other authorities. We may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase
for purposes of capital reduction on the “virtual second trading line” without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
The repurchase of shares for purposes other than for cancellation, such as to retain as treasury shares for use in connection with stock
incentive plans, convertible debt or other instruments within certain periods, will generally not be subject to Swiss withholding tax.
AR-27
Under Swiss corporate law, the right of a company and its subsidiaries to repurchase and hold its own shares is limited. A company
may repurchase its shares to the extent it has freely distributable reserves as shown on its Swiss statutory balance sheet in the amount of
the purchase price and the aggregate par value of all shares held by the company as treasury shares does not exceed 10 percent of the
company’s share capital recorded in the Swiss Commercial Register, whereby for purposes of determining whether the 10 percent threshold
has been reached, shares repurchased under a share repurchase program for cancellation purposes authorized by the company’s
shareholders are disregarded. As of February 13, 2018, Transocean Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, held as treasury shares
approximately one percent of our issued shares. Our board of directors could, to the extent freely distributable reserves are available,
authorize the repurchase of additional shares for purposes other than cancellation, such as to retain treasury shares for use in satisfying our
obligations in connection with incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares. Based on the current amount of shares held as treasury
shares, approximately nine percent of our issued shares could be repurchased for purposes of retention as additional treasury shares.
Although our board of directors has not approved such a share repurchase program for the purpose of retaining repurchased shares as
treasury shares, if it did so, any such shares repurchased would be in addition to any shares repurchased under the currently approved
program.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
October 2017
November 2017
December 2017
Total
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
— $
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (a)
Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs
(in millions) (a)
— $
—
—
— $
3.329
3.329
3.329
3.329
(a)
In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase for
cancellation any amount of our shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion. Following authorization by the board of directors,
management repurchased and subsequently cancelled 2,863,267 of our shares for an aggregate cost of $240 million, equivalent to an aggregate cost
of CHF 257 million or an average cost of $83.74 per share. At December 31, 2017, the authorization remaining under the share repurchase program
was for the repurchase of our outstanding shares for an aggregate cost of up to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to $3.3 billion. The share repurchase
program could be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors or company management, as applicable, at any time. See “Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of
liquidity.”
AR-28
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2017 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data.” The selected financial data as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
2014 have been derived from our accounting records. The following data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
2017
2016 (a)
Years ended December 31,
2015
(In millions, except per share data)
2014 (b)
2013
Statement of operations data
Operating revenues
Operating income (loss)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted
Balance sheet data (at end of period)
Total assets
Debt due within one year
Long-term debt
Total equity
Other financial data
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Capital expenditures
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital
Per share distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,973
(2,504)
(3,097)
(3,097)
(3,127)
4,161
1,132
827
827
778
(8.00) $
(8.00) $
2.08
2.08
$
$
22,410
250
7,146
12,711
1,144
(587)
(1,090)
497
—
26,889
724
7,740
15,805
1,911
(1,313)
115
1,344
—
$
7,386 $
1,365
895
897
865
9,185
(1,347)
(1,880)
(1,900)
(1,839)
9,246
2,203
1,428
1,437
1,434
2.36 $
2.36 $
(5.02) $
(5.02) $
3.92
3.92
26,431 $
1,093
7,397
15,000
28,676
1,032
9,019
14,104
3,445 $
(1,932)
(1,809)
2,001
381
2,220
(1,828)
(1,000)
2,165
1,018
$
$
32,759
323
10,329
16,719
1,918
(1,658)
(2,151)
2,238
606
— $
— $
1.05 $
2.81
$
1.68
(a)
(b)
In December 2016, Transocean Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”) completed a merger with one of our subsidiaries as contemplated under the
merger agreement. Following the completion of the merger, Transocean Partners became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Ltd.
Each Transocean Partners common unit that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing, other than units held by Transocean and its
subsidiaries, was converted into the right to receive 1.20 of our shares. To complete the merger, we issued 23.8 million shares from conditional capital.
In August 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners, which was formed on February 6, 2014,
by Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary.
AR-29
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following information should be read in conjunction with the information contained in “Part I. Item 1. Business,” “Part I. Item 1A.
Risk Factors” and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” elsewhere in this annual report.
Business
Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the
“Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of February 19,
2018, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 47 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters,
12 harsh environment floaters, two deepwater floaters and six midwater floaters. Additionally, we operated two high-specification jackups
that were under contract when we sold the rigs, and we continue to operate such rigs until completion or novation of the respective drilling
contracts. At February 19, 2018, we also had two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction or under contract to be constructed.
We provide contract drilling services in a single, global operating segment, which involves contracting our mobile offshore drilling
fleet, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding regions
of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe our drilling
fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of drillships and semisubmersible floaters used in support of offshore drilling
activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.
Our contract drilling services operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout
the world. Although rigs can be moved from one region to another, the cost of moving rigs and the availability of rig-moving vessels may
cause the supply and demand balance to fluctuate somewhat between regions. Still, significant variations between regions do not tend to
persist long term because of rig mobility. Our fleet operates in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services. The
location of our rigs and the allocation of resources to operate, build or upgrade our rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our
customers.
Significant Events
Business combination—On January 30, 2018, we completed our acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest
in Songa Offshore SE, a European public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus (“Songa”).
By March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition, which
is available to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the acquisition, we acquired seven mobile offshore drilling units, including five harsh
environment floaters and two midwater floaters. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Fleet expansion—In February 2018, we completed the construction of and placed into service the ultra-deepwater floater
Deepwater Poseidon. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we completed construction of and placed into service the ultra-deepwater
floater Deepwater Pontus. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling fleet.”
Drilling contract terminations—In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized revenues of $201 million and received
aggregate cash proceeds of $408 million associated with early terminated or cancelled drilling contracts. See “—Outlook,” “—Operating
Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of cash.”
Dispositions—On May 31, 2017, we completed the sale of 10 high-specification jackups and novated the contracts relating to the
construction of five high-specification jackups, together with related assets. In the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of the
transaction, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $319 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1.6 billion associated with
the disposal of these assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we completed the sale of one ultra-deepwater and three midwater floaters, along with
related equipment, for which we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $22 million, and recognized an aggregate net gain of $9 million.
See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling fleet.”
Impairments—During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a loss of $1.4 billion associated with the impairment of
five ultra-deepwater floaters, one deepwater floater and two midwater floaters, along with related assets, which were classified as held for
sale at the time of impairment.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of impairment testing, we determined that our midwater floater asset group was
impaired, and we recognized a loss of $94 million, associated with the impairment of these held and used assets. See “—Operating Results”,
“—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling fleet”.
Debt issuances—On October 17, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $750 million of
7.50% senior unsecured notes due January 2026 (the “7.50% Senior Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $742 million,
net of issue costs. On May 5, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $410 million of 5.52% senior secured
notes due May 2022 (the “5.52% Senior Secured Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $403 million, net of issue costs. See
“—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
AR-30
Debt tender offers—On July 11, 2017, we completed cash tender offers (the “2017 Tender Offers”) to purchase up to $1.5 billion
aggregate principal amount of certain notes (the “2017 Tendered Notes”). We received valid tenders from holders of $1.2 billion aggregate
principal amount of the 2017 Tendered Notes. As a result, we made an aggregate cash payment of $1.3 billion and recognized an aggregate
net loss of $48 million associated with the retirement of such validly tendered debt. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and
uses of liquidity.”
Debt redemptions and repurchases—During the year ended December 31, 2017, we completed transactions to redeem or
repurchase an aggregate principal amount of $557 million of our debt securities. As a result, we made an aggregate cash payment of
$564 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $7 million associated with the retirement of such redemptions and repurchases of debt.
See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity”.
Outlook
Drilling market—Our long-term view of the offshore drilling market remains positive, especially for harsh environment and
ultra-deepwater floaters. Brent oil prices have exceeded $70 per barrel for the first time since 2015, improving our customers’ economics of
drilling oil and gas wells. This is, in large part, due to favorable trends in the hydrodcarbon supply-demand balance where oil supply has
declined relative to demand.
Over the past year, opportunities have increased for our drilling services. In markets requiring harsh environment floating drilling
rigs, such as the Norwegian North Sea and eastern Canada, the limited supply of these specialized rigs has improved fleet utilization, which
is resulting in increased dayrates on high-specification rigs being tendered for new work. Outside of harsh environment markets, the excess
supply of ultra-deepwater floaters relative to demand has delayed improvement of dayrates. However, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand
balance improves, we expect sustained improvement of oil prices, ultimately resulting in greater demand for ultra-deepwater drilling rigs and
improvement of dayrates.
As of February 19, 2018, our contract backlog, including the contract backlog recently acquired in the Songa acquisition, was
$12.8 billion compared to $9.4 billion as of October 26, 2017. The risks of drilling project delays, contract renegotiations and contract
terminations and cancellations remain in the near term.
Fleet status—We refer to the availability of our rigs in terms of the uncommitted fleet rate. The uncommitted fleet rate is defined
as the number of uncommitted days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in the measurement period, expressed as a percentage.
An uncommitted day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig is idle or stacked, is not contracted to a customer and is not committed
to a shipyard. The uncommitted fleet rates exclude the effect of priced options.
As of February 19, 2018, the uncommitted fleet rates for each of the five years in the period ending December 31, 2022 were as
follows:
Uncommitted fleet rate
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
63 %
42 %
30 %
80 %
70 %
58 %
100 %
93 %
81 %
55 %
100 %
100 %
83 %
58 %
100 %
100 %
86 %
64 %
100 %
100 %
Performance and Other Key Indicators
Contract backlog—Contract backlog is defined as the maximum contractual operating dayrate multiplied by the number of days
remaining in the firm contract period, excluding revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation or other incentive
provisions, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling revenues. Average contractual dayrate relative to our contract
backlog is defined as the average maximum contractual operating dayrate to be earned per operating day in the measurement period. An
operating day is defined as a day for which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after commencement of
operations.
The contract backlog represents the maximum contract drilling revenues that can be earned considering the contractual operating
dayrate in effect during the firm contract period and represents the basis for the maximum revenues in our revenue efficiency measurement.
To determine maximum revenues for purposes of calculating revenue efficiency, however, we include the revenues earned for mobilization,
demobilization and contract preparation, other incentive provisions or cost escalation provisions which are excluded from the amounts
presented for contract backlog.
AR-31
The contract backlog for our fleet was as follows:
Contract backlog
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total contract backlog
February 19,
2018
$
$
8,367
4,269
105
60
38
12,839
February 9,
2017
October 26,
2017
(In millions)
$
8,664 $
450
155
83
71
9,423 $
10,070
623
259
127
172
11,251
$
Our contract backlog includes only firm commitments, which are represented by signed drilling contracts or, in some cases, by
other definitive agreements awaiting contract execution. Our contract backlog includes amounts associated with our newbuild units that are
currently under construction. The contractual operating dayrate may be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive or an alternative
contractual dayrate, such as a waiting-on-weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate, may apply under certain
circumstances. The contractual operating dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive because of a number of
factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations. In certain contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero if, for example, repairs
extend beyond a stated period of time.
In connection with our acquisition of Songa, we acquired contract backlog of $3.7 billion, included in the contract backlog for our
harsh environment floaters presented above, measured as of the acquisition date, January 30, 2018.
The contract backlog for high-specification floaters represents the backlog for two high-specification jackups that were under
contract when we sold the rigs, and we continue to operate such rigs until completion or novation of the respective drilling contracts.
In February 2018, after experiencing equipment breakdown that could not be repaired timely, we and our customer mutually agreed
to amend the drilling contract for Transocean Leader at a reduced dayrate and for reduced duration, which resulted in the removal of
approximately $112 million from the contract backlog for harsh environment floaters, as presented above. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, a customer early terminated for convenience its drilling contract for Discoverer Clear Leader, which resulted in the
removal of approximately $202 million from the contract backlog for our ultra-deepwater floaters, as presented above. During the year ended
for Deepwater Asgard, Deepwater Champion,
terminated or cancelled contracts
December 31, 2016, our customers early
Deepwater Millennium,
and
Transocean John Shaw.
GSF Development Driller I
Discoverer Deep Seas,
GSF Constellation II,
Discoverer India,
On May 31, 2017, we completed the sale of 10 high-specification jackups and novated the contracts relating to the construction of
five high-specification jackups, together with related assets. At February 19, 2018, the contract backlog for the high-specification jackups
represents the contract backlog associated with the contracted revenues we expect to earn for the continued operation of
two high-specification jackups following the sale of these rigs. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling
Fleet.”
At February 19, 2018, the contract backlog and average contractual dayrates for our fleet were as follows:
Contract backlog
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total contract backlog
Average-contractual dayrates
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average
For the years ending December 31,
Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
(In millions, except average dayrates)
$
8,367
4,269
105
60
38
$ 12,839
$
$
1,331
825
105
45
38
2,344
$
$
$
1,328
757
—
15
—
$
2,100
999 $
808
—
—
—
1,807 $
942
772
—
—
—
1,714
$
$
3,767
1,107
—
—
—
4,874
$ 470,000
$ 400,000
$ 206,000
$ 101,000
$ 144,000
$ 430,000
$ 375,000
$ 324,000
$ 206,000
$ 101,000
$ 144,000
$ 320,000
$ 439,000
$ 422,000
$
$ 101,000
$
$ 423,000
— $
$
— $
$ 505,000 $ 519,000
$ 409,000 $ 423,000
— $
— $
— $
$ 457,000 $ 471,000
— $
— $
— $
$ 506,000
$ 437,000
—
—
—
$ 488,000
The actual amounts of revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned will differ from the amounts and
periods shown in the tables above due to various factors, including shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime and other
factors that result in lower applicable dayrates than the full contractual operating dayrate. Additional factors that could affect the amount and
timing of actual revenue to be recognized include customer liquidity issues and contract terminations, which are available to our customers
under certain circumstances.
AR-32
Average daily revenue—Average daily revenue is defined as contract drilling revenues earned per operating day. An operating
day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after commencement of
operations. The average daily revenue for our fleet was as follows:
Average daily revenue
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average daily revenue
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
$ 472,400
$ 235,900
$ 195,200
$
95,600
$ 143,900
$ 321,300
$ 492,100
$ 329,100
$ 253,900
$ 274,100
$ 143,800
$ 353,500
$ 513,900
$ 542,600
$ 354,400
$ 349,200
$ 172,900
$ 400,500
Our average daily revenue fluctuates relative to market conditions and our revenue efficiency. The average daily revenue may
also be affected by revenues for lump sum bonuses or demobilization fees received from our customers. Our total fleet average daily
revenue is also affected by the mix of rig classes being operated, as deepwater floaters, midwater floaters and high-specification jackups
are typically contracted at lower dayrates compared to ultra-deepwater floaters and harsh environment floaters. We include newbuilds in the
calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer. We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal,
classification as held for sale, except when we continue to operate rigs subsequent to sale, as we do with two of the high-specification
jackups sold in May 2017.
Average daily revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 relative to the prior years due to the completion of drilling
contracts with higher dayrates and the commencement of newly signed drilling contracts at substantially lower dayrates.
Revenue efficiency—Revenue efficiency is defined as actual contract drilling revenues for the measurement period divided by
the maximum revenue calculated for the measurement period, expressed as a percentage. Maximum revenue is defined as the greatest
amount of contract drilling revenues the drilling unit could earn for the measurement period, excluding amounts related to incentive provisions.
The revenue efficiency rates for our fleet were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Revenue efficiency
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average revenue efficiency
96 %
96 %
94 %
96 %
101 %
96 %
98 %
98 %
96 %
99 %
98 %
98 %
95 %
98 %
97 %
95 %
99 %
96 %
Our revenue efficiency rate varies due to revenues earned under alternative contractual dayrates, such as a waiting-on-weather
rate, repair rate, standby rate, force majeure rate or zero rate, that may apply under certain circumstances. We include newbuilds in the
calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer. We exclude rigs that are not operating under contract,
such as those that are stacked.
Rig utilization—Rig utilization is defined as the total number of operating days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in
the measurement period, expressed as a percentage. The rig utilization rates for our fleet were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Rig utilization
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average rig utilization
39 %
73 %
73 %
38 %
61 %
48 %
45 %
57 %
54 %
42 %
55 %
48 %
65 %
64 %
73 %
77 %
83 %
71 %
Our rig utilization rate declines as a result of idle and stacked rigs and during shipyard and mobilization periods to the extent these
rigs are not earning revenues. We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the
customer. We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal, classification as held for sale or classification as discontinued operations.
Accordingly, our rig utilization can increase when idle or stacked units are removed from our drilling fleet.
AR-33
Operating Results
Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016
The following is an analysis of our operating results. See “—Performance and Other Key Indicators” for definitions of operating
days, average daily revenue, revenue efficiency and rig utilization.
Operating days
Average daily revenue
Revenue efficiency
Rig utilization
Contract drilling revenues
Other revenues
Operating and maintenance expense
Depreciation expense
General and administrative expense
Loss on impairment
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense), net
Interest income
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Gain (loss) on retirement of debt
Other, net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations
“nm” means not meaningful.
Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
Change
% Change
(In millions, except day amounts and percentages)
8,499
$ 321,300
10,443
$ 353,500
(1,944)
$ (32,200)
(19)%
(9)%
96 %
48 %
98 %
48 %
$
$
2,731
242
2,973
(1,388)
(832)
(156)
(1,498)
(1,603)
(2,504)
43
(491)
(55)
4
(3,003)
(94)
(3,097)
$
$
3,705
456
4,161
(1,875)
(893)
(172)
(93)
4
1,132
20
(409)
148
43
934
(107)
827
$
$
(974)
(214)
(1,188)
487
61
16
(1,405)
(1,607)
(3,636)
23
(82)
(203)
(39)
(3,937)
13
(3,924)
(26)%
(47)%
(29)%
26 %
7 %
9 %
nm
nm
nm
nm
(20)%
nm
(91)%
nm
12 %
nm
Operating revenues—Contract drilling revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2016 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $600 million resulting from a greater number of rigs idle or stacked,
(b) approximately $450 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale, (c) approximately $255 million resulting from lower
dayrates and (d) approximately $45 million resulting from decreased revenue efficiency. These decreases were partially offset by
(a) approximately $325 million resulting from our four newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships that commenced operations during the two-year
period ended December 31, 2017 and (b) approximately $65 million resulting from the reactivation of two rigs.
Other revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, due to
$196 million resulting from drilling contracts early terminated or cancelled by our customers, and by $18 million resulting from reimbursable
items.
Costs and expenses—Operating and maintenance expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the
year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $250 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held
for sale, (b) approximately $170 million resulting from a greater number of rigs idle or stacked, (c) approximately $90 million resulting from
reduced onshore costs and (d) approximately $75 million resulting from reduced offshore costs. These decreases were partially offset by:
(a) approximately $75 million resulting from our four newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships that commenced operations during the two-year
period ended December 31, 2017 and (b) approximately $30 million resulting from cost recoveries from insurance associated with the
Macondo well incident in the year ended December 31, 2016 with no comparable activity in the year ended December 31, 2017.
Depreciation expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily
due to the following: (a) approximately $82 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and (b) approximately $22 million
primarily resulting from the retirement or full depreciation of certain assets. These decreases were partially offset by approximately
$50 million primarily resulting from our newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships placed into service during the two-year period ended
December 31, 2017.
General and administrative expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31,
2016, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $10 million of reduced personnel costs and (b) approximately $4 million of reduced
professional fees.
AR-34
Loss on impairment or disposal of assets—In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a loss on impairment related
to the following: (a) a loss of $1.4 billion associated with the impairment of certain assets to be sold for scrap value or for alternative use,
which were classified as held for sale at the time of impairment, and (b) a loss of $94 million associated with the impairment of our midwater
floater asset group. In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a loss on impairment related to the following: (a) a loss of
$52 million associated with the impairment of our deepwater floater asset group and (b) a loss of $41 million associated with the impairment
of certain assets classified as held for sale.
Loss on disposal of assets in the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily the result of the completion of the sale of
10 high-specification jackups and novation of the contracts relating to the construction of five high-specification jackups, together with related
assets.
Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased in the year ended December 31, 2017
compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $168 million resulting from new debt issued
in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, (b) approximately $63 million resulting from reduced interest costs capitalized for our
newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships that commenced operations during the two-year period ended December 31, 2017 and (c) approximately
$13 million resulting from downgrades to the credit rating for our senior unsecured long-term debt. Partially offsetting these increases was
approximately $160 million resulting from debt retired during the two-year period ended December 31, 2017.
Loss on retirement of debt in the year ended December 31, 2017 resulted primarily from the following: (a) an aggregate loss of
$48 million resulting from the retirement of notes validly tendered in the 2017 Tender Offers and (b) an aggregate loss of $7 million resulting
from debt redemptions and repurchases. Gain on retirement of debt in the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted primarily from the
following: (a) an aggregate net gain of $104 million resulting from the retirement of notes validly tendered in cash tender offers (the
“2016 Tender Offers”) and (b) an aggregate net gain of $44 million resulting from the retirement of notes repurchased in the open market.
Other income, net, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily
due to $33 million of reduced income associated with our dual-activity patent.
Income tax expense—In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our effective tax rate was (3.1) percent and 11.5 percent,
respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income tax expense. Our effective tax rate decreased primarily due to
losses on impairment and disposal of assets with no tax benefit. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the effect of the various
discrete period tax items was a net tax benefit of $37 million and $50 million, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2017, such
discrete items were primarily related to the tax benefit of changes in unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior
years, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets not expected to be realized, remeasurement of the United States (“U.S.”) deferred tax
assets for a tax rate change as a result of the 2017 enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) and deductions related to
resolution of certain litigation matters related to Macondo well incident. In the year ended December 31, 2016, such discrete items were
primarily related to the tax benefit of changes in unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years and valuation
allowances on deferred tax assets for losses not expected to be realized. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our effective
tax rate, excluding discrete items, was 95.2 percent and 18.5 percent, respectively, based on income from continuing operations before
income tax expense. Our effective tax rate increased in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31,
2016, primarily due to (a) changes in the relative blend of income from operations in certain jurisdictions and (b) valuation allowances on
deferred tax assets for losses not expected to be realized.
In December 2017, the U.S. enacted the 2017 Tax Act, which includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that have an
impact on our income tax provision, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax
years beginning after December 31, 2017, and the creation of a territorial tax system with a one-time mandatory tax on certain unremitted
earnings and profits of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries. The 2017 Tax Act also makes prospective changes beginning in
2018, including a base erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), a global intangible low-taxed income tax, additional limitations on the deductibility
of executive compensation, limitations on the deductibility of interest, and repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction. As a result of the
2017 Tax Act, we remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from
35 percent to 21 percent, resulting in a $66 million increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a
corresponding $66 million decrease in net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017. We are still analyzing certain aspects of the
2017 Tax Act and refining our calculations which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new
deferred tax amounts.
As of December 31, 2017, our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year period, primarily due to losses on
impairment and disposal of assets, represented significant objective negative evidence for our evaluation. Such evidence, together with
potential organizational changes that could alter our ability to realize certain deferred tax assets, has limited our ability to consider other
subjective evidence, such as projected future contract activity. As a result, we recorded an incremental valuation allowance of $110 million
to recognize only a portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be recognized. If estimated future taxable income
changes during the carryforward periods or if the cumulative loss is no longer present, we may adjust the amount of deferred tax assets that
we expect to realize.
Due to a number of factors related to our operating activities and organizational structure, our income tax expense does not change
proportionally with our income before income taxes. Significant decreases in our income before income taxes typically lead to higher effective
AR-35
tax rates, while significant increases in income before income taxes can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting
income tax expense noted above. With respect to the effective tax rate calculation for the year ended December 31, 2017, a significant
portion of our income tax expense was generated in countries in which income taxes are imposed on gross revenues, with the most significant
of these countries being Angola and India. Conversely, the countries in which we incurred the most significant income taxes during this
period that were based on income before income tax include Brazil, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and the U.S. Our rig
operating structures further complicate our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the
particular taxing jurisdiction and, thus, more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig
under the contract. For example, two rigs operating in the same country could generate significantly different provisions for income taxes if
they are owned by two different subsidiaries that are subject to differing tax laws and regulations in the respective country of incorporation.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes.
Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015
The following is an analysis of our operating results. See “—Performance and Other Key Indicators” for definitions of operating
days, average daily revenue, revenue efficiency and rig utilization.
Operating days
Average daily revenue
Revenue efficiency
Rig utilization
Contract drilling revenues
Other revenues
Operating and maintenance expense
Depreciation expense
General and administrative expense
Loss on impairment
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net
Operating income
Other income (expense), net
Interest income
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Gain on retirement of debt
Other, net
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income from continuing operations
“nm” means not meaningful.
Years ended
December 31,
2016
2015
Change
% Change
(In millions, except day amounts and percentages)
10,443
$ 353,500
16,948
$ 400,500
(6,505)
$ (47,000)
(38)%
(12)%
98 %
48 %
96 %
71 %
$
$
3,705
456
4,161
(1,875)
(893)
(172)
(93)
4
1,132
20
(409)
148
43
934
(107)
827
$
$
6,802
584
7,386
(2,955)
(963)
(192)
(1,875)
(36)
1,365
22
(432)
23
37
1,015
(120)
895
$
$
(3,097)
(128)
(3,225)
1,080
70
20
1,782
40
(233)
(2)
23
125
6
(81)
13
(68)
(46)%
(22)%
(44)%
37 %
7 %
10 %
95 %
nm
(17)%
(9)%
5 %
nm
16 %
(8)%
11 %
(8)%
Operating revenues—Contract drilling revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2015 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $2.2 billion resulting from a greater number of rigs idle or stacked,
(b) approximately $860 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and (c) approximately $365 million resulting from lower
dayrates. These decreases were partially offset by (a) approximately $270 million resulting from our newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships that
commenced operations in the year ended December 31, 2016 and (b) approximately $70 million resulting from improved revenue efficiency.
Other revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due
to approximately $91 million resulting from reimbursable items and approximately $37 million resulting from drilling contracts early terminated
or cancelled by our customers.
Costs and expenses—Excluding the income effect of $30 million and $788 million of cost reimbursements from settlements,
recoveries from insurance and net adjustments to contingent liabilities associated with the Macondo well incident in the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, operating and maintenance expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2016
compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, by approximately $1.8 billion. This decrease was primarily due to the following:
(a) approximately $1.04 billion resulting from a greater number of rigs idle or stacked, (b) approximately $355 million resulting from rigs sold
or classified as held for sale, (c) approximately $315 million resulting from reduced offshore costs and (d) approximately $195 million resulting
from reduced onshore costs. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $75 million resulting from our newbuild ultra-deepwater
drillships that commenced operations in the year ended December 31, 2016.
AR-36
Depreciation expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily
due to the following: (a) approximately $87 million resulting from the impairment of our deepwater floater and midwater floater asset groups
in the prior year and (b) approximately $40 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale, partially offset by (c) approximately
$66 million resulting from our newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships and other property and equipment placed into service in the year ended
December 31, 2016.
General and administrative expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31,
2015 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $22 million of reduced personnel costs, (b) approximately $8 million of reduced rental
expense, partially offset by (c) approximately $9 million of increased professional fees.
Loss on impairment and disposals—In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a loss on impairment due to the
following: (a) a loss of $52 million associated with the impairment of our deepwater floater asset group and (b) a loss of $41 million associated
with the impairment of certain assets classified as held for sale. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a loss on impairment
due to the following: (a) an aggregate loss of $700 million associated with the impairment of certain assets classified as held for sale, (b) a
loss of $668 million associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group and (c) a loss of $507 million associated with the
impairment of our deepwater floater asset group.
In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized an aggregate net loss associated with the disposal of three deepwater
floaters and eight midwater floaters, along with related equipment, and other assets. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized
an aggregate net loss associated with the disposal of two ultra-deepwater floaters, six deepwater floaters and nine midwater floaters, along
with related equipment, and other assets.
Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2016
compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $98 million resulting from our debt
repurchases and redemptions and (b) approximately $36 million of increased interest capitalized resulting from our newbuild construction
program. Partially offsetting these decreases were the following: (a) approximately $64 million resulting from new debt issued in the year
ended December 31, 2016 and (b) approximately $37 million resulting from downgrades to the credit rating for our senior unsecured long-
term debt.
In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized net gains due to the following: (a) an aggregate gain of $104 million resulting
from the completion of our 2016 Tender Offers and (b) an aggregate net gain of $44 million resulting from the redemption or repurchase of
$399 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a net gain due to the
following: (a) an aggregate net gain of $33 million resulting from our repurchases of $503 million aggregate principal amount of our debt
securities partially offset by (b) an aggregate loss of $10 million resulting from the redemption of $893 million aggregate principal amount of
the 4.95% senior notes due November 2015 (the “4.95% Senior Notes”).
Income tax expense—In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our effective tax rate was 11.5 percent and 11.9 percent,
respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income tax expense. In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015,
the effect of the various discrete period tax items was a net tax benefit of $50 million and $75 million, respectively. In the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015, our effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, was 18.5 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively, based on
income from continuing operations before income tax expense. Our effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, increased in the year ended
December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to (a) changes in the relative blend of income from
operations in certain jurisdictions and (b) valuation allowances on deferred tax assets for losses not expected to be realized.
Due to a number of factors related to our operating activities and organizational structure, our income tax expense does not change
proportionally with our income before income taxes. Significant decreases in our income before income taxes typically lead to higher effective
tax rates, while significant increases in income before income taxes can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting
income tax expense noted above. With respect to the effective tax rate calculation for the year ended December 31, 2016, a significant
portion of our income tax expense was generated in countries in which income taxes are imposed on gross revenues, with the most significant
of these countries being Angola. Conversely, the countries in which we incurred the most significant income taxes during this period that
were based on income before income tax include Norway, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. Our rig operating structures further complicate
our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the particular taxing jurisdiction and, thus,
more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig under the contract. For example, two rigs
operating in the same country could generate significantly different provisions for income taxes if they are owned by two different subsidiaries
that are subject to differing tax laws and regulations in the respective country of incorporation. See —Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates—Income taxes.
AR-37
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and uses of cash
At December 31, 2017, we had $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $450 million in unrestricted short-term
investments. In the year ended December 31, 2017, our primary sources of cash were our cash flows from operating activities, including
cash proceeds from customers for early terminations or cancellations of drilling contracts; net proceeds from the issuance of debt and net
proceeds from the sale of the high-specification jackups. Our primary uses of cash were the repayment of debt, primarily related to the
2017 Tender Offers, debt redemptions and open market debt repurchases, our investments in capital expenditures and deposits into
short-term investments.
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
Depreciation
Loss on impairment
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt
Deferred income tax expense
Other non-cash items, net
Changes in deferred revenues and costs, net
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net
Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
(In millions)
Change
$
$
(3,097) $
832
1,498
1,603
55
89
96
87
(19)
1,144 $
827
893
93
(4)
(148)
68
56
291
(165)
1,911
$
$
(3,924)
(61)
1,405
1,607
203
21
40
(204)
146
(767)
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased primarily due to reduced operating activities and a decrease of $45 million
cash received from customers for early terminations or cancellations of drilling contracts.
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net
Deposits into short-term investments
Other, net
Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
(In millions)
Change
$
$
(497) $
350
(450)
10
(587) $
(1,344)
30
—
1
(1,313)
$
$
847
320
(450)
9
726
Net cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to: (a) reduced capital expenditures, primarily associated with our
newbuild construction projects, and (b) increased proceeds from asset disposals, primarily related to the sale of 10 high-specification jackups
and the novation of contracts relating to the construction of five high-specification jackups, together with related assets, in the year ended
December 31, 2017. These decreases were partially offset by the use of cash associated with deposits into short-term investments, primarily
time deposits, in the year ended December 31, 2017 with no comparable activity in the prior year.
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issue costs
Repayments of debt
Proceeds from cash accounts and investments restricted for financing activities, net of deposits
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
(In millions)
Change
$
$
1,144 $
(2,284)
53
—
(3)
(1,090) $
2,401
(2,295)
39
(30)
—
115
$
$
(1,257)
11
14
30
(3)
(1,205)
Net cash used in financing activities increased primarily due to reduced cash proceeds from the issuance of the 7.50% Senior
Notes and 5.52% Senior Secured Notes in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the cash proceeds from the issuance of the
9.00% senior notes due July 2023 (the “9.00% Senior Notes”), the 7.75% senior secured notes due October 2024 (the “7.75% Senior
Secured Notes”) and the 6.25% senior secured notes due December 2024 (the “6.25% Senior Secured Notes”) in the prior year.
AR-38
Sources and uses of liquidity
Overview—We expect to use existing unrestricted cash balances and short-term investments, internally generated cash flows,
borrowings under our existing bank credit agreement, proceeds from the disposal of assets or proceeds from the issuance of additional debt
to fulfill anticipated obligations, which may include capital expenditures, working capital and other operational requirements, scheduled debt
maturities or other payments. We may also consider establishing additional financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers.
Subject to market conditions and other factors, we may also be required to provide collateral for future financing arrangements. In each case
subject to then existing market conditions and to our then expected liquidity needs, among other factors, we may continue to use a portion
of our internally generated cash flows and proceeds from asset sales to reduce debt prior to scheduled maturities through debt repurchases,
either in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, or through debt redemptions or tender offers.
Our access to debt and equity markets may be limited due to a variety of events, including, among others, credit rating agency
downgrades of our debt ratings, industry conditions, general economic conditions, market conditions and market perceptions of us and our
industry. During the year ended December 31, 2015, three credit rating agencies downgraded the rating of our non-credit enhanced senior
unsecured long-term debt (“Debt Rating”) to Debt Ratings that are below investment grade. During the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2017, the same three credit rating agencies further downgraded our Debt Rating. Such downgrades have caused us to experience
increased fees under our credit facility and interest rates under agreements governing certain of our senior notes. Further downgrades may
affect or limit our ability to access debt markets in the future. Our ability to access such markets may be severely restricted at a time when
we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business
conditions. An economic downturn could have an impact on the lenders participating in our credit facilities or on our customers, causing
them to fail to meet their obligations to us.
Our internally generated cash flows are directly related to our business and the market sectors in which we operate. Should the
drilling market deteriorate, or should we experience poor results in our operations, cash flows from operations may be reduced. We have,
however, continued to generate positive cash flows from operating activities over recent years and expect that such cash flows will continue
to be positive over the next year.
Business combination—On January 30, 2018, we completed the acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest
in Songa. By March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory
acquisition, which is available to us under Cyprus law.
In connection with the acquisition, we issued 66.9 million shares with an aggregate market value of $735 million, equivalent to
$10.99 per share, estimated based on the market value of our shares on the date of issuance to shareholders of Songa as partial
consideration for the acquired Songa shares. We expect to issue 1.7 million shares for the remaining shares to be acquired through the
compulsory acquisition.
We also issued an aggregate principal amount of $854 million of the 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023 (the
“Exchangeable Bonds”) as partial consideration for the acquisition of the acquired Songa shares and partial settlement of certain Songa
indebtedness. We expect to issue an aggregate principal amount of $14 million of the Exchangeable Bonds for the remaining shares to be
acquired through the compulsory acquisition. Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the Exchangeable Bonds, which are fully and unconditionally
guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and rank equally with our other senior unsecured debt. We will pay interest on the Exchangeable Bonds
semiannual, commencing July 30, 2018. Holders of the Exchangeable Bonds may convert the notes into shares of Transocean Ltd. under
certain circumstances at a rate of 97.29756 shares per $1,000 note, equivalent to a conversion price of $10.28 per share, subject to
adjustment due to the occurrence of certain events.
Debt issuances—On October 17, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $750 million of the
7.50% Senior Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $742 million, net of issue costs. We used the majority of the net proceeds
from the debt offering to repay or redeem certain maturing debt. See “—Debt redemptions and repurchases”)
On May 5, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $410 million of the 5.52% Senior Secured Notes
and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $403 million, net of issue costs. The indenture that governs the 5.52% Senior Secured Notes
contains covenants that limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate Deepwater Conqueror to declare or pay dividends to affiliates.
We will be required to redeem or to offer to redeem the notes at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount, and, under
certain circumstances, the payment of a make-whole amount, upon the occurrence of certain events related to Deepwater Conqueror and
the related drilling contract.
On October 19, 2016 and December 8, 2016, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $600 million of the
7.75% Senior Secured Notes and $625 million of the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes, respectively, and we received aggregate cash proceeds
of $583 million and $609 million, respectively, net of initial discount and costs payable by us. The indentures that govern the 7.75% Senior
Secured Notes and the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes contain covenants that limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate
Deepwater Thalassa and Deepwater Proteus to declare or pay dividends to affiliates and impose a maximum collateral rig leverage ratio
(“Maximum Collateral Ratio”), represented by each rig’s earnings relative to the debt balance, that changes over the terms of the notes. At
December 31, 2016, the Maximum Collateral Ratio under both indentures was 5.75:1.00, and the collateral leverage ratio of each subsidiary
was less than 5.00:1.00.
AR-39
On July 21, 2016, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $1.25 billion of the 9.00% Senior Notes, and we
received aggregate cash proceeds of $1.21 billion, net of initial discount and costs payable by us. We used the majority of the net proceeds
from the debt offering to complete the 2016 Tender Offers (see “—Debt tender offers”).
Debt tender offers—On July 11, 2017, we completed the 2017 Tender Offers to purchase for cash up to $1.5 billion aggregate
principal amount of the 2017 Tendered Notes. As a result, we received valid tenders from holders of an aggregate principal amount of
$1.2 billion of the 2017 Tendered Notes, and we made an aggregate cash payment of $1.3 billion to settle the 2017 Tendered Notes.
On August 1, 2016, we completed the 2016 Tender Offers to purchase for cash up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of
certain of our outstanding senior notes (collectively, the “2016 Tendered Notes”). As a result of the 2016 Tender Offers, we received valid
tenders from holders of an aggregate principal amount of $981 million of the 2016 Tendered Notes, and we made an aggregate cash payment
of $876 million to settle the 2016 Tendered Notes.
Debt redemptions and repurchases—In November 2017, we redeemed the outstanding 6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018
and the 7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018 with aggregate principal amounts of $319 million and $82 million, respectively, by making an
aggregate cash payment of $407 million using proceeds from the issuance of the 7.50% Senior Notes.
In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we repurchased in the open market an aggregate principal amount of
$156 million and $399 million, respectively, of our debt securities for an aggregate cash payment of $157 million and $354 million,
respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we redeemed the remaining aggregate principal amount of $893 million of the
4.95% Senior Notes for an aggregate cash payment of $904 million.
Debt scheduled maturities—On the scheduled maturity date of October 16, 2017, we made a cash payment of $152 million to
repay the outstanding 2.50% Senior Notes due October 2017, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount. On the
scheduled maturity date of December 15, 2016, we made a cash payment of $938 million to repay the outstanding 5.05% Senior Notes due
December 2016, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount.
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—In May 2015, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved
the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $0.60 per outstanding share,
payable in four quarterly installments of $0.15 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. In May 2015, we recognized a liability of
$218 million for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On
June 17 and September 23, 2015, we paid the first two installments in the aggregate amount of $109 million to shareholders of record as of
May 29, and August 25, 2015. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the cancellation of
the third and fourth installments of the distribution.
In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in
the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments, subject to certain
limitations. On March 18, 2015, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $272 million to shareholders of record as of
February 20, 2015.
We did not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held by our subsidiary or previously
held in treasury.
Litigation settlements and insurance recoveries—On May 29, 2015, together with the Plaintiff Steering Committee (the “PSC”),
we filed a settlement agreement (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”) in which we agreed to pay a total of $212 million, plus up to $25 million
for partial reimbursement of attorneys’ fees, to resolve (1) punitive damages claims of private plaintiffs, businesses, and local governments
and (2) certain claims that an affiliate of BP plc. together with its affiliates (“BP”) had made against us and had assigned to private plaintiffs
who previously settled economic damages claims against BP. On February 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) entered a final order and judgement approving the PSC Settlement Agreement, which is no longer subject to
appeal. In June 2016 and August 2015, we made a cash deposit of $25 million and $212 million, respectively, into escrow accounts
established by the MDL Court for the settlement. In November 2017, the MDL Court released $25 million from the escrow accounts for
partial payment of attorneys’ fees. As of February 13, 2018, the aggregate cash balance of our escrow accounts was $212 million.
Pursuant to a cooperation guilty plea agreement by and among the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and certain of our affiliates,
which was accepted by the court on February 14, 2013, we agreed to pay a criminal fine of $100 million and to consent to the entry of an
order requiring us to pay $150 million to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and $150 million to the National Academy of Sciences in
scheduled installments through February 2017. In each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we made the final scheduled
cash payments of $60 million.
Noncontrolling interest—In the year ended December 31, 2016, Transocean Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”) declared
and paid an aggregate distribution of $99 million, of which $28 million was paid to holders of noncontrolling interest. On December 9, 2016,
Transocean Partners completed a merger with one of our subsidiaries as contemplated under the merger agreement. Following the
completion of the merger, Transocean Partners became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. Each Transocean Partners
common unit that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing, other than units held by Transocean and its subsidiaries, was
converted into the right to receive 1.20 of our shares. To complete the merger, we issued 23.8 million shares from conditional capital.
AR-40
Revolving credit facility—In June 2014, we entered into an amended and restated bank credit agreement, which established a
$3.0 billion unsecured five-year revolving credit facility, that is scheduled to expire on June 28, 2019 (the “Five-Year Revolving Credit
Facility”). Among other things, the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility includes limitations on creating liens, incurring subsidiary debt,
transactions with affiliates, sale/leaseback transactions, mergers and the sale of substantially all assets. The Five-Year Revolving Credit
Facility also includes a covenant imposing a maximum consolidated indebtedness to total tangible capitalization ratio of 0.6 to 1.0. At
December 31, 2017, our consolidated indebtedness to total tangible capitalization ratio, as defined in the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility,
was 0.4 to 1.0. In order to borrow or have letters of credit issued under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we must, at the time of the
borrowing request, not be in default under the bank credit agreements and make certain representations and warranties, including with
respect to compliance with laws and solvency, to the lenders, but we are not required to make any representation to the lenders as to the
absence of a material adverse effect. Repayment of borrowings under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility is subject to acceleration upon
the occurrence of an event of default. We are also subject to various covenants under the indentures pursuant to which our public debt was
issued, including restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in certain merger, consolidation or
reorganization transactions. A default under our public debt indentures, our capital lease contract or any other debt owed to unaffiliated
entities that exceeds $125 million could trigger a default under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility and, if not waived by the lenders, could
cause us to lose access to the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—
Commitments and Contingencies.
We may borrow under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility at either (1) the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)
plus a margin (the “Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 1.125 percent to 2.0 percent based on the Debt Rating,
or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin, less one percent per annum.
Throughout the term of the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment
which ranges from 0.15 percent to 0.35 percent based on our Debt Rating. At February 13, 2018, based on our Debt Rating on that date,
the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin was 2.0 percent and the facility fee was 0.35 percent. At February 13, 2018, we had no
borrowings outstanding, $7 million of letters of credit issued, and $3.0 billion of available borrowing capacity under the Five-Year Revolving
Credit Facility.
Share repurchase program—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board
of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion.
On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program. At December 31,
2017, the authorization remaining under the share repurchase program was for the repurchase of up to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to
approximately $3.3 billion, of our outstanding shares. We intend to fund any repurchases using available cash balances and cash from
operating activities. The share repurchase program could be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors or company management,
as applicable, at any time. We may decide, based upon our ongoing capital requirements, the price of our shares, regulatory and tax
considerations, cash flow generation, the amount and duration of our contract backlog, general market conditions, debt rating considerations
and other factors, that we should retain cash, reduce debt, make capital investments or acquisitions or otherwise use cash for general
corporate purposes. Decisions regarding the amount, if any, and timing of any share repurchases will be made from time to time based upon
these factors. Any repurchased shares under the share repurchase program would be held by us for cancellation by the shareholders at a
future general meeting of shareholders. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities—Shareholder Matters.”
AR-41
Contractual obligations—At December 31, 2017, our contractual obligations stated at face value, were as follows:
Contractual obligations
Debt
Interest on debt
Capital lease obligation (a)
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations
Service agreement obligations (b)
Total (c)
Total
For the years ending December 31,
2018
2019 - 2020 2021 - 2022 Thereafter
(in millions)
$
6,943
4,709
837
97
898
1,059
$ 14,543
$
$
227
508
72
15
48
67
937
$
$
701 $
974
144
23
850
207
2,899 $
1,191
852
142
20
—
201
2,406
$
$
4,824
2,375
479
39
—
584
8,301
(a)
(b)
Includes scheduled installments of principal and imputed interest on our capital lease obligation.
In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we entered into long-term service agreements with certain original equipment manufacturers to
provide services and parts related to our pressure control systems, thrusters, top drives and other equipment. The future payments required under
our service agreements were estimated based on our projected operating activity and may vary based on actual operating activity.
(c) As of December 31, 2017, our defined benefit pension and other postemployment plans represented an aggregate liability of $359 million, representing
the aggregate projected benefit obligation, net of the aggregate fair value of plan assets. The carrying amount of this liability is affected by net periodic
benefit costs, funding contributions, participant demographics, plan amendments, significant current and future assumptions, and returns on plan
assets. Due to the uncertainties resulting from these factors and since the carrying amount is not representative of future liquidity requirements, we
have excluded this amount from the contractual obligations presented in the table above. See “—Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans”
and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
As of December 31, 2017, our unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, net of prepayments, represented a liability of $309 million.
Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with the liabilities recognized in this balance, we are
unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities, and we have excluded this amount
from the contractual obligations presented in the table above. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes.
Other commercial commitments—We have other commercial commitments that we are contractually obligated to fulfill with cash
under certain circumstances. These commercial commitments include standby letters of credit and surety bonds that guarantee our
performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, insurance, customs, tax and other obligations in various jurisdictions. Standby letters of
credit are issued under various uncommitted credit lines, some of which require cash collateral. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cash
collateral held by banks for letters of credit was $7 million. The obligations that are the subject of these standby letters of credit and surety
bonds are primarily geographically concentrated in Brazil and India. Obligations under these standby letters of credit and surety bonds are
not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirement.
At December 31, 2017, these obligations stated in U.S. dollar equivalents and their time to expiration were as follows:
Other commercial commitments
Standby letters of credit
Surety bonds
Total
Total
For the years ended December 31,
2018
2019 - 2020 2021 - 2022 Thereafter
(in millions)
$
$
29
51
80
$
$
22
2
24
$
$
7 $
37
44 $
— $
12
12
$
—
—
—
We have established a wholly owned captive insurance company to insure various risks of our operating subsidiaries. Access to
the cash investments of the captive insurance company may be limited due to local regulatory restrictions. At December 31, 2017, the cash
investments held by the captive insurance company totaled $239 million, and the amount of such cash investments is expected to range
from $100 million to $250 million by December 31, 2018. The amount of actual cash investments held by the captive insurance company
varies, depending on the amount of premiums paid to the captive insurance company, the timing and amount of claims paid by the captive
insurance company, and the amount of dividends paid by the captive insurance company.
AR-42
Drilling fleet
Expansion—From time to time, we review possible acquisitions of businesses and drilling rigs and may make significant future
capital commitments for such purposes. We may also consider investments related to major rig upgrades, new rig construction, or the
acquisition of a rig under construction. We may commit to such investment without first obtaining customer contracts. Any acquisition,
upgrade or new rig construction could involve the payment by us of a substantial amount of cash or the issuance of a substantial number of
additional shares or other securities. Our failure to secure drilling contracts for rigs under construction could have an adverse effect on our
results of operations or cash flows.
On January 30, 2018, we completed our acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa. By March 31,
2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition, which is available
to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the acquisition, we acquired seven mobile offshore drilling units, including five harsh environment
floaters and two midwater floaters. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 20—Subsequent Event.
In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we made capital expenditures of $497 million and $1.3 billion, respectively,
including $397 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, for our major construction projects. For the year ending December 31, 2018, we expect
total capital expenditures and other capital additions to be approximately $130 million, including $74 million for our major construction
projects. As of December 31, 2017, the historical and projected capital expenditures and other capital additions, including capitalized interest,
for our ongoing major construction projects were as follows:
Deepwater Pontus (a)
Deepwater Poseidon (b)
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN1 (c)
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN2 (c)
Total
Total costs
through
December 31,
2017
$
$
896
871
266
200
2,233
$
$
2018
For the years ending December 31,
2019
(In millions)
2020
Total
— $
29
29
16
74
$
—
—
56
38
94
$
$
—
—
464
506
970
$
$
896
900
815
760
3,371
In October 2017, the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Pontus was placed into service and commenced operations.
In February 2018, the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Poseidon was placed into service and commenced operations.
(a)
(b)
(c) Our two unnamed ultra-deepwater drillships under construction at the Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. in Singapore do not yet have drilling contracts and are
expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarter of 2020, respectively. The delivery expectations and the cost projections
presented above reflect the terms of our construction agreements, as amended to delay delivery in consideration of current market conditions.
The ultimate amount of our capital expenditures is partly dependent upon financial market conditions, the actual level of operational
and contracting activity, the costs associated with the current regulatory environment and customer requested capital improvements and
equipment for which the customer agrees to reimburse us. As with any major shipyard project that takes place over an extended period of
time, the actual costs, the timing of expenditures and the project completion date may vary from estimates based on numerous factors,
including actual contract terms, weather, exchange rates, shipyard labor conditions, availability of suppliers to recertify equipment and the
market demand for components and resources required for drilling unit construction. We intend to fund the cash requirements relating to
our capital expenditures through available cash balances, cash generated from operations and asset sales and commercial banks or capital
market financings. We also have available credit under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, which is expected to be extended or replaced
with another credit facility before expiration of the underlying bank credit agreement on June 28, 2019 (see “—Sources and uses of liquidity—
Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility”). Economic conditions could impact the availability of these sources of funding.
Dispositions—From time to time, we may also review the possible disposition of non-strategic drilling units. Considering recent
market conditions, we have committed to plans to sell certain lower-specification drilling units for scrap value. During the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we identified seven, seven and 22 such drilling units, respectively, that we have sold or intend to sell
for scrap value. We continue to evaluate the drilling units in our fleet and may identify additional lower-specification drilling units to be sold
for scrap value.
On May 31, 2017, we completed the sale of 10 high-specification jackups and novated the contracts relating to the construction of
five high-specification jackups, together with related assets. In the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of this transaction, we
received aggregate net cash proceeds of $319 million. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we also completed the sale of
one ultra-deepwater floater and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received net cash proceeds of $22 million. During
the year ended December 31, 2016, we completed the sale of three deepwater floaters and eight midwater floaters, along with related assets,
and we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $22 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we completed the sale of
two ultra-deepwater floaters, six deepwater floaters and nine midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received aggregate net
cash proceeds of $35 million.
AR-43
Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans
Overview—As of December 31, 2017, we maintained three funded and three unfunded defined benefit plans in the U.S. (the “U.S.
Plans”). As of December 31, 2017, we also maintained one defined benefit plan in the U.K. (the “U.K. Plan”), and we maintained two funded
and two unfunded defined benefit plans in Norway (the “Norway Plans”). Even though benefits under some of our defined benefit pension
plans have ceased accruing, we maintain the respective pension obligations under such plans until they have been fully satisfied. During
the year ended December 31, 2017, we permitted certain participants of our U.K. Plan to make a one-time election to receive a payment of
retirement benefits in the form of a lump sum distribution. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we satisfied our obligations under
four funded defined benefit plans in Norway and an unfunded defined benefit plan in Nigeria. We refer to the U.K. Plan, the Norway Plans
and the plan in Nigeria, collectively, as the “Non-U.S. Plans.” We refer to the U.S. Plans and the Non-U.S. Plans, collectively, as the
“Transocean Plans.” Additionally, we maintain certain unfunded other postemployment benefit plans (collectively, the “OPEB Plans”), under
which benefits to eligible participants diminish during a phase-out period ending December 31, 2025.
The following table presents the amounts and weighted-average assumptions associated with the U.S. Plans, the Non-U.S. Plans
and the OPEB Plans (in millions, except percentages).
Year ended December 31, 2017
Year ended December 31, 2016
Net periodic benefit costs
Other comprehensive income (loss) (a)
Employer contributions
At end of period:
Accumulated benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Funded status
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) (a)
Weighted-Average Assumptions
-Net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate (b)
Long-term rate of return (c)
Compensation trend rate (b)
-Benefit obligations
Discount rate (b)
Compensation trend rate (b)
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$
$
$
$
$
(1)
15
1
$ 1,680
1,680
1,343
(337)
(301)
8
10
12
375
379
393
14
(84)
(2)
(4)
2
19
19
—
(19)
19
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$
Total
5
21
15
$
(3)
(35)
3
$ 2,074
2,078
1,736
(342)
(366)
$ 1,557
1,557
1,204
(353)
(316)
$
$
$
$
(4)
25
43
396
398
400
2
(94)
(4) $
(2)
3
Total
(11)
(12)
49
19
19
—
(19)
23
$ 1,972
1,974
1,604
(370)
(387)
4.26 %
6.31 %
na %
2.69 %
4.79 %
2.25 %
3.08 %
na
na
3.97 %
5.96 %
2.25 %
4.56 %
6.82 %
0.22 %
3.69 %
5.85 %
4.01 %
3.13 %
na
na
4.37 %
6.57 %
0.98 %
3.68 %
na
2.49 %
2.50 %
2.93 %
na
3.45 %
2.50 %
4.26 %
na
2.69 %
2.25 %
3.08 %
na
3.94 %
2.25 %
“na” means not applicable.
(a) Amounts presented before tax.
(b) Weighted-average based on relative average projected benefit obligation for the year.
(c) Weighted-average based on relative average fair value of plan assets for the year.
Net periodic benefit cost—Net periodic benefit costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year
ended December 31, 2016 primarily due to a decrease in expected returns from plan assets. In the year ending December 31, 2018, we
expect our net periodic benefit costs to represent income of approximately $12 million.
Plan assets—In the year ended December 31, 2017, the fair value of the investments in the funded Transocean Plans increased
by $132 million, or 8 percent, primarily due to the following: $229 million resulting from investment returns, and $36 million resulting from net
gains on currency exchange rate changes for our non-U.S. Plans, partially offset by $133 million resulting from benefits paid from plan assets,
net of contributions.
Funding contributions—We review the funded status of our plans at least annually and contribute an amount at least equal to
the minimum amount required. For the funded qualified U.S. Plan, we contribute an amount at least equal to that required by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”). We use actuarial computations to
establish the minimum contribution required under ERISA and PPA and the maximum deductible contribution allowed for income tax
purposes. For the funded U.K. Plan, we contribute an amount, as mutually agreed with the plan trustees, based on actuarial
recommendations. For the funded Norway Plans, we contribute an amount determined by the plan trustee based on Norwegian pension
laws. For the unfunded Transocean Plans and OPEB Plans, we generally fund benefit payments for plan participants as incurred. We fund
our contributions to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans using cash flows from operations. In the year ended December 31, 2017,
we contributed $15 million and participants did not contribute to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans. In the year ended December 31,
2016, we contributed $49 million and participants contributed $1 million to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans. For the year ending
December 31, 2018, we expect to contribute $12 million to the Transocean Plans and $3 million to the OPEB Plans.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
AR-44
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2017.
Related Party Transactions
As of December 31, 2017, we did not have any material related party transactions that were not in the ordinary course of business
Other Matters
Macondo well incident
We believe the most notable remaining claims against us arising from the Macondo well incident are the 30 settlement class opt
outs from the PSC Settlement Agreement. We can provide no assurance as to the outcome of the remaining claims arising from the Macondo
well incident or that we will not enter into additional settlements as to some or all of the remaining matters related to the Macondo well
incident. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies.
Regulatory matters
Consent Decree—Pursuant to a civil consent decree by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Consent Decree”),
which was approved by the court on February 19, 2013, we agreed to undertake certain actions, including enhanced safety and compliance
actions when operating in U.S. waters. The Consent Decree also requires us to submit and make publicly available certain plans, reports
and other submissions. One such plan is a performance plan, approved on January 2, 2014, that contains, among other things, interim
milestones for actions in specified areas and schedules for reports required under the Consent Decree. Additionally, as required, we retained
an independent auditor to review and report to the DOJ our compliance with the Consent Decree and an independent process safety
consultant to review, report and assist with the process safety requirements of the Consent Decree. We may request termination of the
Consent Decree after January 2, 2019, provided we meet certain conditions. The Consent Decree resolved the claim by the U.S. for civil
penalties under the Clean Water Act. We also agreed to pay, and have satisfied our obligations to pay, civil penalties of $1.0 billion plus
interest. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies.
Other regulatory matters— In addition, from time to time, we receive inquiries from governmental regulatory agencies regarding
our operations around the world, including inquiries with respect to various tax, environmental, regulatory and compliance matters. To the
extent appropriate under the circumstances, we investigate such matters, respond to such inquiries and cooperate with the regulatory
agencies.
Tax matters
We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Each country has its own
tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions and tax attributes. From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated
tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these
changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement
of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world.
Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and in some cases have issued assessments. We are defending our
tax positions in those jurisdictions. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the final outcome of these proceedings, we do not
expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations,
although it may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated cash flows. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—
Income Taxes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Overview—We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies and estimates since they are very important to the
portrayal of our financial condition and results and require our most subjective and complex judgments. We have discussed the development,
selection and disclosure of such policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors. For a discussion of our significant
accounting policies, refer to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which
require us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts,
materials and supplies obsolescence, property and equipment, income taxes, contingent liabilities and defined benefit pension and other
postemployment benefit plans. These estimates require significant judgments and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis
for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.
Income taxes—We are a Swiss corporation, operating through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the
world. We provide for income taxes based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which we operate and earn income. The relationship
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between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to
period because the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary with respect to the nominal tax rate and the availability of
deductions, credits and other benefits. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate. Consequently,
our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income before income taxes. Variations also arise when income earned
and taxed in a particular country or countries fluctuates from year to year.
Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the
various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination of our annual tax provision and evaluation of our tax positions involves
interpretation of tax laws in the various jurisdictions and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding
significant future events, such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Our tax liability in any given year
could be affected by changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, and treaties, currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or
profitability in each jurisdiction. Additionally, we operate in many jurisdictions where the tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are
not well developed. Although our annual tax provision is based on the best information available at the time, a number of years may elapse
before the tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are ultimately determined.
We establish liabilities for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation, and the provisions and benefits resulting from
changes to those liabilities are included in our annual tax provision along with related interest. Such tax exposures include potential
challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates and their
applicability. These exposures may be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise our prior
estimates, and are generally resolved through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means. At December 31,
2017 and 2016, the liability for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation was approximately $309 million and $370 million,
respectively.
We are currently undergoing examinations in a number of taxing jurisdictions for various fiscal years. We review our liabilities on
an ongoing basis and, to the extent audits or other events cause us to adjust the liabilities accrued in prior periods, we recognize those
adjustments in the period of the event. We do not believe it is possible to reasonably estimate the future impact of changes to the assumptions
and estimates related to our annual tax provision because changes to our tax liabilities are dependent on numerous factors that cannot be
reasonably projected. These factors include, among others, the amount and nature of additional taxes potentially asserted by local tax
authorities; the willingness of local tax authorities to negotiate a fair settlement through an administrative process; the impartiality of the local
courts; and the potential for changes in the taxes paid to one country that either produce, or fail to produce, offsetting tax changes in other
countries.
We do not provide for taxes on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries when we consider such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested.
We recognize deferred taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that we do not consider to be indefinitely reinvested or that will
not be indefinitely reinvested in the future. If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries, we could be
subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. If facts and circumstances cause us to change our expectations regarding future tax
consequences, the resulting adjustments to our deferred tax balances could have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial
position, results of operations or cash flows. Due to the timing of the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, it is not practicable to estimate the
amount of indefinitely reinvested earnings or the deferred tax liability related to unremitted earnings of our subsidiaries.
Estimates, judgments and assumptions are required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be fully or partially realized.
In evaluating our ability to realize deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future
taxable income and the existence of cumulative losses in recent years. When it is estimated to be more likely than not that all or some
portion of certain deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized, we
establish a valuation allowance for the amount of the deferred tax assets that is considered to be unrealizable. The 2017 Tax Act imposes
a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings and profits of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries. Prior to enactment of
the 2017 Tax Act, we did not recognize a deferred tax liability related to the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S.
subsidiaries because we considered those foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. Upon enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, we did not
have the necessary information available, prepared and analyzed to develop a reasonable estimate of the transition tax. We have not yet
completed our calculation of the post-1986 earnings and profits for the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries or determined the amounts
of those earnings held in cash and other assets necessary to determine the transition tax. The determination of the transition tax requires
further analysis regarding the amount and composition of our historical foreign earnings, which is expected to be completed and reflected in
our financial statements issued for subsequent reporting periods that fall within the measurement period provided by SAB 118. The transition
tax will also impact the utilization of our foreign tax credits and net operating losses generated in the U.S. which will impact our valuation
allowance analysis related to those deferred tax assets and could have a material impact or our valuation allowances. Because we have
not completed our analysis of the amount and composition of our historical foreign earnings and the associated transition tax, we also cannot
determine the associated impact on our assertion that the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries will be
indefinitely reinvested.
We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, in evaluating our projected realizability of deferred tax assets, we considered our consolidated cumulative loss incurred
over the recent three-year period, primarily due to losses on impairment and disposal of assets, together with potential organizational changes
that could alter our ability to realize deferred tax assets, which have limited our ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected
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contract activity. During the year ended December 31, 2016, in evaluating our projected realizability of deferred tax assets, we considered
potential organizational changes that could alter our ability to realize deferred tax assets.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes.
Property and equipment—The carrying amount of property and equipment is subject to various estimates, assumptions, and
judgments related to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values and impairments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying
amount of our property and equipment was $17.4 billion and $21.1 billion, respectively, representing 78 percent of our total assets.
Capitalized costs—We capitalize costs incurred to enhance, improve and extend the useful lives of our property and equipment
and expense costs incurred to repair and maintain the existing condition of our rigs. For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize
the initial preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service. Capitalized costs increase
the carrying amounts and depreciation expense of the related assets, which also impact our results of operations.
Useful lives and salvage values—We depreciate our assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives after
allowing for salvage values. We estimate useful lives and salvage values by applying judgments and assumptions that reflect both historical
experience and expectations regarding future operations, rig utilization and asset performance. Useful lives and salvage values of rigs are
difficult to estimate due to a variety of factors, including (a) technological advances that impact the methods or cost of oil and gas exploration
and development, (b) changes in market or economic conditions, and (c) changes in laws or regulations affecting the drilling industry.
Applying different judgments and assumptions in establishing the useful lives and salvage values would likely result in materially different
net carrying amounts and depreciation expense for our assets. We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of our rigs
when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition,
functional capability and market and economic factors. When evaluating the remaining useful lives of rigs, we also consider major capital
upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability. At December 31, 2017,
a hypothetical one-year increase in the useful lives of all of our rigs would cause a decrease in our annual depreciation expense of
approximately $34 million and a hypothetical one-year decrease would cause an increase in our annual depreciation expense of
approximately $52 million.
Long-lived asset impairment—We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable or when carrying amounts of assets held for sale
exceed fair value less cost to sell. Potential impairment indicators include rapid declines in commodity prices and related market conditions,
declines in dayrates or utilization, cancellations of contracts or credit concerns of multiple customers. During periods of oversupply, we may
idle or stack rigs for extended periods of time or we may elect to sell certain rigs for scrap, which could be an indication that an asset group
may be impaired since supply and demand are the key drivers of rig utilization and our ability to contract our rigs at economical rates. Our
rigs are mobile units, equipped to operate in geographic regions throughout the world and, consequently, we may move rigs from an
oversupplied market sector to a more lucrative and undersupplied market sector when it is economical to do so. Many of our contracts
generally allow our customers to relocate our rigs from one geographic region to another, subject to certain conditions, and our customers
utilize this capability to meet their worldwide drilling requirements. Accordingly, our rigs are considered to be interchangeable within classes
or asset groups, and we evaluate impairment by asset group. We consider our asset groups to be ultra-deepwater floaters, harsh
environment floaters, deepwater floaters and midwater floaters.
We assess recoverability of assets held and used by projecting undiscounted cash flows for the asset group being evaluated.
When the carrying amount of the asset group is determined to be unrecoverable, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount
by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. To estimate the fair value of each asset group, we apply
a variety of valuation methods, incorporating income, market and cost approaches. We may weight the approaches, under certain
circumstances, when relevant data is limited, when results are inconclusive or when results deviate significantly. Our estimate of fair value
generally requires us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions
related to the long-term future performance of our asset groups, such as projected revenues and costs, dayrates, rig utilization and revenue
efficiency. These projections involve uncertainties that rely on assumptions about demand for our services, future market conditions and
technological developments. Because our business is cyclical in nature, the results of our impairment testing are expected to vary
significantly depending on the timing of the assessment relative to the business cycle. Altering either the timing of or the assumptions used
to estimate fair value and significant unanticipated changes to the assumptions could materially alter an outcome that could otherwise result
in an impairment loss. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific asset groups and specific time periods, it is not
possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a loss of $94 million ($93 million, net of tax) associated with the impairment
of the midwater floater asset group. In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a loss of $52 million, which had no tax effect,
associated with the impairment of the deepwater floater asset group. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized losses of
$507 million ($481 million, net of tax) and $668 million ($654 million, net of tax) associated with the impairment of the deepwater floater asset
group and the midwater floater asset group, respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
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Revenue recognition—Our contracts to provide offshore drilling services are individually negotiated and vary in their terms and
provisions. We obtain most of our drilling contracts through competitive bidding against other contractors and direct negotiations with
operators. Drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods while the drilling unit is operating
and lower rates or zero rates for periods of mobilization or when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted by equipment breakdowns,
adverse environmental conditions or other conditions beyond our control. A dayrate drilling contract generally extends over a period of time
covering either the drilling of a single well or group of wells or covering a stated term. We recognize operating revenues as they are realized
and earned and can be reasonably measured, based on contractual dayrates, and when collectability is reasonably assured. For contractual
daily rate contracts, we recognize the losses for loss contracts as such losses are incurred.
Certain of our drilling contracts may be cancelable for the convenience of the customer upon payment of an early termination
payment. We recognize revenues, presented in other revenues, associated with cancellations or early terminations over the period in which
we satisfy our performance obligations based on the negotiated or contractual terms, which are typically specific to the contractual
arrangement. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized revenues of $201 million and $471 million, respectively,
associated with cancellations and early terminations.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 3—Accounting Standards Updates.
Contingencies—We perform assessments of our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our
liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies. We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable
and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated. We recognize corresponding assets for loss contingencies that we believe
are probable of being recovered through insurance. Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon the
occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood
or amount of loss. We recognize liabilities for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for those legal costs
only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance. Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgement. Actual
results may differ from our estimates.
We have recognized a liability for estimated loss contingencies associated with litigation and investigations resulting from the
Macondo well incident that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
the liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made was $219 million
and $250 million, respectively, recorded in other current liabilities, the majority of which is related to our settlement with the PSC.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies.
Pension and other postemployment benefits—We use a January 1 measurement date for net periodic benefit costs and a
December 31 measurement date for projected benefit obligations and plan assets. We measure our pension liabilities and related net
periodic benefit costs using actuarial assumptions based on a market-related value of assets that reduces year-to-year volatility. In applying
this approach, we recognize investment gains or losses subject to amortization over a five-year period beginning with the year in which they
occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are measured as the difference between the expected and actual returns calculated using
the market-related value of assets. If gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such
gains or losses over the average expected future service period of the employee participants. Actual results may differ from these
measurements under different conditions or assumptions. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other
factors related to the pension plans will impact our future pension obligations and net periodic benefit costs.
Additionally, the pension obligations and related net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit pension and other
postemployment benefit plans are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions, including long-term rate of return, discount rates,
mortality rates and employee turnover rates. For our defined benefit plans that have ceased accruing benefits, certain assumptions, including
compensation increases and health care cost trend rates no longer apply. The two most critical assumptions are the long-term rate of return
and the discount rate. For the long-term rate of return of plan assets, we develop our assumptions based on historical experience and
projected returns for the investments considering each plan’s target asset allocation and long-term asset class expected returns. For the
discount rate, we develop our assumptions utilizing a yield curve approach based on Aa-rated corporate bonds and the expected timing of
future benefit payments. We periodically evaluate our assumptions and, when appropriate, adjust the recorded liabilities and expense.
Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities,
net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive income. See “—Pension and Other Postemployment Benefit Plans” and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
Accounting Standards Updates
For a discussion of the new accounting standards updates that have had or are expected to have an effect on our consolidated
financial statements, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 3—Accounting Standards Updates..
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Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest rate risk —We are exposed to interest rate risk, primarily associated with our long-term debt instruments. The following
table presents the principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates of our debt instruments by contractual maturity date. The
following table presents information for the years ending December 31 (in millions, except interest rate percentages):
Debt
Fixed rate (USD)
Average interest rate
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Fair Value
Scheduled Maturity Date (a)
$
$
257
6.59 %
$
237
6.58 %
$
531
6.53 %
$
580
7.59 %
687
6.12 %
$ 5,192
$ 7,484
$ 7,538
7.78 %
_______________________________
(a) Expected maturity amounts are based on the face value of debt.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of our debt was $7.5 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, the fair value of our debt decreased by $680 million due to the following: (a) a decrease of approximately $2.2 billion
resulting from our repayment of $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of debt (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 8—
Debt), partially offset by (b) an increase of approximately $1.1 billion resulting from the issuance of $410 million and $750 million aggregate
principal amount of the 5.52% senior secured notes due May 2022 and the 7.50% senior unsecured notes due January 2026, respectively,
and (c) an increase of approximately $400 million resulting from the change in market prices for our outstanding debt.
The majority of our cash equivalents and short-term investments is subject to variable interest rates or short-term interest rates
and such cash equivalents and short-term investments would earn commensurately higher rates of return if interest rates increase. Based
upon the amounts of our short-term investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, a hypothetical one percentage point change in interest
rates would result in a corresponding change in annual interest income of approximately $25 million and $31 million, respectively.
Currency exchange rate risk—We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk primarily associated with our international
operations. Our primary risk management strategy for currency exchange rate risk involves structuring customer contracts to provide for
payment in both U.S. dollars, which is our functional currency, and local currency. The payment portion denominated in local currency is
based on our anticipated local currency needs over the contract term. Due to various factors, including customer contract terms, local
banking laws, other statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs
may vary, resulting in exposure to currency exchange rate risk. The effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates caused by our
international operations generally has not had a material impact on our overall operating results.
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Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Transocean Ltd. (the “Company,” “we” or “our”) is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial
information included in this annual report. We have prepared our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States, which require us to apply our best judgement to make estimates and assumptions for certain amounts. We
are responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Our internal control system is supported by
a program of internal audits and appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection of qualified personnel,
and a written Code of Integrity. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement
preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness in 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.
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Management assessed the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, as described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework,
as published in 2013. Based on this assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2017.
The Company’s independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the audit
committee of the Company’s board of directors, subject to ratification by our shareholders. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on
the consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries, and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The
reports of the independent auditors are contained in this annual report.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
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, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related
notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 21, 2018, expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
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 included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 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/ Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, Texas
February 21, 2018
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31,
2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)
(collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, 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, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated
February 21, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s 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 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 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 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
Houston, Texas
February 21, 2018
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Ernst & Young AG
Maagplatz 1
P.O. Box
8005 Zurich
Phone: +41 58 286 31 11
Fax: +41 58 286 30 04
www.ey.com/ch
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Zurich, February 21, 2018
Report of the statutory auditor on the consolidated financial statements
Opinion
As statutory auditor, we have audited the consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the Group), which
comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income (loss), equity, cash flows, and notes to the consolidated financial statements for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2017 (pages AR-56 – AR-90). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles and comply with Swiss law.
Board of Directors’ Responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles and the requirements of Swiss law. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining an internal
control system relevant to the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud
or error. The Board of Directors is further responsible for selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting
estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public ac counting firm
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company. We conducted our audits in accordance with Swiss law, Swiss Auditing
Standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB). Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control
system relevant to the entity’s preparation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate
in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Report on key audit matters based on the circular 1/2015 of the Federal Audit Oversight Authority
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial
statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a
whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description
of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s responsibility section of our report, including in relation to these matters.
Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement
of the consolidated financial statements. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the matters
below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
AR-53
Revenue recognition, including contract modification
Area of emphasis Transocean Ltd. recognizes contract drilling revenue as realized and earned that can be reasonably measured,
based on contractual daily rates and when collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues for contract preparation,
mobilization and capital improvements to the rig are deferred and recognized over the primary contract term. There
is a risk of improper revenue recognition related to the accounting for terms and conditions of the contractual
arrangement due to error or intent. The risk may apply to new contracts as well as amendments or terminations
resulting from demands, pressures, or disputes from customers. The principal consideration for our determination
that revenue recognition, including contract modification is a key audit matter is the subjective judgment involved in
the interpretation of contractual terms that may be required in determining that all criteria have been met to
recognize revenue.
See note 2 to these consolidated financial statements for Transocean Ltd.’s description of the accounting policy
for revenue recognition.
Our audit
response
Our audit procedures related to the key audit matter of revenue recognition, including contract modification included
the following procedures:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over Transocean Ltd.’s review of new and amended contracts including the
assessment of the accounting for the arrangement. We inspect a list of all contracts entered into during the year,
including modifications, and evaluate terms summarized by management for those that would require subjective
judgment. We test contracts utilizing a risk based approach to verify management has appropriately considered
the application of the terms. We tested the accounting treatment for contracts terminated during the current fiscal
year including validation that the revenue recognition criteria had been met and Transocean Ltd.’s performance
obligations had been satisfied. We used analytical procedures to identify transactions with attributes suggesting
changes of terms and conditions of the underlying arrangement not identified through our other procedures. We
performed inquiries with members of the operations management team, including the marketing department, to
corroborate the contract documentation obtained.
Long-lived assets impairment
Area of emphasis Transocean Ltd. reviews the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for potential
impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may
not be recoverable. For assets classified as held and used, recoverability is determined by evaluating the estimated
undiscounted future net cash flows based on projected dayrates and utilization of the asset group under review.
Transocean Ltd. considers asset groups to be ultra-deepwater floaters, harsh environment floaters, deepwater
floaters and midwater floaters. When an impairment of one or more asset groups is indicated, the impairment is
calculated as the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.
Transocean Ltd. measures the fair values of its contract drilling asset groups by applying a variety of valuation
methods, incorporating a combination of income and market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows
and estimates of the price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market for
the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.
The primary risks are incorrect determination of asset classes and subsequent calculation of recoverability,
inaccurate models being used for the impairment assessments, and that the assumptions to support the value of
asset classes are inappropriate. The principal consideration for our determination that impairment of long-lived
asset is a key audit matter is the subjectivity in the assessment of the recoverable amounts, which requires
estimation and the use of subjective assumptions.
See note 5 to these consolidated financial statements for Transocean Ltd.’s related to long-lived assets
impairments.
Our audit
response
Our audit procedures related to the key audit matter of long-lived assets impairment included the following
procedures:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over Transocean Ltd.’s long-lived assets impairment. We performed
inquiries of management about the current market conditions supporting the evaluation of potential impairment
indicators, assessed Transocean Ltd.’s determination of asset groups, we tested the key assumptions used, and
performed procedures on Transocean Ltd.’s prospective financial information.
We involved valuation specialists to assist in the evaluation of the impairment analyses, specifically in testing key
assumptions and prospective financial information related to the midwater asset group.
AR-54
We also evaluated management’s annual reassessment of the remaining useful lives and salvage values of its
long-lived assets given the current market condition.
We performed procedures to assess the valuation models for evidence of management bias considering contrary
evidence from third party analyst reports from and press releases.
Realizability of deferred tax assets
Area of emphasis Transocean Ltd. measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in
which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets
are recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be
realized. In evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets, all available positive and negative evidence is
considered, including projected future taxable income and the existence of cumulative losses in recent years.
Estimates, judgments and assumptions are required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be fully or
partially realized.
As a result of the significant impairment charges in 2017 recognized on assets held for sale and disposals,
Transocean Ltd. is in a consolidated three-year cumulative loss position. The principal consideration for our
determination that the realizability of deferred tax assets is a key audit matter is the judgment involved in determining
the sources of income available to realize the deferred tax assets, including tax planning strategies, available
carrybacks, and utilization of deferred tax liabilities and uncertain tax positions. The three-year cumulative loss
position also limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected contract activity.
See note 6 to these consolidated financial statements for Transocean Ltd.’s disclosures related to income taxes.
Our audit
response
Our audit procedures related to the key audit matter of realizability of deferred tax assets included the following
procedures:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over Transocean Ltd.’s process to assess the realizability of deferred tax
assets. We involved EY tax professionals regarding Transocean’s assessment and conclusion that it is more likely
than not to realize its deferred tax assets based on the identified sources of future taxable income.
We performed procedures to evaluate management’s assessment, including testing forecasted income, evaluating
prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, agreeing carrybacks available to prior year tax returns, tracing
uncertain tax positions to account details, and recalculating the valuation allowances required.
Report on other legal requirements
We are a public accounting firm registered with the Swiss Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA) and the PCAOB and we confirm that we
meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA). We are independent with respect to the Group in
accordance with Swiss law (article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and U.S. federal securities laws as well as the applicable rules and regulations
of the Swiss audit profession, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
In accordance with article 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists, which
has been designed for the preparation of consolidated financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.
We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Ernst & Young Ltd.
/s/ Jolanda Dolente
Jolanda Dolente
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Jennifer Mathias
Jennifer Mathias
Certified public accountant
AR-55
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Operating revenues
Contract drilling revenues
Other revenues
Costs and expenses
Operating and maintenance
Depreciation
General and administrative
Loss on impairment
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense), net
Interest income
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Gain (loss) on retirement of debt
Other, net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Earnings (loss) per share—basic
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per share—diluted
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Earnings (loss) per share
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
$
2,731 $
242
2,973
1,388
832
156
2,376
(1,498)
(1,603)
(2,504)
43
(491)
(55)
4
(499)
(3,003)
94
(3,097)
—
$
$
$
$
$
(3,097)
30
(3,127) $
(8.00) $
—
(8.00) $
(8.00) $
—
(8.00) $
391
391
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,705
456
4,161
1,875
893
172
2,940
(93)
4
1,132
20
(409)
148
43
(198)
934
107
827
—
827
49
778
2.08
—
2.08
2.08
—
2.08
367
367
6,802
584
7,386
2,955
963
192
4,110
(1,875)
(36)
1,365
22
(432)
23
37
(350)
1,015
120
895
2
897
32
865
2.36
—
2.36
2.36
—
2.36
363
363
See accompanying notes.
AR-56
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Net income (loss)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Components of net periodic benefit costs before reclassifications
Components of net periodic benefit costs reclassified to net income
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
$
(3,097) $
30
(3,127)
$
827
49
778
—
21
21
(28)
(7)
—
(7)
(20)
8
(12)
6
(6)
—
(6)
(3,104)
30
(3,134) $
$
821
49
772
$
897
32
865
63
23
86
(17)
69
—
69
966
32
934
See accompanying notes.
AR-57
$
$
$
December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
$
2,519
450
597
44
418
466
112
4,606
22,693
(5,291)
17,402
47
355
22,410
201
79
250
839
1,369
7,146
44
1,082
8,272
3,052
—
833
65
561
466
121
5,098
27,372
(6,279)
21,093
298
400
26,889
206
95
724
960
1,985
7,740
178
1,153
9,071
58
28
37
11,031
1,929
(290)
12,707
4
12,711
22,410
$
36
10,993
5,056
(283)
15,802
3
15,805
26,889
$
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Trade
Other
Materials and supplies, net
Restricted cash accounts and investments
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Deferred income taxes, net
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and equity
Accounts payable
Accrued income taxes
Debt due within one year
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes, net
Other long-term liabilities
Total long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Shares, CHF 0.10 par value, 417,060,033 authorized, 143,783,041 conditionally authorized and 394,801,990 issued at
December 31, 2017 and 2016 and 391,237,308 and 389,366,241 outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying notes.
AR-58
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions)
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Quantity
2017
Years ended December 31,
2016
Amount
2015
Shares
Balance, beginning of period
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans
Issuance of shares for acquisition of noncontrolling interest
Reduction of par value
Balance, end of period
Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of period
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans
Issuance of shares for acquisition of noncontrolling interest, net of issue costs
Reduction of par value
Cancellation of shares held in treasury
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital
Allocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Balance, end of period
Treasury shares, at cost
Balance, beginning of period
Cancellation of shares held in treasury
Balance, end of period
Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of period
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Balance, end of period
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance, beginning of period
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Balance, end of period
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares for acquisition of noncontrolling interest, net of issue costs
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital
Allocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Balance, end of period
Noncontrolling interest
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
Allocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Balance, end of period
Total equity
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares for acquisition of noncontrolling interest, net of issue costs
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital
Other, net
Balance, end of period
389
2
—
—
391
364
1
24
—
389
362 $
2
—
—
364 $
36 $
1
—
—
37 $
5,193
—
2
(5,159)
36
$ 10,993 $
5,736
42
—
313
5,159
(240)
—
(18)
1
$ 11,031 $ 10,993
41
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
(2)
$
$
$
$
5,169
24
—
—
5,193
5,797
64
(24)
—
—
—
(109)
9
(1)
5,736
$
$
— $
—
— $
(240) $
240
— $
(240)
—
(240)
$
$
5,056 $
(3,127)
1,929 $
4,278
778
5,056
$
$
3,413
865
4,278
$
$
(283) $
(7)
(290) $
(277) $
(6)
(283) $
(346)
69
(277)
$ 15,802 $ 14,690
772
42
315
—
(18)
1
$ 12,707 $ 15,802
(3,134)
41
—
—
—
(2)
$ 13,793
934
64
—
(109)
9
(1)
$ 14,690
$
$
3 $
1
—
—
—
4 $
310
26
(30)
(321)
18
3
$
$
311
38
(29)
(1)
(9)
310
$ 15,805 $ 15,000
798
42
315
(30)
(321)
—
1
$ 12,711 $ 15,805
(3,133)
41
—
—
—
—
(2)
$ 14,104
972
64
—
(29)
(1)
(109)
(1)
$ 15,000
See accompanying notes.
AR-59
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Share-based compensation expense
Loss on impairment
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Other, net
Changes in deferred revenues, net
Changes in deferred costs, net
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net
Deposits into short-term investments
Other, net
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issue costs
Repayments of debt
Deposits to cash accounts restricted for financing activities
Proceeds from cash accounts and investments restricted for financing activities
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
$
(3,097) $
827
$
897
832
41
1,498
1,603
55
89
55
33
54
(19)
1,144
(497)
350
(450)
10
(587)
1,144
(2,284)
(97)
150
—
—
(3)
(1,090)
893
42
93
(4)
(148)
68
14
219
72
(165)
1,911
(1,344)
30
—
1
(1,313)
2,401
(2,295)
(85)
124
—
(30)
—
115
(533)
3,052
2,519 $
713
2,339
3,052
$
$
963
64
1,875
35
(23)
(134)
74
(90)
179
(395)
3,445
(2,001)
54
—
15
(1,932)
—
(1,506)
—
110
(381)
(29)
(3)
(1,809)
(296)
2,635
2,339
See accompanying notes.
AR-60
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—Business
Overview—Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise,
“Transocean,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. We specialize
in technically demanding sectors of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling
services. Our mobile offshore drilling fleet is considered one of the most versatile fleets in the world. We contract our drilling rigs, related
equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells. At December 31, 2017, we owned or had partial
ownership interests in and operated 39 mobile offshore drilling units, including 26 ultra-deepwater floaters, seven harsh environment floaters,
two deepwater floaters and four midwater floaters. At December 31, 2017, we also had three ultra-deepwater drillships under construction
or under contract to be constructed. See Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
Business combination—On August 13, 2017, we entered
the
“Transaction Agreement”) with Songa Offshore SE, a European public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the
laws of Cyprus (“Songa”), pursuant to which we agreed to offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Songa, subject to
certain conditions, through a public voluntary exchange offer (the “Offer”). At December 31, 2017, Songa owned and operated seven mobile
offshore drilling units, including five harsh environment floaters and two midwater floaters. See Note 20—Subsequent Event.
transaction agreement
(as amended,
into a
Disposition—On May 31, 2017, we completed the sale of 10 high-specification jackups and novated the contracts relating to the
construction of five high-specification jackups, together with related assets. At December 31, 2017 we continued to operate
two high-specification jackups that were under contract when we sold the rigs, and we will continue to operate such rigs until completion or
novation of the respective drilling contracts. See Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting estimates—To prepare financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (“U.S.”), we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions,
including those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts, materials and supplies obsolescence, property and equipment, assets held
for sale, income taxes, contingencies, share-based compensation, defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit plans. We
base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from such estimates.
Fair value measurements—We estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability. Our valuation techniques require inputs
that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) significant observable
inputs, including unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (“Level 1”), (2) significant other observable inputs,
including direct or indirect market data for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets
(“Level 2”) and (3) significant unobservable inputs, including those that require considerable judgment for which there is little or no market
data (“Level 3”). When multiple input levels are required for a valuation, we categorize the entire fair value measurement according to the
lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily
observable.
Consolidation—We consolidate entities in which we have a majority voting interest and entities that meet the criteria for variable
interest entities for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. We eliminate intercompany transactions
and accounts in consolidation. We apply the equity method of accounting for an investment in an entity if we have the ability to exercise
significant influence over the entity that (a) does not meet the variable interest entity criteria or (b) meets the variable interest entity criteria,
but for which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. We apply the cost method of accounting for an investment in an entity if we
do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the unconsolidated entity. We separately present within equity on our
consolidated balance sheets the ownership interests attributable to parties with noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries, and
we separately present net income attributable to such parties on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4—Variable Interest
Entities and Note 11—Noncontrolling Interest.
Business combination—In connection with our acquisition of Songa, we will apply the acquisition method of accounting.
Accordingly, we will record the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at fair value and recognize goodwill to the extent the fair value of the
business acquired exceeds the fair value of the net assets. We will estimate the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities
as of the date of the acquisition, and our estimates will be subject to adjustment based on our final assessments of the fair values of property
and equipment, intangible assets, liabilities and our evaluation of tax positions and contingencies. We will complete our final assessments
of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and our final evaluations of uncertain tax positions and contingencies within
one year of the acquisition date. See Note 20—Subsequent Event.
AR-61
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Operating revenues and expenses—We recognize operating revenues as they are realized and earned and can be reasonably
measured, based on contractual dayrates, and when collectability is reasonably assured. In certain instances, when we determine that
collection is not reasonably assured, we recognize revenues associated with the contract when all revenue recognition criteria have been
met. In connection with drilling contracts, we may receive revenues for preparation and mobilization of equipment and personnel or for
capital improvements to rigs. We defer the revenues earned and incremental costs incurred that are directly related to contract preparation
and mobilization and recognize such revenues and costs over the primary contract term of the drilling project using the straight-line method.
We recognize, in operating and maintenance costs and expenses, the fees related to contract preparation and mobilization on a straight-line
basis over the estimated firm period of drilling, which is consistent with the general pace of activity, level of services being provided and
dayrates being earned over the life of the contract. For contractual daily rate contracts, we recognize the losses for loss contracts as such
losses are incurred. We recognize the costs of relocating drilling units without contracts to more promising market sectors as such costs are
incurred. Upon completion of drilling contracts, we recognize in earnings any demobilization fees received and expenses incurred. We defer
capital upgrade revenues received and recognize such revenues over the primary contract term of the drilling project. We depreciate the
actual costs incurred for the capital upgrade on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. We defer the periodic survey
and drydock costs incurred in connection with obtaining regulatory certification to operate our rigs and well control systems on an ongoing
basis, and we recognize such costs over the period until the next survey using the straight-line method. See Note 3—Accounting Standards
Updates.
Our other revenues represent those derived from customer contract terminations and customer reimbursable items. We recognize
revenues from contract terminations as we fulfill our obligations for such terminations and when all contingencies have expired. We recognize
customer reimbursable revenues as we bill our customers for reimbursement of costs associated with certain equipment, materials and
supplies, subcontracted services, employee bonuses and other expenditures, resulting in little or no net effect on operating income since
such recognition is concurrent with the recognition of the respective reimbursable costs in operating and maintenance expense.
Share-based compensation—To measure the fair values of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted or modified, we
use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and apply assumptions for the expected life, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and
expected volatility. To measure the fair values of granted or modified service-based restricted share units, we use the market price of our
shares on the grant date or modification date. To measure the fair values of restricted share units that are subject to performance targets,
we use the market price of our shares on the measurement date for the projected number of shares expected to be earned at the end of the
performance period. To measure the fair values of granted or modified restricted share units that are subject to market factors, we use a
Monte Carlo simulation model and, in addition to the assumptions applied for the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, we apply
assumptions using a risk neutral approach and an average price at the performance start date.
We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the
respective employees or non-employee directors. For service awards, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the
service period through the date the employee or non-employee director is no longer required to provide service to earn the award. For
performance awards with graded vesting conditions, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period for
each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. In the years ended December 31, 2017,
2016 and 2015, share-based compensation expense was $41 million, $42 million and $64 million, respectively. See Note 13—Share Based
Compensation Plans.
Capitalized interest—We capitalize interest costs for qualifying construction and upgrade projects and only capitalize interest
costs during periods in which progress for the construction projects continues to be underway. As of December 31, 2017, we had ceased
capitalization of interest costs on one uncontracted newbuild drillship due to a pause in construction in progress. In the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we capitalized interest costs of $116 million, $176 million and $140 million, respectively, for our
construction work in progress.
Functional currency—We consider the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency for all of our operations since the majority of our
revenues and expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations. We recognize
currency exchange rate gains and losses in other, net. In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recognized a net loss of
$6 million, a net loss of $2 million and a net gain of less than $1 million, respectively, related to currency exchange rates.
Income taxes—We provide for income taxes based upon the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are
conducted and income is earned. We recognize the effect of changes in tax laws as of the date of enactment. There is little or no expected
relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes because the countries in which
we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits
and other benefits. Variations also arise because income earned and taxed in any particular country or countries may fluctuate from year to
year.
We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences
are expected to be recovered or paid. We record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or
all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize deferred tax assets, we consider all
available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income and the existence of cumulative losses in recent years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
We also record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets resulting from net operating losses incurred during the year in certain
jurisdictions and for other deferred tax assets where, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that the financial statement benefit of these
losses will not be realized. Additionally, we record a valuation allowance for foreign tax credit carryforwards to reflect the possible expiration
of these benefits prior to their utilization.
We maintain liabilities for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation, and we recognize the provisions and benefits
resulting from changes to those liabilities in our income tax expense or benefit along with related interest and penalties. Tax exposure items
include potential challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates
and their applicability. These tax exposures are resolved primarily through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial
means, but can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise past estimates. See
Note 6—Income Taxes.
Cash and cash equivalents—We consider cash equivalents to include highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of
three months or less such as time deposits with commercial banks that have high credit ratings, U.S. Treasury and government securities,
Eurodollar time deposits, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. We may also invest excess funds in no-load, open-ended,
management investment trusts. Such management trusts invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments.
Short-term investments—We periodically deposit unrestricted excess funds in time deposits and commercial paper with original
maturities beyond three months. Such short-term investments are with commercial banks and companies with high credit ratings. At
December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of our short-term investments was $450 million.
Accounts receivable—We earn our revenues by providing our drilling services to international oil companies and
government-owned or government-controlled oil companies. We evaluate the credit quality of our customers on an ongoing basis, and we
may occasionally require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts on a
case-by-case basis, considering changes in the financial position of a customer, when we believe the required payment of specific amounts
owed to us is unlikely to occur. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the allowance for doubtful accounts was less than $1 million.
Materials and supplies—We record materials and supplies at their average cost less an allowance for obsolescence. We estimate
the allowance for obsolescence based on historical experience and expectations for future use of the materials and supplies. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the allowance for obsolescence was $141 million and $153 million, respectively.
Restricted cash accounts and investments—We maintain restricted cash balances and investments that are either pledged for
debt service under certain bond indentures, as required under certain bank credit arrangements, or held in accounts that are subject to
restrictions due to legislation, regulation or court order. We classify such restricted cash investment balances in current assets if the
restriction is expected to expire or otherwise be resolved within one year and in other assets if the restriction is expected to expire or otherwise
be resolved in greater than one year. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying amount of our restricted cash investments was
$489 million, of which $466 million and $23 million was classified in current assets and other assets, respectively. At December 31, 2016,
the aggregate carrying amount of our restricted cash investments was $510 million, of which $466 million and $44 million was classified in
current assets and other assets, respectively. See Note 3—Accounting Standards Updates, Note 8—Debt and Note 10—Commitments and
Contingencies.
Assets held for sale—We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such
classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we
have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset
is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant
changes or termination. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of our assets held for sale, recorded in other
current assets, was $22 million and $6 million, respectively. See Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
Property and equipment—The carrying amounts of our property and equipment, consisting primarily of offshore drilling rigs and
related equipment, are based on our estimates, assumptions and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values of
our rigs. These estimates, assumptions and judgments reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future industry
conditions and operations. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying amount of our property and equipment represented approximately
78 percent of our total assets.
We capitalize expenditures for newbuilds, renewals, replacements and improvements, including capitalized interest, if applicable,
and we recognize the expense for maintenance and repair costs as incurred. For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize the initial
preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service. Upon sale or other disposition of an
asset, we recognize a net gain or loss on disposal of the asset, which is measured as the difference between the net carrying amount of the
asset and the net proceeds received. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method after allowing for salvage values.
The estimated original useful lives of our drilling units range from 25 to 35 years, our buildings and improvements range from two to
30 years and our machinery and equipment range from four to 20 years. We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of
our rigs when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition,
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
functional capability and market and economic factors. When evaluating the remaining useful lives of rigs, we also consider major capital
upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability.
Long-lived asset impairment—We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for
potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be
recoverable.
For assets classified as held and used, we determine recoverability by evaluating the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows
based on projected dayrates and utilization of the asset group under review. We consider our asset groups to be ultra-deepwater floaters,
harsh environment floaters, deepwater floaters and midwater floaters. When an impairment of one or more of our asset groups is indicated,
we measure the impairment as the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We measure the
fair values of our contract drilling asset groups by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating a combination of cost, income and
market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the
principal or most advantageous market for the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.
For an asset classified as held for sale, we consider the asset to be impaired to the extent its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair
value less cost to sell.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, we determined that the carrying amount of the midwater floater asset group exceeded its
fair value, and we recognized a loss of $94 million ($93 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of these
long-lived assets. In the year ended December 31, 2016, we determined that the carrying amount of the deepwater floater asset group
exceeded its fair value, and we recognized a loss of $52 million ($0.14 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the
impairment of these long-lived assets. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we determined that the carrying amount of the deepwater
floater asset group and the midwater floater asset group each exceeded its fair value, and we recognized a loss of $507 million ($481 million,
or $1.31 per diluted share, net of tax) and $668 million ($654 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment
of the deepwater floater asset group and the midwater floater asset group, respectively, including a loss of $52 million associated with
construction in progress related to the asset groups. If we experience increasingly unfavorable changes to actual or anticipated dayrates or
other impairment indicators, or if we are unable to secure new or extended contracts for our active units or the reactivation of any of our
stacked units, we may be required to recognize additional losses in future periods as a result of impairments of the carrying amount of one
or more of our asset groups. See Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
Pension and other postemployment benefit plans—We use a measurement date of January 1 for determining net periodic
benefit costs and December 31 for determining plan benefit obligations and the fair values of plan assets. We determine our net periodic
benefit costs based on a market-related value of assets that reduces year-to-year volatility by including investment gains or losses subject
to amortization over a five-year period from the year in which they occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are measured as the
difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related
value of assets. If gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses over
the average expected future service period of the employee participants.
We measure our actuarially determined obligations and related costs for our defined benefit pension and other postemployment
benefit plans, retiree life insurance and medical benefits, by applying assumptions, including long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount
rates, mortality rates and employee turnover rates. For our defined benefit plans that have ceased accruing benefits, certain assumptions,
including compensation increases and health care cost trend rates no longer apply. The two most critical assumptions are the long-term
rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate.
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 using Aa-rated corporate bonds and the expected timing of future
benefit payments. For the projected compensation trend rate, we consider short-term and long-term compensation expectations for
participants, including salary increases and performance bonus payments.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our pension and other postemployment benefit plan obligations represented an aggregate liability
of $359 million and $375 million, respectively, and an aggregate asset of $17 million and $5 million, respectively, representing the funded
status of the plans. In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, aggregate net periodic benefit costs were costs of $5 million,
income of $11 million and costs of $26 million, respectively. See Note 3—Accounting Standards Updates and Note 9—Postemployment
Benefit Plans.
Contingencies—We perform assessments of our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our
liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies. We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable
and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated. We recognize corresponding assets for those loss contingencies that we
believe are probable of being recovered through insurance. Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon
the occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
likelihood or amount of loss. We recognize expense for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for such
legal costs only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance.
Reclassifications—We have made certain reclassifications to prior period amounts to conform with the current year’s
presentation. Such reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations
or cash flows.
Note 3—Accounting Standards Updates
Recently adopted accounting standards
Stock compensation—Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the accounting standards update that allows for simplification of
the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or
liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016
and interim periods within those annual periods. Our adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated statements of financial
position, operations or cash flows or on the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting standards
Revenue from contracts with customers—Effective January 1, 2018, we will adopt the accounting standards update that
requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Given the interaction with the accounting
standards update related to leases, we expect to adopt the updates concurrently, effective January 1, 2018. We expect to apply the modified
retrospective approach to our adoption, which is consistent, in application, with the approach we expect to elect under the lease accounting
standards update. We have determined we have one revenue stream. Our adoption, and the ultimate effect on our consolidated financial
statements, will be based on an evaluation of the contract-specific facts and circumstances. Although we do not expect any changes to the
timing of our revenue recognition for our current drilling contracts with customers, we are still evaluating the disclosures that will be contained
in our note to consolidated financial statements. We are continuing to evaluate the requirements and the other effects such requirements
may have on our consolidated statements of financial position, operations and cash flows and on the disclosures contained in our notes to
consolidated financial statements.
Leases—Effective January 1, 2018, we intend to early adopt the accounting standards update that (a) requires lessees to
recognize a right to use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases, and (b) updates previous accounting standards for lessors to align
certain requirements with the updates to lessee accounting standards and the revenue recognition accounting standards. The update, which
permits early adoption, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those
annual periods. Under the updated definition of a lease, we have determined that our drilling contracts contain a lease component. We
intend to early adopt these accounting standards, effective January 1, 2018, given the interaction with the accounting standards update
related to revenue from contracts with customers. In a recent update, targeted improvements were proposed to the accounting standards
that provides for (a) an optional new transition method for adoption that results in initial recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to
retained earnings in the year of adoption and (b) a practical expedient for lessors, under certain circumstances, to combine the lease and
non-lease components of revenues for presentation purposes. If the targeted improvements are approved, we intend to apply the alternative
transition method, which is consistent, in application, with the approach we expect to elect under the revenue accounting standards update,
and intend to elect the practical expedient for lessors for presentation purposes. Our adoption, and the ultimate effect on our consolidated
financial statements, will be based on an evaluation of the contract-specific facts and circumstances. We do not expect any changes to the
timing of our revenue recognition for our current drilling contracts with customers. Additionally, based on the lease arrangements under
which we are the lessee as of December 31, 2017, we expect to recognize an aggregate lease liability and a corresponding right-to-use
asset of between $65 million and $75 million. We are continuing to evaluate the requirements with regard to arrangements under which we
are the lessor and the other effects such requirements may have on our consolidated statements of financial position, operations and cash
flows and on the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Statement of cash flows—Effective January 1, 2018, we will adopt the accounting standards update that requires amounts
generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the
beginning and end of period total amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. The update, which permits early adoption, is effective
for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Aside from presenting the restricted
cash and restricted cash equivalents as a component of the beginning and ending cash balances on our consolidated statements of cash
flows, we will remove the effect of proceeds from and deposits to restricted accounts from our cash flows provided by or used in operating
and financing activities, as applicable. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, such changes would have resulted in an
increase of $26 million, $69 million and $242 million, respectively, to cash flows provided by operating activities and for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016, an increase of $97 million, and $61 million, respectively, to cash flows provided by or used in financing
activities.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Income taxes—Effective January 1, 2018, we will adopt the accounting standards update that requires an entity to recognize the
income tax consequences of an intra entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transaction occurs as opposed to deferring
such recognition into future periods. The update, which permits early adoption, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect that our adoption will have a material effect on
our consolidated statements of financial position, operations or cash flows or on the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated
financial statements.
Retirement benefits—Effective January 1, 2018, we will adopt the accounting standards update that requires an employer to
disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost related to defined benefit retirement plans and other
postemployment benefit plans. The update requires that the service cost component be presented in the same line item as other
compensation costs for employees and the other components of net benefit cost in other income and expense on our consolidated statements
of operations. The update also allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The update, which
permits early adoption, is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual
periods. We do not expect that our adoption will have a material effect on our consolidated statements of cash flows or on the disclosures
contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Note 4—Variable Interest Entity
Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited (“ADDCL”), a consolidated Cayman Islands company, is a joint venture company
formed to own and operate certain drilling units. We determined that ADDCL met the criteria of a variable interest entity for accounting
purposes because its equity at risk was insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional subordinated financial support from
us. We also determined, in each case, that we were the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes since (a) we had the power to direct
the construction, marketing and operating activities, which are the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic
performance, and (b) we had the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive a majority of the benefits that could be potentially significant
to the variable interest entity. As a result, we consolidate ADDCL in our consolidated financial statements, we eliminate intercompany
transactions, and we present the interests that are not owned by us as noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets. The
carrying amounts associated with ADDCL, after eliminating the effect of intercompany transactions, was as follows (in millions):
Assets
Liabilities
Net carrying amount
Note 5—Drilling Fleet
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
716
7
709
$
$
787
25
762
Construction work in progress—For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, the changes in our
construction work in progress, including capital expenditures and other capital additions, were as follows (in millions):
Construction work in progress, at beginning of period
$
Years ended December 31,
2016
3,735 $
2017
2,171
$
2015
2,447
Capital expenditures
Newbuild construction program
Other equipment and construction projects
Total capital expenditures
Changes in accrued capital additions
Impairment of construction work in progress
Construction work in progress sold
Property and equipment placed into service
Newbuild construction program
Other property and equipment
Construction work in progress, at end of period
397
100
497
(23)
—
1,206
138
1,344
(86)
—
1,622
379
2,001
(11)
(52)
(289)
—
—
(896)
(68)
1,392
(2,557)
(265)
2,171 $
—
(650)
3,735
$
$
Impairments of assets held and used—During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we identified indicators
that the asset groups in our contract drilling services reporting unit may not be recoverable.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, such indicators included a significant decline in commodity prices and the market value of
our stock, a reduction of projected dayrates and a further extension to low utilization rates. In the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
of our testing, we recognized a loss of $94 million ($93 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of the
midwater floater asset group.
In the year ended December 31, 2016, such indicators included a reduction of projected dayrates and an extension to low utilization
rates. In the year ended December 31, 2016, as a result of our testing, we recognized a loss of $52 million ($0.14 per diluted share), which
had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the deepwater floater asset group.
In the year ended December 31, 2015, such indicators included a reduction in the number of new contract opportunities, customer
suspensions of drilling programs, early contract terminations and cancellations and low dayrate fixtures. In the year ended December 31,
2015, as a result of our testing, we recognized losses of $507 million ($481 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, net of tax) and $668 million
($654 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of the deepwater floater asset group and the midwater
floater asset group, respectively, including losses of $41 million and $11 million, respectively, associated with construction in progress for
each asset group.
We estimated the fair value of the asset groups by applying a combination of income and market approaches, using projected
discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous
markets for the assets in an orderly transaction between participants as of the measurement date. Our estimates of fair value required us
to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future
performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability
and dayrates. If we experience increasingly unfavorable changes to actual or anticipated dayrates or other impairment indicators, or if we
are unable to secure new or extended contracts for our active units or the reactivation of any of our stacked units, we may be required to
recognize additional losses in future periods as a result of impairments of the carrying amount of one or more of our asset groups.
Impairments of assets held for sale—In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized an aggregate loss of $1.4 billion
($3.59 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floaters Cajun Express,
Deepwater Pathfinder, GSF Jack Ryan, Sedco Energy and Sedco Express, the deepwater floater Transocean Marianas and the midwater
floaters Transocean Prospect and Transocean Searcher, along with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time that we
classified the assets as assets held for sale.
In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized an aggregate loss of $41 million ($39 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, net
of tax), associated with the impairment of the deepwater floaters M.G. Hulme, Jr. and Sedco 702 and the midwater floaters GSF Rig 140,
Sedco 704, Transocean Driller, Transocean John Shaw and Transocean Winner, along with related assets, which we determined were
impaired at the time that we classified the assets as assets held for sale.
In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized an aggregate loss of $700 million ($585 million, or $1.60 per diluted share,
net of tax) associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Expedition and GSF Explorer, the deepwater floaters
Deepwater Navigator, Discoverer Seven Seas, GSF Celtic Sea, Sedco 707 and Transocean Rather and
floaters
GSF Aleutian Key, GSF Arctic III, GSF Grand Banks, GSF Rig 135, Transocean Amirante and Transocean Legend, along with related
assets, which we determined were impaired at the time that we classified the assets as assets held for sale.
the midwater
We measured the impairment of the drilling units and related assets as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeded the
estimated fair value less costs to sell. We estimated the fair value of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of
Level 2 fair value measurements, including indicative market values for the drilling units and related assets based on comparable units to be
sold for scrap value or alternative purposes. If we commit to plans to sell additional rigs for values below the respective carrying amounts,
we may be required to recognize additional losses in future periods associated with the impairment of such assets.
jackups,
Dispositions—On May 31, 2017, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we completed the sale of
including GSF Constellation I, GSF Constellation II, GSF Galaxy I, GSF Galaxy II, GSF Galaxy III,
10 high-specification
GSF Monarch, Transocean Andaman, Transocean Ao Thai, Transocean Honor and Transocean Siam Driller, along with related assets, and
novated the contracts relating to the construction of five high-specification jackups, together with related assets. In the year ended
December 31, 2017, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $319 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1.6 billion ($4.08 per
diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets. Following the completion of the sale, we agreed to
continue to operate three of these high-specification jackups through completion or novation of the respective drilling contracts, one of which
was completed as of September 30, 2017. In the year ended December 31, 2017, excluding our loss on the disposal of these assets, our
operating results included income of $65 million, before taxes, associated with the high-specification jackup asset group. In the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015, our operating results included income of $74 million and $208 million, respectively, before taxes, associated
with the high-specification jackup asset group.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we also completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floater GSF Jack Ryan and the
midwater floaters GSF Rig 140, Transocean Prospect and Transocean Searcher, along with related assets. In the year ended December 31,
2017, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $22 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $9 million associated with the
disposal of these assets. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $9 million and recognized an
aggregate net loss of $15 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
During the year ended December 31, 2016, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we completed the
sale of the deepwater floaters Deepwater Navigator, M.G. Hulme, Jr. and Sedco 702 and the midwater floaters Falcon 100,
GSF Grand Banks, GSF Rig 135, Sedco 704, Sedneth 701, Transocean Driller, Transocean John Shaw and Transocean Winner, along with
related assets. In the year ended December 31, 2016, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $22 million and recognized an aggregate
net gain of $13 million ($0.04 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the disposal of these assets. In the year ended December 31,
2016, we received cash proceeds of $8 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $9 million associated with the disposal of assets
unrelated to rig sales.
the deepwater
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Expedition and
GSF Explorer,
floaters Discoverer Seven Seas, GSF Celtic Sea, Sedco 707, Sedco 710, Sovereign Explorer and
Transocean Rather and the midwater floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., GSF Aleutian Key, GSF Arctic I, GSF Arctic III, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601,
Sedco 700, Transocean Amirante and Transocean Legend, along with related assets. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we received
aggregate net cash proceeds of $35 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $14 million ($11 million or $0.02 per diluted share, net
of tax) associated with the disposal of these assets. In the year ended December 31, 2015, we received cash proceeds of $16 million and
recognized an aggregate net loss of $50 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.
floaters Cajun Express, Deepwater Pathfinder, Sedco Energy and Sedco Express and
Assets held for sale—At December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying amount of our assets held for sale, including the
ultra-deepwater
floater
Transocean Marianas, along with related assets, was $22 million, recorded in other current assets. At December 31, 2016, the aggregate
carrying amount of our assets held for sale was $6 million, including the midwater floater GSF Rig 140, along with related assets, recorded
in other current assets.
the deepwater
Note 6—Income Taxes
Overview—Transocean Ltd., a holding company and Swiss resident, is exempt from cantonal and communal income tax in
Switzerland, but is subject to Swiss federal income tax. For Swiss federal income taxes, qualifying net dividend income and net capital gains
on the sale of qualifying investments in subsidiaries are exempt. Consequently, there is not a direct relationship between our Swiss earnings
before income taxes and our Swiss income tax expense.
Tax provision and rate—Our provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which
we operate and earn income. The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income
taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes,
(b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues rather than income before taxes, (c) rig movements between
taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures. The components of our provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (in
millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense
$
$
5
89
94
$
$
39 $
68
107 $
254
(134)
120
In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our effective tax rate was (3.1) percent, 11.5 percent and 11.9 percent,
respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income tax expense.
The following is a reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) for our continuing operations computed at the Swiss holding
company federal statutory rate of 7.83% and our reported provision for income taxes (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
Income tax expense (benefit)
Impairment losses subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate
Change in valuation allowance
Impact of U.S. tax reform
Revaluation of Norwegian assets
Litigation matters, primarily related to the Macondo well incident
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, net
Benefit from foreign tax credits
Earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate
Other, net
Income tax expense
AR-68
$
$
(235) $
241
162
66
1
(70)
(56)
(15)
2
(2)
94 $
72
5
32
—
18
(1)
(31)
(16)
34
(6)
107
$
$
80
(8)
10
—
14
(9)
12
(10)
36
(5)
120
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Deferred taxes—The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carryforwards
Deferred income
Accrued payroll expenses not currently deductible
Loss contingencies
Tax credit carryforwards
United Kingdom charter limitation
Professional fees
Other
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation and amortization
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
$
December 31,
2017
2016
$
435
101
54
42
37
36
3
30
(574)
164
(157)
(4)
(161)
383
122
110
68
33
33
3
37
(412)
377
(239)
(18)
(257)
$
3
$
120
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our deferred tax assets included U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards of $37 million and
$33 million, respectively, which will expire between 2018 and 2027. The deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses were
generated in various worldwide tax jurisdictions. At December 31, 2017, the net operating losses carryforwards, which were generated in
various jurisdictions worldwide, included $261 million that do not expire and $174 million that will expire beginning between 2020 and 2037.
At December 31, 2016, the net operating losses carryforwards, which were generated in various jurisdictions worldwide, included $200 million
that do not expire and $183 million that will expire beginning 2018 and 2036. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, due to uncertainty of
realization, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $574 million and $412 million, respectively, on net operating losses and other deferred
tax assets.
As of December 31, 2017, our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year period, primarily due to losses on
impairment and disposal of assets, represented significant objective negative evidence for our evaluation. Such evidence, together with
potential organizational changes that could alter our ability to realize certain deferred tax assets, has limited our ability to consider other
subjective evidence, such as projected future contract activity. As a result, we recorded an incremental valuation allowance of $110 million
to recognize only a portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be recognized. If estimated future taxable income
changes during the carryforward periods or if the cumulative loss is no longer present, we may adjust the amount of deferred tax assets that
we expect to realize.
Our other deferred tax liabilities include taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that are not indefinitely reinvested or
that will not be indefinitely reinvested in the future. We consider the earnings of certain of our subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested, and
accordingly, we have not provided for taxes on these unremitted earnings. If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of
these subsidiaries, we would be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. If our expectations were to change regarding future tax
consequences, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a material effect on our consolidated statement of
financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Due to the timing of the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, as discussed below, it is not
practicable to estimate the amount of indefinitely reinvested earnings or the deferred tax liability related to the indefinitely reinvested earnings
due to the complexities associated with the underlying hypothetical calculations.
Unrecognized tax benefits—The changes to our liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties
that we recognize as a component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):
Balance, beginning of period
Additions for prior year tax positions
Additions for current year tax positions
Reductions for prior year tax positions
Reductions related to statute of limitation expirations
Reductions due to settlements
Balance, end of period
$
$
AR-69
$
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
287 $
274
13
17
42
13
(34)
(68)
(15)
(13)
(19)
(1)
274 $
222
2015
272
17
36
(27)
(6)
(5)
287
$
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
The liabilities related to our unrecognized tax benefits, including related interest and penalties that we recognize as a component
of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties
Interest and penalties
Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties
December 31,
2017
2016
222
87
309
$
$
274
96
370
$
$
In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recognized income of $9 million, $23 million and $1 million,
respectively, recorded as a component of income tax expense, related to previously recognized interest and penalties associated with our
unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2017, if recognized, $309 million of our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and
penalties, would favorably impact our effective tax rate.
It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the year ending
December 31, 2018, primarily due to the progression of open audits and the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot
reasonably estimate a range of potential changes in our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits due to various uncertainties, such
as the unresolved nature of various audits.
U.S. tax reform—In December 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”), which includes a number
of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that have an impact on our income tax provision, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income
tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and the creation of a territorial tax system with a
one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings of U.S. subsidiaries. The 2017 Tax Act also makes prospective changes
beginning in 2018, including a base erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), a global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) tax, additional
limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation, limitations on the deductibility of interest and repeal of the domestic manufacturing
deduction. We are still evaluating the GILTI tax, which imposes a tax on non-U.S. income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets
of non-U.S. corporations, and its prospective effect on future periods.
We recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 in
accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of accounting
standards for income taxes in the reporting period in which the 2017 Tax Act was enacted. As such, our financial results reflect (a) the
income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting is complete, (b) provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of
the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined and (c) no adjustments to current
or deferred taxes for income tax effects for which the accounting is incomplete and a reasonable estimate could not be determined. The
2017 Tax Act’s U.S. tax law changes that we believe will have a material impact on our federal income taxes are as follows:
Reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate—At December 31, 2017, we remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities to
reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, resulting in a $66 million increase in income tax
expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a corresponding $66 million decrease in net deferred tax assets as of December 31,
2017. However, we are still analyzing certain aspects of the 2017 Tax Act and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the
measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts.
Transition tax on foreign earnings—The 2017 Tax Act imposes a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings and profits
of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries. Prior to enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, we did not recognize a deferred tax liability
related to the unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries because we considered those foreign earnings to be
indefinitely reinvested. Upon enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, we did not have the necessary information available, prepared and analyzed
to develop a reasonable estimate of the transition tax. We have not yet completed our calculation of the post-1986 earnings and profits for
the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries or determined the amounts of those earnings held in cash and other assets necessary to
determine the transition tax. The determination of the transition tax requires further analysis regarding the amount and composition of our
historical foreign earnings, which is expected to be completed and reflected in our financial statements issued for subsequent reporting
periods that fall within the measurement period provided by SAB 118. The transition tax will also impact the utilization of our foreign tax
credits and net operating losses generated in the U.S. which will impact our valuation allowance analysis related to those deferred tax assets
and could have a material impact to our valuation allowances. Because we have not completed our analysis of the amount and composition
of our historical foreign earnings and the associated transition tax, we also cannot determine the associated impact on our assertion that the
unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries of our U.S. subsidiaries will be indefinitely reinvested.
Tax returns—We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world. With few exceptions, we are no
longer subject to examinations of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax matters for years prior to 2010. Our tax returns in the major jurisdictions in which
we operate, other than Brazil, as mentioned below, are generally subject to examination for periods ranging from three to six years. We
have agreed to extensions beyond the statute of limitations in two major jurisdictions for up to 20 years. Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions
are examining our tax returns and in some cases have issued assessments. We are defending our tax positions in those jurisdictions. While
AR-70
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the timing or the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the ultimate liability to have
a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations, although it may have a material adverse
effect on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Brazil tax investigations—In December 2005, the Brazilian tax authorities issued a tax assessment with respect to our tax returns
for the years 2000 through 2004, which is currently for an aggregate amount of BRL 853 million, equivalent to approximately $258 million,
including penalties and interest. On January 25, 2008, we filed a protest letter with the Brazilian tax authorities for this tax assessment, and
we are currently engaged in the appeals process. On May 19, 2014, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an aggregate tax assessment with
respect to our Brazilian income tax returns for the years 2009 and 2010, which is currently for an aggregate amount of BRL 145 million,
equivalent to approximately $44 million, including penalties and interest. On June 18, 2014, we filed a protest letter with the Brazilian tax
authorities for this tax assessment. We believe our returns are materially correct as filed, and we are vigorously contesting these
assessments. An unfavorable outcome on these proposed assessments could result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated
statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other tax matters—We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Each
country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions, employee contribution requirements and tax attributes. From time
to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities.
Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 7—Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The numerator and denominator used for the computation of basic and diluted per share earnings from continuing operations were
as follows (in millions, except per share data):
2017
Basic
Diluted
Years ended December 31,
2016
Diluted
Basic
2015
Basic
Diluted
Numerator for earnings (loss) per share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest
Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to shareholders
$ (3,127) $ (3,127) $
—
—
$ (3,127) $ (3,127) $
778 $
(14)
764 $
778 $
(14)
764 $
865
(8)
857
$
$
Denominator for earnings (loss) per share
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Effect of stock options and other share-based awards
Weighted-average shares for per share calculation
391
—
391
391
—
391
367
—
367
367
—
367
363
—
363
865
(8)
857
363
—
363
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(8.00) $
(8.00) $
2.08 $
2.08 $
2.36
$
2.36
In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we excluded from the calculation 4.7 million, 2.5 million and 3.3 million
share-based awards, respectively, since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
AR-71
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 8—Debt
Overview
Outstanding debt—The aggregate principal amounts and aggregate carrying amounts, net of debt-related balances, including
unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs and fair value adjustments, of our debt were as follows (in millions):
2.50% Senior Notes due October 2017 (a)
Eksportfinans Loans due January 2018
6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 (a)
7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018 (a)
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020 (a)
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021 (a)
5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022 (b)
3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022 (a)
9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023 (c)
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024 (d)
6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024 (d)
7.50% Senior Notes due January 2026 (c)
7.45% Notes due April 2027 (a)
8.00% Debentures due April 2027 (a)
7.00% Notes due June 2028
Capital lease contract due August 2029
7.50% Notes due April 2031 (a)
6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038 (a)
7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041 (a)
Total debt
Less debt due within one year
2.50% Senior Notes due October 2017 (a)
Eksportfinans Loans due January 2018
5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022 (b)
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024 (b)
6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024 (b)
Capital lease contract due August 2029
Total debt due within one year
Total long-term debt
Principal amount
December 31, December 31,
Carrying amount
December 31, December 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
$
$
— $
26
—
—
286
328
362
506
1,250
540
562
750
88
57
300
541
588
1,000
300
7,484
—
26
79
60
62
30
257
7,227
$
485
123
754
211
508
552
—
539
1,250
600
625
—
88
57
300
566
588
1,000
300
8,546
485
98
—
60
63
25
731
7,815
$
$
— $
26
—
—
288
327
356
502
1,216
526
549
742
86
57
307
541
585
991
297
7,396
—
26
77
57
60
30
250
7,146
$
484
123
757
211
513
549
—
534
1,211
583
609
—
86
57
308
566
585
991
297
8,464
484
98
—
57
60
25
724
7,740
(a) Transocean Inc., a 100 percent owned direct subsidiary of Transocean Ltd., is the issuer of the notes and debentures. Transocean Ltd. has provided
a full and unconditional guarantee of the notes and debentures and borrowings under an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility (see “Five-Year
Revolving Credit Facility”). Transocean Ltd. has no independent assets or operations, and its other subsidiaries not owned indirectly through
Transocean Inc. were minor. Transocean Inc. has no independent assets and operations, other than those related to its investments in non-guarantor
operating companies and balances primarily pertaining to its cash and cash equivalents and debt. Except as discussed under “Indentures,”
Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. are not subject to any significant restrictions on their ability to obtain funds from their consolidated subsidiaries
by dividends, loans or capital distributions.
(b) The subsidiary issuer of the unregistered senior secured notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc. The senior secured notes are
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the owner of the collateral rig. See “—Debt issuances—Senior secured notes.”
(c) Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the unregistered notes. The priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes, which rank equal in right of payment of all of
our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated obligations and rank structurally senior to the extent of the value of the assets of the subsidiaries
guaranteeing the notes, are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned subsidiaries of
Transocean Inc. See “—Debt issuances—Priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes.”
(d) Each subsidiary issuer of the respective unregistered senior secured notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc. The senior secured
notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and, in each case, the owner of the respective
collateral rig. See “—Debt issuances—Senior secured notes.”
AR-72
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Scheduled maturities—At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of our debt were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total principal amount of debt
Total debt-related balances, net
Total carrying amount of debt
Total
257
237
531
580
687
5,192
7,484
(88)
7,396
$
$
Indentures—The indentures that govern our debt contain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens
on our drilling units without equally and ratably securing the notes, to engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our
drilling units, to allow our subsidiaries to incur certain additional debt, or to engage in certain merger, consolidation or reorganization
transactions or to enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation. Additionally, the indentures that govern the
5.52% senior secured notes due May 2022 (the “5.52% Senior Secured Notes”), the 7.75% senior secured notes due October 2024 (the
“7.75% Senior Secured Notes”) and the 6.25% senior secured notes due December 2024 (the “6.25% Senior Secured Notes” and,
collectively with the 5.52% Senior Secured Notes and the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) contain covenants that
limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs to declare or pay dividends to their affiliates. The 7.75% Senior
Secured Notes and the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes also impose a maximum collateral rig leverage ratio (“Maximum Collateral Ratio”),
represented by each rig’s earnings relative to the debt balance, that changes over the terms of the notes. At December 31, 2017, the
Maximum Collateral Ratio under both indentures was less than 5.75 to 1.00. See Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies—Global
Marine litigation.
Interest rate adjustments—The interest rates for certain of our notes are subject to adjustment from time to time upon a change
to the credit rating of our non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt (“Debt Rating”). At December 31, 2017, based on our Debt
Rating on that date, the interest rate in effect for the 2.50% senior notes due October 2017 (the “2.50% Senior Notes”) and the 3.80% senior
notes due October 2022 was 4.50 percent and 5.80 percent, respectively, and the interest rate in effect for the 6.375% senior notes due
December 2021 and the 7.35% senior notes due December 2041 was 8.375 percent and 9.35 percent, respectively.
Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility—In June 2014, we entered into an amended and restated bank credit agreement, which
established a $3.0 billion unsecured five-year revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire on June 28, 2019 (the “Five-Year
Revolving Credit Facility”). Among other things, the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility includes limitations on creating liens, incurring
subsidiary debt, transactions with affiliates, sale/leaseback transactions, mergers and the sale of substantially all assets. The Five-Year
Revolving Credit Facility also includes a covenant imposing a maximum consolidated indebtedness to total tangible capitalization ratio of
0.6 to 1.0. Borrowings under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default.
Additionally, such borrowings are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and may be prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty.
We may borrow under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility at either (1) the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)
plus a margin (the “Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 1.125 percent to 2.0 percent based on the Debt Rating,
or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin, less one percent per annum.
Throughout the term of the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment
which ranges from 0.15 percent to 0.35 percent based on our Debt Rating. At December 31, 2017, based on our Debt Rating on that date,
the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin was 2.0 percent and the facility fee was 0.35 percent. At December 31, 2017, we had
no borrowings outstanding, $7 million of letters of credit issued, and we had $3.0 billion of available borrowing capacity under the Five-Year
Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies—Global Marine litigation.
Debt issuances
Priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes—On October 17, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount
of $750 million of 7.50% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2026 (the “7.50% Senior Notes”), and we received aggregate cash
proceeds of $742 million, net of issue costs. We are required to pay interest on the 7.50% Senior Notes semiannually on January 15 and
July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2018. We may redeem all or a portion of the 7.50% Senior Notes at any time prior to January 15,
2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole provision, and on or after January 15, 2021, at
specified redemption prices.
On July 21, 2016, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $1.25 billion of 9.00% senior unsecured notes
due July 15, 2023 (the “9.00% Senior Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $1.21 billion, net of initial discount and costs
payable by us. We are required to pay interest on the 9.00% Senior Notes semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We may
AR-73
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
redeem all or a portion of the 9.00% Senior Notes at any time prior to July 15, 2020 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal
amount plus a make-whole provision, and on or after July 15, 2020, at specified redemption prices.
Senior secured notes—On May 5, 2017, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $410 million of
5.52% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $403 million, net of issue costs. We are required to pay quarterly
installments of principal and interest on the last business day of March, June, September and December of each year. We may redeem all
or a portion of the 5.52% Senior Secured Notes at any time on or prior to December 31, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate
principal amount plus, subject to certain exceptions related to the drilling contract for Deepwater Conqueror, a make-whole amount. We will
be required to redeem or to offer to redeem the notes at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount, and, under certain
circumstances, the payment of a make-whole amount, upon the occurrence of certain events related to Deepwater Conqueror and the related
drilling contract.
On October 19, 2016, we completed an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $600 million of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes,
and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $583 million, net of initial discount and issue costs. On December 8, 2016, we completed an
offering of an aggregate principal amount of $625 million of 6.25% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of
$609 million, net of initial discount and issue costs. We are required to pay semiannual installments of principal and interest on the
7.75% Senior Secured Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year, and we are required to pay semiannual installments of principal and
interest on the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes on June 1 and December 1 of each year. We may redeem all or a portion of the 7.75% Senior
Secured Notes and the 6.25% Senior Secured Notes at any time on or prior to October 15, 2020 and December 1, 2020, respectively, at a
price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole provision. We will be required to redeem the notes at a
price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount, without a make-whole provision, upon the occurrence of certain events related
to the collateral rig and the related drilling contract.
The 5.52% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater
Deepwater Conqueror, the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own and operate the collateral rig, and certain related assets. The
7.75% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Thalassa and
the equity of the wholly owned subsidiary that owns the collateral rig. The 6.25% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and
earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Proteus and the equity of the subsidiary that owns the collateral rig. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $211 million and $103 million, respectively, deposited in restricted cash accounts to satisfy debt
service and working capital requirements for the Senior Secured Notes. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying amount of
Deepwater Conqueror, Deepwater Thalassa and Deepwater Proteus was $2.4 billion. At December 31, 2016, the aggregate carrying
amount of Deepwater Thalassa and Deepwater Proteus was $1.7 billion.
Debt retirement
Tender offers—On July 11, 2017, we completed cash tender offers to purchase up to $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of
certain notes (the “2017 Tendered Notes”). On August 1, 2016, we completed cash tender offers to purchase up to $1.0 billion aggregate
principal amount of certain notes (the “2016 Tendered Notes”). During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we received valid
tenders from holders of an aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Tendered Notes and the 2016 Tendered Notes as follows (in millions):
2.50% Senior Notes due October 2017
6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018
7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021
3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022
Aggregate principal amount retired
Aggregate cash payment
Aggregate net gain (loss)
Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
$
$
271 $
400
128
207
213
—
1,219 $
1,269 $
(48) $
—
—
—
348
476
157
981
876
104
AR-74
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Repurchases and redemptions—During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we repurchased in the open
market or redeemed debt securities with aggregate principal amounts as follows (in millions):
4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015
5.05% Senior Notes due December 2016
2.50% Senior Notes due October 2017
6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018
7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021
3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022
7.45% Notes due April 2027
7.50% Notes due April 2031
Aggregate principal amount retired
Aggregate cash payment
Aggregate net gain (loss)
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
— $
—
62
354
83
15
10
33
—
—
557
$
— $
36
85
35
26
44
122
38
8
5
399 $
893
25
180
211
10
—
50
16
4
7
1,396
564
$
(7) $
354 $
44 $
1,372
23
$
$
$
$
Scheduled maturities and installments—On the scheduled maturity date of October 16, 2017, we made a cash payment of
$152 million to repay the outstanding 2.50% Senior Notes, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount. On the
scheduled maturity date of December 15, 2016, we made a cash payment of $938 million to repay the outstanding 5.05% senior notes due
December 2016, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount. In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
we also made cash payments of $299 million, $127 million and $134 million to repay other indebtedness in scheduled installments.
Note 9—Postemployment Benefit Plans
Defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit plans
Overview—As of December 31, 2017, we had defined benefit plans in the U.S., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), and Norway. Benefits
under the defined benefit plans in the U.S. and the U.K. have ceased accruing. We maintain the respective pension obligations under such
plans until they have been fully satisfied. As of December 31, 2017, the defined benefit plans in the U.S. included three funded and three
unfunded plans (the “U.S. Plans”). During the year ended December 31, 2016, we permitted certain participants of one of our funded
U.S. Plans to make a one-time election to receive a payment of retirement benefits in the form of either (a) a lump sum distribution or (b) an
annuity starting October 1, 2016.
As of December 31, 2017, the defined benefit plan in the U.K. included one funded plan (the “U.K. Plan”). During the year ended
December 31, 2017, we permitted certain participants to make a one-time election to receive payment of retirement benefits in the form of a
lump sum distribution. As of December 31, 2017, the defined benefit plans in Norway, primarily group pension schemes with life insurance
companies, included two funded and two unfunded plans, (the “Norway Plans”). During the year ended December 31, 2016, we satisfied
our obligations under four funded defined benefit plans in Norway and an unfunded defined benefit plan in Nigeria. During the year ended
December 31, 2015, we satisfied our obligations under unfunded defined benefit plans in Egypt and Indonesia. We refer to the U.K. Plan,
the Norway Plans and the plans in Nigeria, Egypt and Indonesia, collectively, as the “Non-U.S. Plans.”
We refer to the U.S. Plans and the Non-U.S. Plans, collectively, as the “Transocean Plans”. Additionally, we maintain certain
unfunded other postemployment benefit plans (collectively, the “OPEB Plans”), under which benefits to eligible participants diminish during
a phase-out period ending December 31, 2025.
Assumptions—We estimated our benefit obligations using the following weighted-average assumptions:
December 31, 2017
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Plans
2.49 %
2.50 %
Discount rate
Compensation trend rate
3.68 %
na
AR-75
December 31, 2016
Non-U.S.
OPEB
Plans
U.S.
Plans
2.93 %
na
4.26 %
na
Plans
2.69 %
2.25 %
OPEB
Plans
3.08 %
na
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
We estimated our net periodic benefit costs using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Year ended December 31, 2017
OPEB
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Year ended December 31, 2016
Non-U.S.
OPEB
U.S.
Year ended December 31, 2015
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Discount rate
Expected rate of return
Compensation trend rate
Health care cost trend rate
-initial
-ultimate
-ultimate year
“na” means not applicable.
Plans
4.26 %
6.31 %
na %
Plans
2.69 %
4.79 %
2.25 %
Plans
3.08 %
na
na
Plans
4.56 %
6.82 %
0.22 %
Plans
3.69 %
5.85 %
4.01 %
Plans
3.13 %
na
na
Plans
Plans
4.16 % 3.26 %
7.79 % 5.93 %
0.21 % 3.83 %
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
OPEB Plans
3.86 %
na
na
7.81 %
5.00 %
2023
Net periodic benefit costs—Net periodic benefit costs, before tax, included the following components (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2017
Non-U.S.
Plans
Transocean
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Year ended December 31, 2016
Non-U.S.
Plans
Transocean
Plans
Year ended December 31, 2015
Non-U.S.
Plans
Transocean
Plans
U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Net periodic benefit costs
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Settlements and curtailments
Actuarial (gain) loss, net
Prior service cost, net
Net periodic benefit costs
$
$
$
3
65
(74)
—
5
—
(1) $
3
11
(20)
13
1
—
8
$
$
6
76
(94)
13
6
—
7
$
$
$
3
69
(80)
—
5
—
(3) $
$
10
17
(25)
(5)
(1)
—
(4) $
13 $
86
(105)
(5)
4
—
(7) $
5 $
65
(87)
3
11
—
(3) $
26
19
(28)
2
11
—
30
$
$
31
84
(115)
5
22
—
27
In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, for the OPEB Plans, the combined components of net periodic benefit
costs, including service cost, interest cost, recognized net actuarial losses, prior service cost amortization, curtailments and special
termination benefits, were income of $2 million, income of $4 million and income of $1 million, respectively.
The following table presents the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, that have not been
recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs (in millions):
Actuarial gain (loss), net
Prior service cost, net
Total
U.S.
Plans
(301) $
—
(301) $
$
$
December 31, 2017
OPEB
Non-U.S.
Plans
Plans
(84) $
—
(84) $
(4) $
23
19
$
December 31, 2016
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Total
(389) $
23
(366) $
Plans
(316) $
—
(316) $
Plans
(94) $
—
(94) $
OPEB
Plans
(3) $
26
23
$
Total
(413)
26
(387)
The following table presents the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components
of net periodic benefit costs during the year ending December 31, 2018 (in millions):
Actuarial loss, net
Prior service cost, net
Total amount expected to be recognized
Year ending December 31, 2018
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$
$
7
—
7
$
$
1
—
1
$
$
1 $
(3)
(2) $
Total
9
(3)
6
AR-76
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Funded status—The changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status and the amounts recognized on our
consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):
Change in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period
Actuarial (gains) losses, net
Service cost
Interest cost
Currency exchange rate changes
Participant contributions
Benefits paid
Settlements and curtailments
Projected benefit obligation, end of period
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Currency exchange rate changes
Employer contributions
Participant contributions
Benefits paid
Settlements
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
Funded status, end of period
Balance sheet classification, end of period:
Pension asset, non-current
Pension liability, current
Pension liability, non-current
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a)
(a) Amounts are before income tax effect.
Year ended December 31, 2017
Year ended December 31, 2016
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
$
1,557
115
3
65
—
—
(60)
—
1,680
1,204
198
—
1
—
(60)
—
1,343
$
398
18
3
11
35
—
(86)
—
379
400
31
36
12
—
(86)
—
393
$
19
2
—
—
—
—
(2)
—
19
—
—
—
2
—
(2)
—
—
1,974
135
6
76
35
—
(148)
—
2,078
1,604
229
36
15
—
(148)
—
1,736
$
1,523 $
52
3
69
—
—
(90)
—
1,557
502 $
36
10
17
(77)
—
(46)
(44)
398
1,198
93
—
3
—
(90)
—
1,204
439
84
(80)
43
—
(46)
(40)
400
$
24
(3)
—
1
—
1
(4)
—
19
—
—
—
3
1
(4)
—
—
2,049
85
13
87
(77)
1
(140)
(44)
1,974
1,637
177
(80)
49
1
(140)
(40)
1,604
(337)
$
14
$
(19)
$
(342)
$
(353) $
2 $
(19)
$
(370)
— $
(2)
(335)
(301)
$
17
(1)
(2)
(84)
— $
(3)
(16)
19
$
17
(6)
(353)
(366)
— $
(2)
(351)
(316)
5 $
—
(3)
(94)
— $
(3)
(16)
23
5
(5)
(370)
(387)
$
$
$
The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of
plan assets were as follows (in millions):
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
U.S.
Plans
$ 1,680
1,343
December 31, 2017
OPEB
Non-U.S.
Plans
Plans
$
$
5
2
19
—
Total
$ 1,704
1,345
December 31, 2016
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$ 1,557 $
1,204
5 $
2
19
—
Total
$ 1,581
1,206
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $2.1 billion and
$2.0 billion, respectively. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with an accumulated benefit
obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
U.S.
Plans
$ 1,680
1,343
December 31, 2017
OPEB
Non-U.S.
Plans
Plans
$
$
3
—
19
—
Total
$ 1,702
1,343
December 31, 2016
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$ 1,557 $
1,204
4 $
—
19
—
Total
$ 1,580
1,204
Plan assets—We periodically review our investment policies, plan assets and asset allocation strategies to evaluate performance
relative to specified objectives. In determining our asset allocation strategies for the U.S. Plans, we review the results of regression models
to assess the most appropriate target allocation for each plan, given the plan’s status, demographics and duration. For the U.K. Plan, the
plan trustees establish the asset allocation strategies consistent with the regulations of the U.K. pension regulators and in consultation with
financial advisors and company representatives. Investment managers for the U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan are given established ranges
within which the investments may deviate from the target allocations. For the Norway Plans, we establish minimum rates of return under the
terms of investment contracts with insurance companies.
AR-77
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted-average target and actual allocations of the investments for our funded
Transocean Plans were as follows:
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Target allocation
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Actual allocation
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Target allocation
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Plans
Actual allocation
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Other investments
Total
50 %
50 %
—
100 %
39 %
50 %
11 %
100 %
52 %
48 %
—
100 %
39 %
48 %
13 %
100 %
50 %
50 %
—
100 %
45 %
45 %
10 %
100 %
53 %
47 %
— %
100 %
As of December 31, 2017, the investments for our funded Transocean Plans were categorized as follows (in millions):
Plans
45 %
44 %
11 %
100 %
Significant observable inputs
Transocean
Non-U.S.
U.S.
December 31, 2017
Significant other observable inputs
Non-U.S.
Transocean
U.S.
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Total
Non-U.S.
Plans
Transocean
Plans
Mutual funds
U.S. equity funds
Non-U.S. equity funds
Bond funds
Total mutual funds
Other investments
Cash and money market funds
Property collective trusts
Investment contracts
Total other investments
$
557
138
629
1,324
$ — $
—
—
—
557
138
629
1,324
$
— $
5
8
13
6
—
—
6
7
—
—
7
13
—
—
13
—
—
—
—
— $
153
190
343
—
20
23
43
158
198
356
—
20
23
43
— $
557 $
143
637
1,337
6
—
—
6
— $
153
190
343
7
20
23
50
557
296
827
1,680
13
20
23
56
Total investments
$ 1,330
$
7
$ 1,337
$
13
$
386
$
399 $ 1,343 $
393
$ 1,736
As of December 31, 2016, the investments for our funded Transocean Plans were categorized as follows (in millions):
Significant observable inputs
Transocean
Non-U.S.
U.S.
December 31, 2016
Significant other observable inputs
Non-U.S.
Transocean
U.S.
U.S.
Total
Non-U.S.
Transocean
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Plans
Mutual funds
U.S. equity funds
Non-U.S. equity funds
Bond funds
Total mutual funds
Other investments
Cash and money market funds
Property collective trusts
Investment contracts
Total other investments
$
516
113
567
1,196
$ — $
—
—
—
516
113
567
1,196
$
2
—
—
2
2
—
—
2
4
—
—
4
2
4
—
6
—
—
—
—
181
178
359
—
17
22
39
185
178
365
—
17
22
39
$
— $
2 $
518 $ — $
117
567
1,202
181
178
359
2
—
—
2
2
17
22
41
518
298
745
1,561
4
17
22
43
Total investments
$ 1,198
$
2
$ 1,200
$
6
$
398
$
404 $ 1,204 $
400
$ 1,604
The U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan invest primarily in passively managed funds that reference market indices. The funded Norway
Plans are subject to contractual terms under selected insurance programs. Each plan’s investment managers have discretion to select the
securities held within each asset category. Given this discretion, the managers may occasionally invest in our debt or equity securities, and
may hold either long or short positions in such securities. As the plan investment managers are required to maintain well diversified portfolios,
the actual investment in our securities would be immaterial relative to asset categories and the overall plan assets.
Funding contributions—In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we made an aggregate contribution of
$15 million, $49 million and $39 million, respectively, to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans using our cash flows from operations.
In the year ending December 31, 2018, we expect to contribute $12 million to the Transocean Plans, and we expect to fund benefit payments
of approximately $3 million for the OPEB Plans as costs are incurred.
AR-78
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Benefit payments—The following were the projected benefits payments (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 - 2027
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
$
$
71
73
75
79
80
421
$
8
7
8
8
9
60
3 $
3
3
2
2
7
82
83
86
89
91
488
Defined contribution plans
At December 31, 2017, we sponsored four defined contribution plans, including (1) a qualified savings plan covering certain
employees working in the U.S. (the “U.S. Savings Plan”), (2) a non-qualified supplemental plan covering certain eligible employees working
in the U.S. (the “U.S. Savings Restoration Plan”), (3) a qualified savings plan covering certain eligible U.K. employees (the “U.K. Savings
Plan”) and (4) a non-qualified savings plan covering certain employees working outside the U.S. and U.K. (the “Non-U.S. Savings Plan”). In
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recognized expense of $43 million, $51 million and $89 million, respectively, related
to our defined contribution plans.
The U.S. Savings Plan provides eligible employees with matching contributions up to 10.0 percent of each participant’s base salary
and annual bonus based on the participant’s contribution to the plan. The U.S. Savings Restoration Plan provides eligible employees with
benefits in excess of those allowed under the U.S. Savings Plan.
The U.K. Savings Plan provides eligible employees with matching contributions between 4.5 percent and 9.5 percent based on the
participant’s contribution to the plan. Effective January 1, 2017, the Non-U.S. Savings Plan, provides eligible employees with matching
contributions up to 12 percent of each participant’s base salary based on the participant’s contribution to the plan. In the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Non-U.S. Savings Plan provided eligible employees with matching contributions up to 6.0 percent and
contributions between 4.5 percent and 6.5 percent of each participant’s base salary and annual bonus based on the participant’s years of
eligible service.
Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies
Lease obligations
We have operating lease obligations expiring at various dates, principally for real estate, office space and operating equipment. In
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our rental expense for all operating leases, including operating leases with terms of
less than one year, was approximately $52 million, $45 million and $72 million, respectively.
We also have a capital lease obligation, which is due to expire in August 2029. The capital lease contract has an implicit interest
rate of 7.8 percent and requires scheduled monthly payments of $6 million through August 2029, after which we will have the right and
obligation to acquire the drillship from the lessor for one dollar. In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, depreciation expense
associated with Petrobras 10000, the asset held under capital lease, was $23 million. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate
carrying amount of this asset held under capital lease was as follows (in millions):
Property and equipment, cost
Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
December 31,
2017
2016
774 $
(170)
604 $
776
(149)
627
$
$
AR-79
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
At December 31, 2017, the aggregate future minimum rental payments related to our non-cancellable operating leases and the
capital lease were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total future minimum rental payment
Less amount representing imputed interest
Present value of future minimum rental payments under capital leases
Less current portion included in debt due within one year
Long-term capital lease obligation
Capital
lease
Operating
leases
15
12
11
10
10
39
97
$
$
72 $
72
72
71
71
479
837 $
(296)
541
(30)
511
Purchase and service agreement obligations
We have entered into purchase obligations with shipyards and other contractors related to our newbuild construction programs.
We have also entered into long-term service agreements with original equipment manufacturers to provide services and parts related to our
pressure control systems. The future payments required under our service agreements were estimated based on our projected operating
activity and may vary based on actual operating activity. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate future payments required under our purchase
obligations and our service agreement obligations were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Purchase
obligations
Service
agreement
obligations
$
$
48 $
3
847
—
—
—
898 $
67
100
107
99
102
584
1,059
Letters of credit and surety bonds
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $29 million and $50 million, respectively, issued
under various uncommitted credit lines, some of which require cash collateral, provided by several banks to guarantee various contract
bidding, performance activities and customs obligations. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate cash collateral held by banks for letters of
credit was $7 million. As is customary in the contract drilling business, we also have various surety bonds in place that secure customs
obligations related to the importation of our rigs and certain performance and other obligations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had
outstanding surety bonds totaling $51 million and $33 million, respectively
Macondo well incident commitments and contingencies
Overview—On April 22, 2010, the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Horizon sank after a blowout of the Macondo well caused a
fire and explosion on the rig off the coast of Louisiana. At the time of the explosion, Deepwater Horizon was contracted to an affiliate of
BP plc. (together with its affiliates, “BP”). Following the incident, we have been subject to civil and criminal claims, as well as causes of
action, fines and penalties by local, state and federal governments. Litigation commenced shortly after the incident, and most claims against
us were consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
Louisiana (the “MDL Court”). A significant portion of the contingencies arising from the Macondo well incident has now been resolved or is
pending release of funds from escrow (see “—PSC Settlement Agreement”). As for any actions not resolved by our previous settlements,
including any claims by individuals who opted out of the settlement agreement that we and the Plaintiff Steering Committee (the “PSC”) filed
with the MDL Court in May 2015 (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”), we will vigorously defend those claims and pursue any and all defenses
available.
In the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized income of $788 million ($735 million, or $2.02 per diluted share, net of tax)
recorded as a net reduction to operating and maintenance costs and expenses, including $538 million associated with recoveries from
AR-80
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
insurance for our previously incurred losses, $125 million associated with partial reimbursement from BP for our previously incurred legal
costs, and $125 million associated with a net reduction to certain related contingent liabilities, primarily associated with contingencies that
have either been settled or otherwise resolved as a result of settlements with BP and the PSC.
We have recognized a liability for the remaining estimated loss contingencies associated with litigation resulting from the
Macondo well incident that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. At December 31, 2017 and 2016,
the liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made was $219 million
and $250 million, respectively, recorded in other current liabilities, the majority of which is related to our settlement with the PSC.
Plea Agreement—Pursuant to the plea agreement (the “Plea Agreement”), one of our subsidiaries pled guilty to one misdemeanor
count of negligently discharging oil into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, in violation of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and agreed to be subject to
probation through February 2018. We also agreed to make an aggregate cash payment of $400 million, including a criminal fine and cash
contributions to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, payable in scheduled installments. At
December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of our liability for settlement obligations under the Plea Agreement was $60 million, recorded in
other current liabilities. In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we made cash payments of $60 million in each period,
representing the final installments for our obligations under the Plea Agreement.
Consent Decree—Under the civil consent decree (the “Consent Decree”), we agreed to undertake certain actions, including
enhanced safety and compliance actions when operating in U.S. waters. The Consent Decree requires us to submit and make publicly
available certain plans, reports and other submissions. One such plan is a performance plan, approved on January 2, 2014, that contains,
among other things, interim milestones for actions in specified areas and schedules for reports required under the Consent Decree.
Additionally, as required, we retained an independent auditor to review and report to the DOJ our compliance with the Consent Decree and
an independent process safety consultant to review, report and assist with the process safety requirements of the Consent Decree. The
Consent Decree resolved the claim by the U.S. for civil penalties under the CWA. We may request termination of the Consent Decree after
January 2, 2019, provided we meet certain conditions. We also agreed to pay civil penalties of $1.0 billion plus interest. In the year ended
December 31, 2015, we made a cash payment of $204 million, including interest, representing the final installment due under the
Consent Decree.
PSC Settlement Agreement—On May 29, 2015, together with the PSC, we filed the PSC Settlement Agreement with the
MDL Court for approval. Through the PSC Settlement Agreement, we agreed to pay a total of $212 million, plus up to $25 million for partial
reimbursement of attorneys’ fees, to be allocated between two classes of plaintiffs as follows: (1) 72.8 percent to private plaintiffs,
businesses, and local governments who could have asserted punitive damages claims against us under general maritime law; and
(2) 27.2 percent to private plaintiffs who previously settled economic damages claims against BP and were assigned certain claims BP had
made against us. In exchange for these payments, each of the classes agreed to release all respective claims it has against us.
Thirty claimants elected to opt out of the PSC Settlement Agreement. In June 2016 and August 2015, we made a cash deposit of $25 million
and $212 million, respectively, into escrow accounts established by the MDL Court for the settlement. On February 15, 2017, the MDL Court
entered a final order and judgement approving the PSC Settlement Agreement, which is no longer subject to appeal. In November 2017,
the MDL Court released $25 million from the escrow accounts for payment of attorneys’ fees. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate
balance in escrow was $212 million and $237 million, respectively, recorded in restricted cash accounts and investments.
Other legal proceedings
Asbestos litigation—In 2004, several of our subsidiaries were named, along with numerous other unaffiliated defendants, in
complaints filed in the Circuit Courts of the State of Mississippi, and in 2014, a group of similar complaints were filed in Louisiana. The
plaintiffs, former employees of some of the defendants, generally allege that the defendants used or manufactured asbestos containing
drilling mud additives for use in connection with drilling operations, claiming negligence, products liability, strict liability and claims allowed
under the Jones Act and general maritime law. The plaintiffs generally seek awards of unspecified compensatory and punitive damages,
but the court appointed special master has ruled that a Jones Act employer defendant, such as us, cannot be sued for punitive damages.
At December 31, 2017, eight plaintiffs have claims pending in Louisiana in which we have or may have an interest. We intend to defend
these lawsuits vigorously, although we can provide no assurance as to the outcome. We historically have maintained broad liability
insurance, although we are not certain whether insurance will cover the liabilities, if any, arising out of these claims. Based on our evaluation
of the exposure to date, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
One of our subsidiaries has been named as a defendant, along with numerous other companies, in lawsuits arising out of the
subsidiary’s manufacture and sale of heat exchangers, and involvement in the construction and refurbishment of major industrial complexes
alleging bodily injury or personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos. As of December 31, 2017, the subsidiary was a defendant in
approximately 140 lawsuits with a corresponding number of plaintiffs. For many of these lawsuits, we have not been provided with sufficient
information from the plaintiffs to determine whether all or some of the plaintiffs have claims against the subsidiary, the basis of any such
claims, or the nature of their alleged injuries. The operating assets of the subsidiary were sold and its operations were discontinued in 1989,
and the subsidiary has no remaining assets other than insurance policies, rights and proceeds, including (i) certain policies subject to litigation
and (ii) certain rights and proceeds held directly or indirectly through a qualified settlement fund. The subsidiary has in excess of $1.0 billion
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
in insurance limits potentially available to the subsidiary. Although not all of the policies may be fully available due to the insolvency of certain
insurers, we believe that the subsidiary will have sufficient funding directly or indirectly, including from settlements and payments from
insurers, assigned rights from insurers and coverage-in-place settlement agreements with insurers to respond to these claims. While we
cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of these matters, we do not expect the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from these
claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Rio de Janeiro tax assessment—In the year ended December 31, 2006, the state tax authorities of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
issued to one of our subsidiaries tax assessments on equipment imported into the state in connection with our operations, resulting from a
preliminary finding by these authorities that our record keeping practices were deficient. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate tax
assessment was for BRL 529 million, equivalent to approximately $160 million, including interest and penalties. In September 2006, we filed
an initial response refuting these tax assessments, and, in September 2007, the state tax authorities confirmed that they believe the tax
assessments are valid. On September 27, 2007, we filed an appeal with the state Taxpayer’s Council contesting the assessments. In
November 2017, the Third Chamber of the Taxpayer’s Council for administrative proceedings ruled in our favor on the validity of the initial
tax claims. The ruling is subject to appeal by the state tax authorities. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the final outcome
of these proceedings, we do not expect it to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Nigerian Cabotage Act litigation—In October 2007, three of our subsidiaries were each served a Notice and Demand from the
Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, imposing a two percent surcharge on the value of all contracts performed by us in Nigeria
pursuant to the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 (the “Cabotage Act”). Our subsidiaries each filed an originating summons
in the Federal High Court in Lagos challenging the imposition of this surcharge on the basis that the Cabotage Act and associated levy is
not applicable to drilling rigs. The respondents challenged the competence of the suits on several procedural grounds. The court upheld
the objections and dismissed the suits. In December 2010, our subsidiaries filed a new joint Cabotage Act suit. While we cannot predict or
provide assurance as to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Global Marine litigation—On November 28, 2017, Wilmington Trust Company, in its capacity as trustee, filed a lawsuit in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, against Global Marine Inc. (“Global Marine”), one of our wholly owned, indirect
subsidiaries, seeking a declaratory judgment that Global Marine is in default under the indenture governing its $300 million of outstanding
7.00% Notes due June 2028. We disagree with the assertions in the lawsuit and believe that Global Marine is in compliance with the
indenture and has meritorious defenses against these allegations, although it can make no assurance regarding the outcome of the lawsuit,
including the actual amount that would be due in the event that the lawsuit is successful. The notes are neither guaranteed by, nor recourse
to, Transocean Ltd. or our other subsidiaries. The claimants seek payment prior to the scheduled maturity of the principal amount of notes
outstanding and accrued but unpaid interest as well as make-whole amounts under the indenture. In addition, the acceleration of the amounts
due under the indenture could, absent a waiver from the requisite lenders, result in an event of default under our currently undrawn Five-Year
Revolving Credit Facility. We intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of
these proceedings, we do not expect the proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
Other matters—We are involved in various tax matters, various regulatory matters, and a number of claims and lawsuits, asserted
and unasserted, all of which have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. We do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these
other matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We
cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the litigation matters specifically described above or of any such other pending,
threatened, or possible litigation or liability. We can provide no assurance that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any
tax, regulatory, lawsuit or other litigation matter will prove correct and the eventual outcome of these matters could materially differ from
management’s current estimates.
Other environmental matters
Hazardous waste disposal sites—We have certain potential liabilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and similar state acts regulating cleanup of various hazardous waste disposal sites, including
those described below. CERCLA is intended to expedite the remediation of hazardous substances without regard to fault. Potentially
responsible parties (“PRPs”) for each site include present and former owners and operators of, transporters to and generators of the
substances at the site. Liability is strict and can be joint and several.
We have been named as a PRP in connection with a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California, known as the Waste Disposal, Inc.
site. We and other PRPs have agreed with the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and the DOJ to settle our potential liabilities
for this site by agreeing to perform the remaining remediation required by the EPA. The parties to the settlement have entered into a
participation agreement, which makes us liable for approximately eight percent of the remediation and related costs. The remediation is
complete, and we believe our share of the future operation and maintenance costs of the site is not material. There are additional potential
liabilities related to the site, but these cannot be quantified, and we have no reason at this time to believe that they will be material.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
One of our subsidiaries has been ordered by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (“CRWQCB”) to develop a testing
plan for a site known as Campus 1000 Fremont in Alhambra, California, which is now a part of the San Gabriel Valley, Area 3, Superfund
site. We were also advised that one or more of our subsidiaries that formerly owned and operated the site would likely be named by the
EPA as PRPs. The current property owner, an unrelated party, performed the required testing and detected no contaminants. In discussions
with CRWQCB staff, we were advised of their intent to issue us a “no further action” letter, but it has not yet been received. Based on the
test results, we would contest any potential liability. We have no knowledge at this time of the potential cost of any remediation, who else
will be named as PRPs, and whether in fact any of our subsidiaries is a responsible party. The subsidiaries in question do not own any
operating assets and have limited ability to respond to any liabilities.
Resolutions of other claims by the EPA, the involved state agency or PRPs are at various stages of investigation. These
investigations involve determinations of (a) the actual responsibility attributed to us and the other PRPs at the site, (b) appropriate
investigatory or remedial actions and (c) allocation of the costs of such activities among the PRPs and other site users. Our ultimate financial
responsibility in connection with those sites may depend on many factors, including (i) the volume and nature of material, if any, contributed
to the site for which we are responsible, (ii) the number of other PRPs and their financial viability and (iii) the remediation methods and
technology to be used.
It is difficult to quantify with certainty the potential cost of these environmental matters, particularly in respect of remediation
obligations. Nevertheless, based upon the information currently available, we believe that our ultimate liability arising from all environmental
matters, including the liability for all other related pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims that are
likely to be asserted, is adequately accrued and should not have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
Note 11—Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited—We own a 65 percent interest and Angco Cayman Limited (“Angco Cayman”)
owns a 35 percent interest, in ADDCL, a variable interest entity. Angco Cayman has the right to require us to purchase its shares for cash.
Accordingly, we present the carrying amount of Angco Cayman’s ownership interest as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our
consolidated balance sheets. Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Balance, beginning of period
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Balance, end of period
See Note 4—Variable Interest Entity.
$
$
28
30
58
$
$
5 $
23
28 $
11
(6)
5
Noncontrolling interest
Transocean Partners—Transocean Partners LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company and a wholly owned indirect
subsidiary (“Transocean Partners”), was previously a partially owned subsidiary. In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015,
Transocean Partners declared and paid an aggregate distribution of $99 million and $100 million, respectively, to its unitholders, of which
$28 million and $29 million, respectively, was paid to the holders of noncontrolling interest. On December 9, 2016, Transocean Partners
completed a merger with one of our subsidiaries as contemplated under the merger agreement. Following the completion of the merger,
Transocean Partners became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. Each Transocean Partners common unit that was
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing, other than the units held by Transocean and its subsidiaries, was converted into the
right to receive 1.20 of our shares. To complete the merger, we issued 23.8 million shares from conditional capital.
Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity
Par value reduction—On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the reduction of the
par value of each of our shares to CHF 0.10 from the original par value of CHF 15.00. The reduction of par value became effective as of
January 7, 2016 upon registration in the commercial register.
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—In May 2015, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved
the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $0.60 per outstanding share,
payable in four quarterly installments of $0.15 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. In May 2015, we recognized a liability of
$218 million for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On
June 17 and September 23, 2015, we paid the first two installments in the aggregate amount of $109 million to shareholders of record as of
May 29 and August 25, 2015. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the cancellation of
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
the third and fourth installments of the distribution. As a result, we reduced our distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, by
$109 million with corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.
In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in
the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.75 per outstanding
share, subject to certain limitations. On March 18, 2015, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $272 million to shareholders
of record as of February 20, 2015.
We did not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held by our subsidiary or previously
held in treasury.
Shares issued—To complete the merger with Transocean Partners, in December 2016, we issued 23.8 million shares from
conditional capital. Each Transocean Partners common unit that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing, other than
the units held by Transocean and its subsidiaries, was converted into the right to receive 1.20 of our shares. See Note 1—Business,
Note 11—Noncontrolling Interest, Note 15—Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Note 20—Subsequent Event.
Shares held in treasury—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of
directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion.
On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program. During the three-year
period ended December 31, 2017, we did not purchase any shares under our share repurchase program. At December 31, 2015, we held
2.9 million shares in treasury, recorded at cost. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the
cancellation of the 2.9 million shares previously purchased under the share repurchase program and held in treasury, and such cancellation
became effective as of January 7, 2016 upon registration in the commercial register.
Shares held by subsidiaries—Two of our subsidiaries hold our shares for future use to satisfy our obligations to deliver shares
in connection with awards granted under our incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our
subsidiaries held 3.6 million shares and 5.4 million shares, respectively.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss—The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, presented net of tax, for our
defined benefit pension plans were as follows (in millions):
Balance, beginning of period
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Reclassifications to net income
Other comprehensive loss, net
Balance, end of period
Note 13—Share-Based Compensation
Overview
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
(283) $
(2)
(5)
(7)
(290) $
(277)
(15)
9
(6)
(283)
We have a long-term incentive plan (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”) for executives, key employees and non-employee directors
under which awards can be granted in the form of restricted share units, restricted shares, stock options, stock appreciation rights and cash
performance awards. Awards may be granted as service awards that are earned over a defined service period or as performance awards
that are earned based on the achievement of certain market factors or performance targets or a combination of market factors and
performance targets. Our compensation committee of our board of directors determines the terms and conditions of the awards granted
under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2017, under the current plan established in 2015, we had 20.7 million shares
authorized and 9.9 million shares available to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2017, total unrecognized
compensation costs related to all unvested share-based awards were $43 million, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 1.7 years.
Service awards typically vest either in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant or in an
aggregate installment at the end of the stated vesting period. Performance awards typically are subject to a three-year measurement period
during which the number of options or shares to be issued remains uncertain. At the end of the measurement period, the awarded number
of options or shares to be issued is determined. The performance awards typically vest in one aggregate installment following the
determination date. Stock options and stock appreciation rights are subject to a stated vesting period and, once vested, typically have a
seven-year term during which they are exercisable.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Service awards
Restricted share units—A restricted share unit is a notional unit that is equal to one share but has no voting rights until the
underlying share is issued. The following table summarizes unvested activity for service-based units granted under our incentive plans
during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Unvested at January 1, 2017
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2017
Number
of
units
Weighted-average
grant-date fair value
per unit
4,006,082 $
1,921,029
(1,867,970)
(238,686)
3,820,455 $
13.10
13.03
15.14
11.42
12.15
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate grant-date fair value of the service-based units that vested was
$28 million. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we granted 3,155,382 and 2,848,521 service-based units, respectively,
with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $8.69 and $18.70 per unit, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, we had 1,725,734 and 1,817,758 service-based units, respectively, that vested with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $48 million
and $81 million, respectively.
Stock options—During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we granted service-based stock options. The following
table summarizes activity for vested and unvested service-based stock options outstanding under our incentive plans during the year ended
December 31, 2017:
Outstanding at January 1, 2017
Granted
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
Number
of shares
under option
1,934,695 $
877,231
(58,463)
2,753,463 $
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual term
(years)
44.88
6.12 $
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(in millions)
6
34.98
6.37 $
2
—
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2017
1,263,702 $
62.78
3.63 $
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the weighted-average grant-date fair value of the service-based stock options that we
granted was $6.46 per option. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate grant-date fair value of service-based stock options
that vested was $2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2017, no service-based stock options were exercised. As of December 31,
2017, there were outstanding unvested service-based stock options to purchase 1,489,761 shares. During the year ended December 31,
2016, we granted service-based stock options to purchase 945,724 shares with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $5.11 per option.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we did not grant service-based stock options. During the year ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, the aggregate grant-date fair value of service-based options that vested was $3 million and $9 million, respectively. During the years
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, no service-based stock options were exercised.
Performance awards
Restricted share units—We grant performance awards in the form of restricted share units that can be earned depending on the
achievement of (a) market factors or (b) both market factors and performance targets. The number of shares ultimately earned per unit is
quantified upon completion of the specified period at the determination date. The following table summarizes unvested activity for
performance-based units under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Unvested at January 1, 2017
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2017
Number
of
units
Weighted-average
grant-date fair value
per unit
1,439,606 $
689,740
(478,492)
(12,173)
1,638,681 $
14.40
16.25
13.87
11.60
13.56
During the year ended December 31, 2017, performance-based units vested with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $7 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we granted 997,362 and 652,592 performance-based units, respectively, with a
weighted-average grant-date fair value of $11.60 and $17.91 per unit, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the total
grant-date fair value of the performance-based units that vested was $6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, no
performance-based units vested since neither the market factors nor the performance targets were achieved.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 14—Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
Other current liabilities
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
Accrued interest
Accrued taxes, other than income
Macondo well incident settlement obligations
Deferred revenues
Contingent liabilities
Other
Total other current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
Other long-term liabilities
Postemployment benefit plan obligations
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenues
Other
Total other long-term liabilities
December 31,
2017
2016
176 $
127
67
—
213
246
10
839 $
200
135
87
60
209
262
7
960
December 31,
2017
2016
353 $
247
422
60
1,082 $
370
333
390
60
1,153
$
$
$
$
Note 15—Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to the net change in other operating assets and liabilities was comprised of
the following (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Decrease in accounts receivable
Increase in other current assets
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities
Decrease in other long-term liabilities
Change in income taxes receivable / payable, net
Additional cash flow information was as follows (in millions):
Certain cash operating activities
Cash payments for interest
Cash payments for income taxes
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Capital additions, accrued at end of period (a)
Issuance of shares to acquire noncontrolling interest (b)
$
$
$
$
$
230
(30)
(33)
(115)
(13)
(58)
(19) $
350 $
(29)
(12)
(286)
(55)
(133)
(165) $
742
(177)
5
(828)
(72)
(65)
(395)
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
$
$
486
124
20
—
351 $
172
42 $
317
439
314
128
—
(a) Additions to property and equipment for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable at the end of
the period. See Note 5—Drilling Fleet.
(b) On December 9, 2016, we issued 23.8 million shares in connection with our acquisition of the outstanding publicly held
common units of Transocean Partners pursuant to its merger with one of our other subsidiaries. See Note 11—
Noncontrolling Interest and Note 12—Shareholders’ Equity.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 16—Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Restricted cash accounts and investments
Long-term debt, including current maturities
$
Carrying
amount
December 31, 2017
Fair
value
2,519
450
489
7,538
2,519
450
489
7,396
$
$
December 31, 2016
Fair
Carrying
value
amount
3,052
—
511
8,218
3,052 $
—
510
8,464
We estimated the fair value of each class of financial instruments, for which estimating fair value is practicable, by applying the
following methods and assumptions:
Cash and cash equivalents—The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued
interest. Our cash equivalents are primarily invested in short-term time deposits and money market funds. The carrying amount of our cash
and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturities of the instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the
aggregate carrying amount of our cash equivalents was $2.1 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
Short-term investments—The carrying amount of unrestricted short-term investments represents the historical cost of the time
deposits in which they are invested. The carrying amount of such short-term investments approximates fair value because of the short
maturities of the instruments.
Restricted cash accounts and investments—The carrying amount of the cash and cash equivalents that are subject to
restrictions due to collateral requirements, legislation, regulation or court order approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the
instruments in which the restricted cash balances are held. At December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying amount of such restricted cash
and cash equivalents was $456 million, including $440 million and $16 million recorded in current assets and other assets, respectively. At
December 31, 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of such restricted cash and cash equivalents was $387 million, including $368 million
and $19 million recorded in current assets and other assets, respectively.
The carrying amount of the restricted cash investments pledged for debt service of the Eksportfinans Loans due January 2018 and
for security of certain other credit arrangements represents the amortized historical cost of the investment. We measured the estimated fair
value of such restricted cash investments using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement,
including the terms and credit spreads of the instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of the restricted
cash investments was $33 million and $123 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the estimated fair value of such restricted
cash investments was $33 million and $124 million, respectively.
Debt—We measured the estimated fair value of our debt, all of which was fixed-rate debt, using significant other observable inputs,
representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.
Note 17—Risk Concentration
Interest rate risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of interest rate risk include our cash
equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash investments, debt and capital lease obligations. We are exposed to interest rate risk
related to our cash equivalents and short-term investments, as the interest income earned on these investments, is based on variable or
short-term interest rates, which change with market interest rates. We are also exposed to the interest rate risk related to our fixed-rate debt
when we refinance maturing debt with new debt or when we repurchase debt in open market repurchases.
Currency exchange rate risk—Our international operations expose us to currency exchange rate risk. This risk is primarily
associated with compensation costs of our employees and purchasing costs from non-U.S. suppliers, which are denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. We use a variety of techniques to minimize the exposure to currency exchange rate risk, including the structuring
of customer contract payment terms.
Our primary currency exchange rate risk management strategy involves structuring customer contracts to provide for payment in
both U.S. dollars and local currency. The payment portion denominated in local currency is based on anticipated local currency requirements
over the contract term. Due to various factors, including customer acceptance, local banking laws, national content requirements, other
statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs may vary from
those anticipated in the customer contracts, resulting in partial exposure to currency exchange rate risk. The currency exchange effect
resulting from our international operations generally has not had a material impact on our operating results.
Credit risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash
equivalents, short-term investments and trade receivables, both current and long-term.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
We generally maintain our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in time deposits at commercial banks with high
credit ratings or mutual funds, which invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments. We limit the amount of exposure to any
one institution and do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk.
We earn our revenues by providing our drilling services to international oil companies, government-owned oil companies and
government-controlled oil companies. Receivables are dispersed in various countries (see Note 18—Operating Segments, Geographic
Analysis and Major Customers). We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis, considering changes in the
financial position of a customer, when we believe the required payment of specific amounts owed to us is unlikely to occur. Although we
have encountered only isolated credit concerns related to independent oil companies, we occasionally require collateral or other security to
support customer receivables. In certain instances, when we determine that collection is not reasonably assured, we may occasionally offer
extended payment terms and recognize revenues associated with the contract on a cash basis.
Labor agreements—We require highly skilled personnel to operate our drilling units. We conduct extensive personnel recruiting,
training and safety programs. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately 4,900 employees, including approximately 400 persons
engaged through contract labor providers. Approximately 26 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Brazil, Norway and the U.K.
are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are
subject to annual salary negotiation. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased
operational restrictions as the outcome of such negotiations affect the market for all offshore employees not just the union members.
Note 18—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers
Operating segments—We operate in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services to our customers. The
location of our rigs and the allocation of our resources to build or upgrade rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.
Geographic analysis—Operating revenues by country were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Operating revenues
U.S.
Brazil
U.K.
Other countries (a)
Total operating revenues
$
$
1,527
335
288
823
2,973
$
$
1,977 $
453
551
1,180
4,161 $
2,416
673
1,139
3,158
7,386
(a) Other countries represent countries in which we operate that individually had operating revenues representing less than
10 percent of consolidated operating revenues earned.
Long-lived assets by country were as follows (in millions):
Long-lived assets
U.S.
Trinidad
Other countries (a)
Total long-lived assets
December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
7,541 $
2,563
7,298
17,402 $
6,181
3,977
10,935
21,093
(a) Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had long-lived assets representing less than
10 percent of consolidated long-lived assets.
Since the majority of our assets are mobile, the geographic locations of such assets at the end of the periods are not necessarily
indicative of the geographic distribution of the operating revenues generated by such assets during the periods. Although we are organized
under the laws of Switzerland, we do not conduct any operations and do not have operating revenues in Switzerland. At December 31, 2017
and 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of our long-lived assets located in Switzerland was less than $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
Our international operations are subject to certain political and other uncertainties, including risks of war and civil disturbances or
other market disrupting events, expropriation of equipment, repatriation of income or capital, taxation policies, and the general hazards
associated with certain areas in which we operate.
Major customers—For the year ended December 31, 2017, Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”),
Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”) and Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) accounted for approximately 29 percent,
17 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2016, Chevron, BP,
Shell and Petrobras accounted for approximately 24 percent, 12 percent, 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively, of our consolidated
AR-88
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
operating revenues from continuing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Chevron and Shell accounted for approximately
14 percent and 10 percent of our consolidated operating revenues.
Note 19—Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
2017
Operating revenues
Operating income (loss) (a)
Income (loss) from continuing operations (a)
Net income (loss) (a)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest (a)
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
2016
Operating revenues
Operating income (b)
Income from continuing operations (b)
Net income (b)
Net income attributable to controlling interest (b)
Per share earnings from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Three months ended
March 31,
June 30,
September 30,
December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
$
$
785
173
95
95
91
$
751 $
(1,544)
(1,679)
(1,679)
(1,690)
$
808
(1,145)
(1,411)
(1,411)
(1,417)
0.23
0.23
$
$
(4.32) $
(4.32) $
(3.62) $
(3.62) $
390
390
1,341
424
242
241
235
$
0.64
0.64
$
$
364
364
391
391
940 $
163
92
93
82
0.22 $
0.22 $
365
365
391
391
906
229
236
236
218
$
0.59
0.59
$
$
365
365
629
12
(102)
(102)
(111)
(0.28)
(0.28)
391
391
974
316
257
257
243
0.64
0.64
371
371
(a) Second quarter and third quarter included an aggregate loss of $1.4 billion associated with the impairment of certain drilling units classified as assets
held for sale. Second quarter included a loss of $94 million associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group. Second quarter
included a loss of $1.6 billion associated with the sale of 10 high-specification jackups and the novation of five high-specification jackups under
construction. First quarter, second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter included an aggregate loss of $55 million associated with the retirement of
debt.
(b) First quarter, second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter included an aggregate loss $41 million associated with the impairment of certain drilling
units classified as assets held for sale. Fourth quarter included a loss of $52 million associated with the impairment of our deepwater asset group.
Fourth quarter included income of $30 million associated with recoveries of previously incurred costs associated with the Macondo well incident.
Second quarter and third quarter included a gain of $38 million and $110 million, respectively, associated with the retirement of debt. See Note 5—
Drilling Fleet, Note 8—Debt and Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies.
Note 20—Subsequent Event
Business combination—On August 13, 2017, we entered into the Transaction Agreement with Songa pursuant to which we
agreed to offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Songa through the Offer in exchange for consideration per Songa share,
consisting of (i) 0.3572 newly issued shares of Transocean Ltd. and (ii) approximately $2.99726 principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable
Senior Bonds due January 2023 (the “Exchangeable Bonds”) to be issued by Transocean Inc., our wholly owned direct subsidiary and a
Cayman Islands exempted company. Additionally, each Songa shareholder could elect to receive a cash payment of NOK 47.50 per Songa
share up to a maximum of NOK 125,000 per shareholder in lieu of some or all of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise be
entitled to receive in the Offer.
We believe the acquisition of Songa strengthens and solidifies our position as a leader in harsh environment and ultra-deepwater
drilling services by adding significant high value assets, including four high-specification harsh environment floaters, supported by significant
contract backlog. Additionally, the acquisition strengthens our footprint in harsh environment operating areas and our existing relationship
with Statoil ASA.
In connection with the acquisition, shareholders at our extraordinary general meeting, on January 16, 2018, were requested to
consider the following: (1) the issuance of up to 68.6 million Transocean Ltd. shares, (2) an amendment of our articles of association to
create additional authorized share capital, (3) election of one new director to our board of directors and (4) issuance of consideration shares
AR-89
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
of our authorized share capital and our shares issuable upon exchange of the Exchangeable Bonds. On January 18, 2018, we announced
that shareholders at our extraordinary general meeting approved all proposals related to the Songa acquisition.
On January 30, 2018, we completed the acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa, and we issued
66.9 million shares with an aggregate market value of $735 million, equivalent to $10.99 per share, estimated based on the market value of
our shares on the date of issuance to shareholders of Songa as partial consideration for the acquired Songa shares. Additionally, we made
an aggregate cash payment of less than $1 million to Songa shareholders that elected to receive a cash payment.
We also issued an aggregate principal amount of $854 million of the Exchangeable Bonds as partial consideration for the
acquisition of the acquired Songa shares and partial settlement of certain Songa indebtedness. Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the
Exchangeable Bonds, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and rank equally with our other senior unsecured
debt. We will pay interest on the Exchangeable Bonds semiannually, commencing July 30, 2018. Holders of the Exchangeable Bonds may
convert the notes into shares of Transocean Ltd. under certain circumstances at a rate of 97.29756 shares per $1,000 note, equivalent to a
conversion price of $10.28 per share, subject to adjustment due to the occurrence of certain events.
By March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory
acquisition, which is available to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the compulsory acquisition, we expect to issue 1.6 million shares
and an aggregate principal amount of $13 million of the Exchangeable Bonds as consideration for the remaining Songa shares. We have
not completed our preliminary allocation of the acquisition price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed given the timing of the
acquisition date, on January 30, 2018, relative to the date of issuance of our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31,
2017.
AR-90
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
We have not had a change in or disagreement with our accountants within 24 months prior to the date of our most recent financial
statements or in any period subsequent to such date.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures—Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance
that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (1) accumulated and communicated to
our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure
and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and
Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end
of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.
Internal control over financial reporting—In our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2016, we identified and
disclosed a material weakness in the execution of our controls over the application of the accounting literature to the measurement of deferred
taxes. The material weakness was specifically related to the following: (1) the remeasurement of certain nonmonetary assets in Norway,
(2) the analysis of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans and effect on other comprehensive income and (3) the assessment of the
realizability of our deferred tax assets, and the need for valuation allowances.
To remediate the identified material weakness, we implemented the following improvements to enhance our overall financial control
environment: (1) we added additional personnel and external resources with the appropriate level of tax accounting expertise and invested
in additional technical tax accounting training, (2) we standardized our documentation and communication protocols and integrated our
processes within and between tax and other key departments, and (3) we expanded the use of systems and automated certain processes.
Prior to the issuance of this annual report, we successfully completed the testing of these enhanced controls and concluded that the material
weakness had been remediated as of December 31, 2017.
Except as described above, there has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended
December 31, 2017 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. See
“Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,”
included in Item 8 of this annual report.
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.
AR-91
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for
our 2018 annual general meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days of December 31, 2017. Certain information with respect to our
executive officers is set forth in Item 4 of this annual report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
AR-92
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
Index to Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
(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
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
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AR-51
AR-56
AR-57
AR-58
AR-59
AR-60
AR-61
Financial statements of unconsolidated subsidiaries are not presented herein because such subsidiaries do not meet the
significance test.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In millions)
Year ended December 31, 2015
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Year ended December 31, 2016
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Year ended December 31, 2017
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Additions
Balance at
beginning of
period
Charge to cost
and
expenses
Charge to
other
accounts
-describe
Deductions
-describe
Balance at
end of
period
$
$
$
$
14
109
409
— $
148
380
— $
62
10
— $
15
32
— $
—
—
14 (a) $
23 (b)
39 (c)
— $
—
—
$
—
10 (b)
—
— $
153
412
— $
24
162
— $
—
—
$
—
36 (b)
—
—
148
380
—
153
412
—
141
574
(a) Uncollectible accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries.
(b) Amount related to materials and supplies on rigs and related equipment sold or classified as held for sale.
(c) Amount related to deferred tax asset recorded for net operating losses with an offsetting valuation allowance.
AR-93
(3) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed or furnished herewith, as indicated, or incorporated by reference to the location indicated:
4.2
4.3
4.4
Number Description
2.1
Transaction Agreement, dated August 13, 2017, among Transocean Ltd.,
Transocean Inc. and Songa Offshore SE (schedules and exhibits have
been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K
and will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request).
2.2
Amendment No. 1 to Transaction Agreement, dated September 15, 2017,
among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Songa Offshore SE
2.3
Amendment No. 2 to Transaction Agreement, dated December 19, 2017,
among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Songa Offshore SE
3.1
Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd.
3.2
Organizational Regulations of Transocean Ltd., adopted November 18,
2016.
4.1
Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between Transocean Offshore Inc. and
Texas Commerce Bank National Association, as trustee
First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between
Transocean
Bank
and
National Association, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of
April 15, 1997
Offshore Inc.
Commerce
Texas
Location
Exhibit 2.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on August 15, 2017)
Exhibit 2.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 15, 2017
Exhibit 2.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 20, 2017
Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-38373) filed on January 30, 2018
Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on November 23, 2016
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30,
1997
Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30,
1997
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 1999 between
Transocean Offshore (Texas) Inc., Transocean Offshore Inc. and Chase
Bank of Texas, National Association, as trustee
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust
Company, N.A., as trustee
Exhibit 4.5
to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3
(Registration No. 333-59001-99) filed on June 29, 1999
Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008
4.5
Form of 7.45% Notes due April 15, 2027
4.6
Form of 8.00% Debentures due April 15, 2027
4.7
Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.50% Note due April 15,
2031
4.8
Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.375% Notes due 2018
4.9
4.10
4.11
Indenture dated as of September 1, 1997, between Global Marine Inc. and
Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt Securities of
Global Marine Inc.
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 23, 2000, between Global
Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt
Securities of Global Marine Inc.
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 20, 2001, between
Global Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to
Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.
4.12
Form of 7% Note Due 2028
4.13
Terms of 7% Note Due 2028
4.14
Senior
Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between
Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30,
1997
Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30,
1997
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on April 9,
2001
Exhibit 4.14 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2001
Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (No. 333-39033) filed on October 30, 1997
Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended
June 30, 2000
Exhibit 4.2 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended
December 31, 2004
Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 1-5471) filed on May 22, 1998
Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 1-5471) filed on May 22, 1998
Exhibit 4.36 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899)
the year ended
December 31, 2007
for
AR-94
Number Description
4.15
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between
Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2010, among
Bank,
Transocean Inc.
and Wells
Fargo
Transocean Ltd.,
National Association, as trustee
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2011, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2012, among
Bank,
Transocean Ltd.
and Wells
Fargo
Transocean Inc.,
National Association, as trustee
Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2014 among Transocean Inc., the lenders
parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent,
Citibank, N.A. and DNB Bank, ASA, New York Branch, as co-syndication
agents, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Crédit Agricole
Corporate
and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as co-documentation agents
Investment Bank
and
4.21
Guarantee Agreement dated June 30, 2014 among Transocean Ltd. and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent under the Credit
Agreement
4.22
Indenture, dated as of July 21, 2016, by and among Transocean Inc., the
Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
Indenture, dated as of October 19, 2016, by and among Transocean
Triton
Phoenix
Capital II GmbH and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Transocean Ltd.,
Transocean Inc.,
2 Limited,
Indenture, dated December 8, 2016, by and among Transocean
Fargo Bank,
and Wells
Guarantors
the
Proteus Limited,
National Association
Indenture dated as of October 17, 2017, by and among Transocean Inc.,
the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
dated
Indenture,
Transocean Inc.,
Transocean Ltd., as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company N.A.
and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as co-trustees
January 30,
among
2018,
4.27
Form of 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023
4.28
* 10.1
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2018, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc., and the security holders named therein
Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as
of February 12, 2009)
* 10.2
First Amendment to Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as
amended and restated as of February 12, 2009)
* 10.3
Deferred Compensation Plan of Transocean Offshore Inc., as amended
and restated effective January 1, 2000
* 10.4
GlobalSantaFe Corporation Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
effective January 1, 2001 and Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation
Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective November 20, 2001
* 10.5
Amendment to Transocean Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
10.6
Master Separation Agreement dated February 4, 2004 by and among
Transocean Inc., Transocean Holdings Inc. and TODCO
AR-95
Location
Exhibit 4.37 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899)
the year ended
December 31, 2007
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008)
for
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the quarter ended
September 30, 2010
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 5, 2011
for
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 13, 2012
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 2, 2014
Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 2, 2014
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 22, 2016
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (C
omission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 20, 2016
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 8, 2016
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 17, 2017
Exhibit 4.1 of Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-38373) filed on January 30, 2018
for
Exhibit A of Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-38373) filed on January 30,
2018
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-38373) filed on January 30, 2018
Exhibit 10.5 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on May 22, 2013
Exhibit 10.10 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year
ended December 31, 1999
Exhibit 10.33 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Annual Report
on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year
ended December 31, 2004
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 29, 2005
Exhibit 99.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on March 3, 2004
Number Description
10.7
Tax Sharing Agreement dated February 4, 2004 between Transocean
Holdings Inc. and TODCO
10.8
Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of February 4,
2004 between Transocean Holdings Inc. and TODCO
Location
Exhibit 99.3 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on March 3, 2004
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on November 30, 2006
* 10.9
Form of 2004 Performance-Based Nonqualified Share Option Award Letter Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
* 10.10
Form of 2004 Director Deferred Unit Award
* 10.11
Form of 2008 Director Deferred Unit Award
* 10.12
Form of 2009 Director Deferred Unit Award
* 10.13
Terms and Conditions of 2013 Director Deferred Unit Award
* 10.14
Terms and Conditions of 2014 Director Deferred Unit Award
* 10.15
Terms and Conditions of 2015 Director Restricted Share Unit Award
* 10.16
Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of Transocean Ltd.
* 10.17
Amendment
to Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of
Transocean Ltd.
* 10.18
Terms and Conditions of 2014 Executive Equity Award
* 10.19
Terms and Conditions of 2015 Executive Equity Award
* 10.20
Terms and Conditions of the July 2008 Nonqualified Share Option Award
* 10.21
Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Nonqualified Share Option
Award
* 10.22
Terms and Conditions of the February 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan
Award
* 10.23
Transocean Ltd. Incentive Recoupment Policy
10.24
Form of Novation Agreement dated as of November 27, 2007 by and among
GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
and certain executives
* 10.25
Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
10.26
First Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan
10.27
Second Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan
AR-96
for
for
for
for
for
for
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005
Exhibit 10.4 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005
Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2009
Exhibit 10.14 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.15 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.16 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.21 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2012
Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File
No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008
Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.28 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2011
Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2012
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007
for
for
for
for
for
for
Exhibit 10.18 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the year ended
December 31, 1991
Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended
June 30, 1995
Exhibit 10.37 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the year ended
December 31, 1996
Number Description
* 10.28
1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.29
Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan
10.30
Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan, dated December 1, 1999
* 10.31
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
10.32
First Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan
* 10.33
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option and
Incentive Plan
* 10.34
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan
* 10.35
GlobalSantaFe 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated
Effective June 7, 2005)
* 10.36
Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January 1, 2009
* 10.37
Transocean U.S. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended and
restated, effective as of November 27, 2007
* 10.38
GlobalSantaFe Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
* 10.39
Transocean U.S. Supplemental Savings Plan
10.40
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Transocean Ltd.
and each of its Directors and Executive Officers
* 10.41
Form of Assignment Memorandum for Executive Officers
10.42
Drilling Contract between Vastar Resources, Inc. and R&B Falcon
Drilling Co. dated December 9, 1998 with respect to Deepwater Horizon, as
amended
* 10.43
Executive Severance Benefit Policy
* 10.44
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.45
10.46
Term Sheet Agreement for a Transocean and PSC/DHEPDS Settlement,
dated May 20, 2015, among Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Transocean
Deepwater Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean
Holdings LLC, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in MDL 2179, and the
Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Class
Confidential Settlement Agreement, Mutual Releases and Agreement to
Indemnify, dated May 20, 2015, among Transocean Offshore Deepwater
Drilling Inc., Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Holdings LLC, Triton
Asset Leasing GmbH, BP Exploration and Production Inc. and BP America
Production Co.
AR-97
on
Location
GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement
Form S-8 (No. 333-7070) filed June 13, 1997
Exhibit 10.25 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended
December 31, 1998
Exhibit 10.33 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended
December 31, 1999
Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998
Exhibit 10.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended
June 30, 2000
Exhibit 4.8
of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-73878) filed on November 21,
2001
to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s definitive proxy
Exhibit A
statement (Commission File No. 001-14634) filed on March 21,
2001
Exhibit 10.4 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2005
Exhibit 10.41 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.11 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007
Exhibit 10.1 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2002
Exhibit 10.44 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2008
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on October 10, 2008
Exhibit 10.6 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 19, 2008
Exhibit 10.1
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarterly
period ended June 30, 2010
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on February 23, 2012
Annex B
(Commission File No. 001-53533) filed on March 23, 2015
Exhibit 10.3
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
to Transocean Ltd.’s definitive proxy statement
for
for
Exhibit 10.6
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
Number Description
10.47
Transocean Punitive Damages and Assigned Claims Settlement
Agreement, dated May 29, 2015, among Transocean Offshore Deepwater
Drilling Inc., Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Holdings LLC, Triton
Asset Leasing GmbH, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in MDL 2179, and
the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Class
Employment Agreement among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Offshore
* 10.48
Deepwater Drilling Inc. and John Stobart dated December 1, 2015
* 10.49
Employment Agreement with Jeremy D. Thigpen effective September 1,
2016
* 10.50
Employment Agreement with Mark L. Mey effective September 1, 2016
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
10.55
21
23.1
24
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
99.1
99.2
99.3
101
Pre-acceptance, dated August 13, 2017, between Transocean Ltd. and
Perestroika AS
Pre-acceptance, dated August 13, 2017, between Transocean Ltd. and
certain funds affiliated with Asia Research and Capital Management Ltd.
Form of Pre-acceptance among Transocean Ltd. and certain shareholders
of Songa Offshore SE
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Pre-acceptance among Transocean Ltd. and
certain shareholders of Songa Offshore SE
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Pre-acceptance among Transocean Ltd. and
certain shareholders of Songa Offshore SE
Subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Powers of Attorney
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Cooperation Guilty Plea Agreement by and among Transocean
Deepwater Inc., Transocean Ltd. and the United States
Consent Decree by and among Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Transocean
Holdings LLC, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean
Deepwater Inc. and the United States
Administrative Agreement by and among Transocean Deepwater Inc.,
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH,
Transocean Holdings, LLC and the United States Environmental Protection
Agency dated effective as of February 25, 2013
Interactive data files
*
Compensatory plan or arrangement
Location
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Exhibit 10.7
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
for
Exhibit 10.60 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2015
Exhibit 10.1
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-53533) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2016
Exhibit 10.2
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-53533) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2016
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s current report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on August 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s current report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on August 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s current report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on August 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s current report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s current report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 20, 2017
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Furnished with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Furnished with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Exhibit 99.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on January 3, 2013
Exhibit 99.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on January 3, 2013
Exhibit 99.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
the year ended
December 31, 2013
for
Filed with our annual report on Form 10-K.
Exhibits listed above as previously having been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein
by reference pursuant to Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and made a part hereof with the same effect as if filed with
our annual report on Form 10-K.
Certain instruments relating to our long-term debt and our subsidiaries have not been filed as exhibits since the total amount of
securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of our total assets and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
We agree to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the SEC upon request.
AR-98
Certain agreements filed as exhibits to this Report may contain representations and warranties by the parties to such agreements.
These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreements and (1) may be intended not
as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (2) may have
been qualified by certain disclosures that were made to other parties in connection with the negotiation of such agreements, which disclosures
are not reflected in such agreements, and (3) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as
material to investors.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned; thereunto duly authorized, on February 21, 2018.
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
By:
/s/ Mark L. Mey
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By:
/s/ David Tonnel
David Tonnel
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
AR-99
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons
on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on February 21, 2018.
Signature
*
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr
/s/ Jeremy D. Thigpen
Jeremy D. Thigpen
/s/ Mark L. Mey
Mark L. Mey
/s/ David Tonnel
David Tonnel
*
Glyn A. Barker
*
Vanessa C.L. Chang
*
Frederico F. Curado
*
Chad C. Deaton
*
Tan Ek Kia
*
Vincent J. Intrieri
*
Samuel Merksamer
*
Frederick W. Mohn
*
Edward R. Muller
By: /s/ David Tonnel
(Attorney-in-Fact)
Title
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Senior Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
AR-100
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Ernst & Young AG
Maagplatz 1
P.O. Box
8005 Zurich
Phone: +41 58 286 31 11
Fax: +41 58 286 30 04
www.ey.com/ch
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Zurich, February 21, 2018
Report of the statutory auditor on the financial statements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the financial statements of Transocean Ltd., which comprise the statement of operations, balance sheet
and notes (pages SR-3 to SR-11), for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Board of Directors’ Responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of Swiss law and
the company’s articles of incorporation. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining an internal control system
relevant to the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of
Directors is further responsible for selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are
reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with
Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to
the entity’s preparation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for
the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 comply with Swiss law and the company’s articles of
incorporation.
Report on Key Audit Matters based on the circular 1/2015 of the Federal Audit Oversight Authority
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of
the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For the matter below, our description of how our audit addressed
the matter is provided in that context.
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s responsibilities section of our report, including in relation to this matter.
Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement
of the financial statements. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the matter below, provide
the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial statements.
SR-1
Impairment assessment of investments in subsidiaries
Area of
emphasis
Transocean Ltd. evaluates its investments in subsidiaries for impairment annually and records an impairment loss
when the carrying amount of such assets exceeds the recoverable amount. The assessment of the existence of
any indicators of impairment of the carrying amount of investments in subsidiaries is judgmental. In the event that
indicators of impairment are identified, the assessment of the recoverable amounts is also judgmental and requires
estimation and the use of subjective assumptions.
Transocean Ltd. measures the recoverable amount of its investments in subsidiaries by applying a variety of
valuation methods, incorporating a combination of income and market approaches and using projected discounted
cash flows.
The primary risks are identifying impairment indicators, inaccurate models being used for the impairment
assessment, and that the assumptions to support the value of the investments are inappropriate. The principal
consideration for our determination that the impairment assessment of investments in subsidiaries is a key audit
matter is the subjectivity in the assessment of the recoverable amounts which requires estimation and the use of
subjective assumptions.
See note 3 to these financial statements for Transocean Ltd.’s disclosures related to investment in subsidiaries.
Our audit
response
Our audit procedures related to the key audit matter of the impairment assessment of investments in subsidiaries
included the following procedures:
We performed inquiries of management about the current market conditions supporting the evaluation of potential
impairment indicators, tested the key assumptions used, and performed procedures on Transocean Ltd.’s
prospective financial information.
We involved valuation specialists to assist in the evaluation of management’s valuation models and impairment
analyses, specifically in testing key assumptions and prospective financial information.
We performed procedures to assess the valuation models for evidence of management bias considering contrary
evidence from third party analyst reports and press releases.
Report on other legal requirements
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and independence (article 728 CO
and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our independence.
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists,
which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.
We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.
Ernst & Young Ltd.
/s/ Jolanda Dolente
Jolanda Dolente
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Jennifer Mathias
Jennifer Mathias
Certified public accountant
SR-2
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
CHF
CHF
1,401
5
1,406
1,495
27
1,522
28,408
27
(327 )
929
29,037
(440,372 )
—
1
47,979
24
8,149
8,167
64,319
—
(1,242 )
—
CHF
(468,002 )
CHF
(64,039 )
Income
Guarantee fee income
Financial income
Total income
Costs and expenses
General and administrative
Depreciation
(Gain) loss on currency exchange
Financial expense
Total costs and expenses
Loss on impairment
Loss on sale of subsidiary
Direct taxes
Net loss for the period
See accompanying notes.
SR-3
December 31,
2017
2016
CHF
CHF
3,455
6,416
6,818
16,689
16,793
8,576
881
26,250
6,114,795
6,555,167
1,382
1,353
29
1,446
1,389
57
1,436
6,116,260
CHF 6,132,949
100
6,555,324
CHF 6,581,574
CHF
CHF
25,449
309
5,107
30,865
52,157
—
52,157
39,480
11,403,842
71,639
32,104
1,572
21,628
55,304
7,344
997
8,341
39,480
11,403,893
71,588
(4,932,993 )
(64,039 )
(4,997,032 )
(468,002 )
6,049,927
CHF 6,132,949
6,517,929
CHF 6,581,574
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
Assets
Cash
Receivables from subsidiaries
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Accounts payable to subsidiaries
Interest payable to subsidiaries
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term interest bearing note payable to subsidiary
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Share capital
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
Statutory capital reserve from capital contribution for shares held by subsidiaries
Accumulated loss
Accumulated loss brought forward from previous years
Net loss for the period
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes.
SR-4
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—General
Transocean Ltd. (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is the parent company of Transocean Inc., Transocean Management Ltd.,
and Transocean Management Services GmbH., our wholly owned subsidiaries. Transocean Ltd. is registered with the commercial register
in the canton of Zug, and its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had less than
10 full-time employees.
Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies
Presentation—We have prepared our unconsolidated statutory financial statements in accordance with the accounting principles
as set out in Art. 957 to Art. 963b, of the Swiss Code of Obligations (the “CO”). Since we have prepared our consolidated financial statements
in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting standards, a recognized accounting standard, we have, in accordance with the CO,
elected to forego presenting the statement of cash flows, the additional disclosures and the management report otherwise required by the
CO. Our financial statements may be influenced by the creation and release of excess reserves.
Currency—We maintain our accounting records in U.S. dollars and translate them into Swiss francs for statutory reporting
purposes. We translate into Swiss francs our assets and liabilities that are denominated in non-Swiss currencies using the year-end currency
exchange rates, except prior-year transactions for our investments in subsidiaries and our shareholders’ equity, which are translated at
historical exchange rates. We translate into Swiss francs our income statement transactions that are denominated in non-Swiss currencies
using the average currency exchange rates for the year.
Our principal exchange rates were as follows:
CHF / USD
CHF / GBP
CHF / NOK
Average exchange rates
for the years ended
December 31,
Exchange rates
at December 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
0.99
1.26
0.12
0.98
1.35
0.12
0.97
1.31
0.12
1.02
1.26
0.12
We recognize realized currency exchange and translation gains and losses arising from business transactions and net unrealized
currency exchange and translation losses in current period earnings. We defer net unrealized currency exchange and translation gains and
record such deferred gains in other current liabilities.
Cash—We hold cash balances, denominated in Swiss francs and U.S. dollars, which include cash deposited in demand bank
accounts, money market investment accounts and other liquid investments and interest earned on such cash balances.
Current assets and liabilities—We record current assets at historical cost less adjustments for impairment of value and current
liabilities at historical cost.
Investments in subsidiaries—We record our investments in subsidiaries at acquisition cost less adjustments for impairment of
value. We evaluate our investments in subsidiaries for impairment annually and record an impairment loss when the carrying amount of
such assets exceeds the fair value. We estimate fair value of our investments using a variety of valuation methods, including the income
and market approaches. Our estimates of fair value represent a price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction
between market participants in the principal market for the asset.
Own shares—We recognize own shares at acquisition cost, which we present as a deduction from shareholders’ equity at the
time of acquisition. For own shares held by subsidiaries, we build a reserve for shares in equity at the respective acquisition costs.
Related parties—In the meaning of the CO, we consider related parties to be only shareholders, direct and indirect subsidiaries,
and the board of directors.
SR-5
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 3—Investment in Subsidiaries
Direct Investments—Our direct investments in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands, except percentages and share capital):
Company name
Purpose
Domicile
Ownership
and voting
interest
Share
capital
2017
Carrying amount as of December 31,
Transocean Inc.
Holding
Cayman Islands
100%
USD
0.01
CHF 6,114,687 CHF
Transocean Management Ltd.
Management and administration
Switzerland
Transocean Management Services GmbH
Management and administration
Switzerland
90%
90%
CHF 100.00
CHF
20.00
CHF
CHF
90
18
CHF
CHF
2016
6,555,059
90
18
On May 30, 2016, we sold Transocean Services AS to one of our indirect subsidiaries and, accordingly, it is no longer our direct
investment. On October 4, 2016, we contributed capital of CHF 18,000 for 90 percent quota to form Transocean Management
Services GmbH to perform management and administration services.
Impairments—In the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of our annual impairment test, we determined that the carrying
amounts of our investments in subsidiaries were impaired, and, as a result, we recognized an aggregate loss of CHF 440 million and released
excess reserves in amount of CHF 511 million associated with the impairment of our investment in Transocean Inc. In the year ended
December 31, 2016, as a result of our annual impairment test, we determined that the carrying amounts of our investments in subsidiaries
were not impaired.
Principal indirect investments—Our principal indirect investments in subsidiaries were as follows:
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Company name
Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc.
Global Marine Inc.
GSF Leasing Services GmbH
Sedco Forex Holdings Limited
Sedco Forex International Inc.
Transocean Conqueror Limited
Domicile
British Virgin Islands
United States
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l
Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited
Transocean Financing GmbH
Transocean Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC
Transocean Norway Drilling AS
Luxembourg
Scotland
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Hungary
Norway
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
United States
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Partners Holdings Limited
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited
Transocean Proteus Limited
Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH
Transocean Worldwide Inc.
Triton Asset Leasing GmbH
Triton Hungary Investments 1 LLC
Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Hungary
Switzerland
Ownership
and voting
interest
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Company name
Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc.
Global Marine Inc.
GSF Leasing Services GmbH
Sedco Forex Holdings Limited
Sedco Forex International Inc.
Domicile
British Virgin Islands
United States
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l
Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited
Transocean Financing GmbH
Transocean Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC
Transocean Norway Drilling AS
Luxembourg
Scotland
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Hungary
Norway
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
United States
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited
Cayman Islands
Transocean Partners Holdings Limited
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited
Transocean Proteus Limited
Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH
Transocean Worldwide Inc.
Triton Asset Leasing GmbH
Triton Hungary Investments 1 LLC
Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Hungary
Switzerland
Ownership
and voting
interest
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
In the year ended December 31, 2017, we formed Transocean Conqueror Limited in connection with the issuance of senior secured
notes. See Note 7— Guarantees and Commitments.
SR-6
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 4—Shareholders’ Equity
Overview—Changes in our shareholder’s equity were as follows (in thousands):
Share capital
Statutory capital reserves
Free reserves
Shares
Amount
from capital
contribution
from capital
contribution for
shares held by
subsidiaries
(a)
Dividend reserve
from capital
contribution
Accumulated
loss
Own shares
against capital
reserve from
capital
contribution
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at December 31, 2015
Reduction of share capital
Cancellation of own shares
Issuance of shares to subsidiary
Excess shares held by subsidiary
Own share transactions
Net loss
Balance at December 31, 2016
Own share transactions
Net loss
373,831 CHF
—
(2,863)
23,834
—
—
—
394,802 CHF
—
—
394,802 CHF
5,607,459 CHF
(5,313,414)
(256,949)
2,384
—
—
—
9,522,987 CHF
1,563,414
—
318,987
(1,292 )
(203 )
—
70,093 CHF
—
—
—
1,292
203
—
39,480 CHF 11,403,893 CHF
71,588 CHF
—
—
(51 )
—
51
—
— CHF
—
—
—
—
—
—
— CHF
—
—
(8,682,993 ) CHF
3,750,000
—
—
—
—
(64,039)
(4,997,032 ) CHF
—
(468,002)
(256,949 ) CHF
6,260,597
—
256,949
—
—
—
—
—
—
321,371
—
—
(64,039)
— CHF
6,517,929
—
—
—
(468,002)
39,480 CHF 11,403,842 CHF
Balance at December 31, 2017
_______________________
(a) The statutory capital reserve from capital contribution for shares held by subsidiaries represents the aggregate cost of own shares held indirectly by
Transocean Ltd. through Transocean Inc. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Transocean Inc. withheld 5,630 and 20,699 own
shares, respectively, through a broker arrangement and limited to statutory tax in satisfaction of withholding taxes due by our employees upon the
vesting of equity awards granted under our Long-Term Incentive Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate value of
own share transactions was CHF 51 thousand and CHF 203 thousand, respectively. See Note 5—Own Shares.
(5,465,034 ) CHF
71,639 CHF
6,049,927
— CHF
— CHF
Authorized share capital—In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an authorized share capital
in the amount of CHF 337 million, authorizing the issuance of a maximum of 22.5 million fully paid-in shares with a par value of CHF 15 per
share at any time until May 16, 2016. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the reduction
of the par value of each of our shares to CHF 0.10 from the original par value of CHF 15. Consequently, the previously approved authorized
share capital in the amount of CHF 337 million has been reduced to CHF 2 million, authorizing the issuance of a maximum of 22.2 million
fully paid-in shares with a par value of CHF 0.10 per share. In May 2016, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an
authorized share capital in the amount of CHF 2.2 million, authorizing the issuance of a maximum of 22.3 million fully paid-in shares with a
par value of CHF 0.10 per share at any time until May 12, 2018.
Conditional share capital—Our articles of association provide for a conditional share capital that permits us to issue up to
143.8 million additional shares without obtaining additional shareholder approval. The shares may be issued under the following
circumstances:
(1) through the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of shares granted in
connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets
or new or already existing contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares or the shares
of one of our group companies or any of their respective predecessors; or
(2) in connection with the issuance of shares, options or other share-based awards to directors, employees, contractors,
consultants or other persons providing services to us.
In connection with the issuance of bonds, notes, warrants or other financial instruments or contractual obligations that are
convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable for our registered shares, our board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the
advance subscription rights of shareholders under certain circumstances. In connection with the issuance of shares, options or other
share-based awards to directors, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to us, the preemptive rights and
the advance subscription rights of shareholders are excluded.
On July 31, 2016, we and TPHL entered into an option agreement, as amended on November 22, 2016, pursuant to which we
granted TPHL the right to acquire from us a number of our shares in connection with its merger with TPLLC, pursuant to which, the publicly
held common units of TPLLC not owned by TPHL were exchanged for the right to receive our shares. On December 6, 2016, TPHL exercised
its right to receive 23.8 million of our shares, which we issued from our conditional share capital, and paid to us USD 318 million, as required
under the option agreement. Following the completion of the merger, TPHL held 95,830 of our shares.
Qualified capital loss—As presented on our interim balance sheet, dated July 31, 2015, included in our proxy statement for our
extraordinary general meeting on October 29, 2015, we determined that our net assets cover less than 50 percent of our statutory share
capital and statutory capital reserves. Under Swiss law, the board of directors convened a general meeting of shareholders and proposed
SR-7
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
measures that remediate such capital loss. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting, our shareholders approved the
reduction of the par value of each of our shares to CHF 0.10 from the original par value of CHF 15.00 and allocated CHF 3.75 billion of the
aggregate par value reduction amount to reduce our accumulated net loss. Effective January 7, 2016, our qualified capital loss was
effectively remediated upon establishment of a public deed of compliance for our par value reduction and registration in the commercial
register.
Note 5—Own Shares
Overview—The following is a summary of changes in the registered shares (i) that were repurchased under our share repurchase
program for cancellation purposes, and (ii) held by Transocean Inc. and TPHL, to satisfy obligations under our share-based compensation
plans (in thousands, except percentages):
Balance at December 31, 2015
Transfers under share-based compensation plans
Cancellation of treasury shares
Issuance of shares under option agreement with subsidiary
Balance at December 31, 2016
Transfers under share-based compensation plans
Balance at December 31, 2017
Own
shares
Total shares
issued
Percentage of
shares issued
9,786
(1,589 )
(2,863 )
96
5,430
(1,880)
3,550
373,831
2.62%
394,802
394,802
1.38%
0.90%
Share repurchase program—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board
of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion,
equivalent to approximately USD 3.4 billion. At December 31 2015, we held 2.9 million of our shares, repurchased under the share
repurchase program, with an aggregate carrying amount of CHF 257 million. On October 29, 2015, at our extraordinary general meeting,
our shareholders approved the cancellation of all shares that had been repurchased under the share repurchase program. Effective
January 7, 2016, such shares were cancelled upon registration in the commercial register.
Shares held by subsidiaries—Transocean Inc. and TPHL hold our shares to satisfy our obligations to deliver shares in connection
with awards granted under our incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares. In the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we
transferred 1.9 million and 1.6 million shares, respectively, at historical cost, from the own shares held by Transocean Inc. to satisfy
obligations under our share-based compensation plans. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we received cash proceeds of
less than CHF 1 million, in connection with own shares transferred in exchange for equity awards exercised or withheld for taxes under our
share-based compensation plans.
Note 6—Share Ownership
Significant shareholders—Certain significant shareholders have reported to us that they held, directly or through their affiliates,
the following beneficial interests in excess of 5 percent of our issued share capital (in thousands, except percentages):
Name
BlackRock, Inc.
Vanguard
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Number of
shares
35,420
33,345
Percentage of
issued share
capital
9.10%
8.52%
Name
Vanguard
BlackRock, Inc.
State Street Corporation
Number of
shares
Percentage of
issued share
capital
39,972
22,962
19,715
10.27%
5.90%
5.06%
See Note 10—Subsequent Events.
Own shares—At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we held, indirectly through Transocean Inc. and TPHL, 3.6 million and 5.4 million
registered shares, respectively, representing 0.9 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, of our issued share capital. See Note 5—Own
Shares.
SR-8
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Shares held by board members—The number of shares held, including shares privately held, by members of our board of
directors were as follows:
Name
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chad Deaton
Tan Ek Kia
Vincent J. Intrieri
Martin B. McNamara
Samuel Merksamer
Edward R. Muller
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Total
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Vested
shares and
unvested
share units
82,753
71,761
69,455
60,013
66,755
69,523
55,253
108,276
65,989
85,139
1,115,235
1,850,152
Stock options
and stock
appreciation
rights
Vested
shares and
unvested
share units
Stock options
and stock
appreciation
rights
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
451,575
451,575
52,882
52,460
48,154
40,712
47,454
50,222
35,952
88,975
46,688
69,838
883,012
1,416,349
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,820
233,957
237,777
Shares held by the executive management team—Our executive management team consists of the President and Chief
Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
The number of shares held, including shares privately held, by members of our executive management team and their conditional rights to
receive shares under our share-based compensation plans were as follows:
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
John Stobart
Total
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2018
471,428
223,977
169,379
864,784
Number of
shares held
156,784
95,204
84,854
336,842
December 31, 2017
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2019
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2020
Total
shares and
share units
Number of
shares held
270,586
116,301
116,747
37,633
16,258
16,318
936,431
451,740
387,298
503,634
70,209
1,775,469
65,197
41,856
37,266
144,319
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2017
338,303
160,262
102,212
600,777
December 31, 2016
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2018
433,796
207,720
153,062
794,578
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2019
Total
shares and
share units
45,716
19,157
19,244
84,117
883,012
428,995
311,784
1,623,791
In each of the table above, the number of granted share units vesting in future years represents the vesting of previously granted
service awards and performance awards in the form of share units.
Stock options held by members of the executive management team—The members of our executive management team held
vested and unvested stock options as follows:
Number of
granted
stock options
vested and
outstanding
77,985
32,679
71,425
182,089
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2018
150,525
64,017
64,281
278,823
December 31, 2017
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2019
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2020
Total vested
and unvested
stock options
Number of
granted
stock options
vested and
outstanding
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2017
December 31, 2016
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2018
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2019
Total vested
and unvested
stock options
150,525
64,017
64,282
72,540
31,337
31,453
278,824
135,330
451,575
192,050
231,441
875,066
—
—
38,597
38,597
77,985
32,679
32,828
143,492
77,986
32,680
32,828
77,986
32,680
32,829
143,494
143,495
233,957
98,039
137,082
469,078
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
John Stobart
Total
Shares granted—We granted the following service awards and performance awards to members of our board, members of our
executive management team and employees:
Name
Board members
Executive management team
Employees
Total
December 31, 2017
Value
of
share units
Number of
share units
granted
203,580 CHF 2,134,778
8,381,144
559,932
91,086
6,910
770,422 CHF 10,607,008
December 31, 2016
Value
of
share units
Number of
share units
granted
212,777 CHF 1,928,824
757,053
7,866,743
25,011
211,038
994,841 CHF 10,006,605
SR-9
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Note 7—Guarantees and Commitments
Transocean Inc. and other indirect subsidiaries debt obligations—Transocean Inc., Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited (“TP2L”)
and Transocean Proteus Limited (“TPTL”) have each issued certain debt securities or entered into other debt instruments, including notes,
revolving credit facilities, debentures, surety bonds and letters of credit. We have guaranteed certain of these debt securities or other debt
instruments. With certain exceptions under the indentures of the senior secured notes issued by our subsidiaries, we are not subject to any
significant restrictions on our ability to obtain funds from our consolidated subsidiaries by dividends, loans or return of capital distributions.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of debt that we have guaranteed was USD 6.2 billion and USD 7.5 billion,
respectively, equivalent to approximately CHF 6.0 billion and CHF 7.6 billion, respectively. See Note 10—Subsequent Events.
Macondo well litigation settlement obligations—On January 3, 2013, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries reached
agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to resolve certain matters arising from the Macondo well incident. The agreements
included a criminal plea (the “Plea Agreement”), pursuant to which one of our subsidiaries pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of negligently
discharging oil in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, in violation of the U.S. Clean Water Act, and a civil consent decree (the “Consent Decree”), which
resolved certain claims by the DOJ, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and the U.S. Coast Guard against certain of our
subsidiaries (the “Transocean Defendants”) and certain incidents of noncompliance that were alleged by the U.S. Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Agency.
As part of this resolution, under the terms of the Plea Agreement and the Consent Decree, certain of our subsidiaries agreed to
pay USD 1.4 billion, equivalent to approximately CHF 1.3 billion, in fines, recoveries and civil penalties, excluding interest, payable in
installments through February 2017. We guaranteed the scheduled installments and other obligations required of the Transocean
Defendants under the Plea Agreement and the Consent Decree. In connection with our guarantee, the Transocean Defendants agreed to
pay to us a guarantee fee. The guarantee fee is paid annually, beginning on January 1, 2014 through 2018, and is equivalent to 1.76 percent
of the weighted average daily outstanding balance due by the Transocean Defendants over the prior year. In the years ended December 31,
2017 and 2016, we recognized guarantee fee income of less than CHF 1 million and CHF 2 million, respectively.
On February 25, 2013, certain of our subsidiaries (the “Respondents”) and the EPA entered into an administrative agreement (the
“EPA Agreement”). The EPA Agreement resolved all matters relating to suspension, debarment and statutory disqualification arising from
the matters contemplated by the Plea Agreement. We guaranteed the compliance obligations required of the Respondents under the EPA
Agreement. In 2016, Transocean approached the EPA Suspension and Debarment Division (“EPA SDD”) to request the early termination
of the EPA Agreement in light of Transocean’s successful performance of its obligations under the EPA Agreement. After discussions
between Transocean and the EPA SDD in 2016 and early 2017, the EPA Suspension and Debarment Official granted Transocean’s request.
The EPA Agreement was terminated effective as of June 21, 2017.
Norway tax investigations and trial—Norwegian civil tax authorities previously challenged certain transactions undertaken by
our subsidiaries in 1999, 2001 and 2002. On June 26, 2014, the Norwegian district court in Oslo ruled that our subsidiary was liable for the
civil tax assessment but waived all penalties and interest. On January 9, 2017, the Norwegian appeal court in Oslo ruled entirely in favor of
the Transocean subsidiaries and overturned the district court with respect to the remaining question of principal tax obligations. On
February 10, 2017, the tax authorities filed an appeal with the Norwegian Supreme Court. On June 16, 2017, the Norwegian Supreme Court
rejected the appeal, formally closing the dispute in favor of our subsidiaries.
Transocean Management Ltd. office lease obligation—Transocean Management Ltd., has a continuing lease obligation for its
former principal offices in Vernier, Switzerland. Under an uncommitted line of credit, Transocean Ltd. issued a surety bond in the full amount
of the lease obligation. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our guarantee for the Transocean Management Ltd. lease obligation was
CHF 460,000.
Note 8—Contingencies
U.S. Gulf of Mexico Macondo well incident—On April 22, 2010, the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Horizon, a rig owned and
operated by certain of our indirect wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Macondo Subsidiaries”), sank after a blowout of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico
Macondo well caused a fire and explosion on the rig off the coast of Louisiana. The Macondo Subsidiaries have been named in lawsuits
related to the Macondo well incident. A significant portion of the contingencies arising from the Macondo well incident has now been resolved
or is pending release of funds from escrow. We believe the most notable remaining claims against the Macondo Subsidiaries arising from
the Macondo well incident are the 30 settlement class opt outs from the PSC Settlement Agreement.
Federal securities claims—On September 30, 2010, a proposed federal securities class action was filed against us in the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New York. In the action, a former shareholder of the acquired company alleged that the joint proxy
statement relating to our shareholder meeting in connection with the merger with the acquired company violated various securities laws and
that the acquired company’s shareholders received inadequate consideration for their shares as a result of the alleged violations. On
March 11, 2014, the District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the claims as time-barred. Plaintiffs appealed to the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit”), but on March 17, 2016, the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal. Plaintiffs
filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on August 12, 2016. On June 27, 2017, the petition was denied and the
dismissal is now final.
SR-10
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Swiss value added tax—We are one of a group of Swiss entities, which are jointly and severally liable for the whole Swiss value
added tax amount due to the Swiss tax authorities by this group.
Note 9—Related Party Transactions
Transocean Inc. and Transocean Partners Holdings Limited—Transocean Inc. and TPHL hold our shares to satisfy, on our
behalf, our obligation to deliver shares in connection with awards granted under our incentive plans, warrants or other right to acquire our
shares. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Transocean Inc. and TPHL held 3.6 million and 5.4 million of our shares, respectively.
We and Transocean Inc., as the borrower and lender, respectively, entered into a credit agreement dated June 1, 2011,
establishing a USD 2.0 billion revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had borrowings of USD 53.2 million and
USD 7.2 million, respectively, equivalent to approximately CHF 52.2 million and CHF 7.3 million, respectively, outstanding under the
revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the variable interest rate on the outstanding borrowings was 2.50 percent and
2.25 percent, respectively.
Other subsidiaries—Our subsidiaries perform on our behalf certain general and administrative services, including executive
administration, procurement and payables, treasury and cash management, personnel and payroll, accounting and other administrative
functions. In the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized such costs of CHF 10 million and CHF 15 million, respectively,
recorded in general and administrative costs and expenses.
Note 10—Subsequent Events
Business combination— On August 13, 2017, we entered into the Transaction Agreement with Songa Offshore SE, a European
public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus (“Songa”), pursuant to which we agreed to offer
to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Songa through the Offer in exchange for consideration per Songa share, consisting of
(i) 0.3572 newly issued shares of Transocean Ltd. and (ii) approximately USD 2.99726 principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable Senior
Bonds due January 2023 (the “Exchangeable Bonds”) to be issued by Transocean Inc. Additionally, each Songa shareholder could elect to
receive a cash payment of NOK 47.50 per Songa share up to a maximum of NOK 125,000 per shareholder in lieu of some or all of the
consideration such shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive in the Offer.
In connection with the acquisition, shareholders at our extraordinary general meeting, on January 16, 2018, were requested to
consider the following: (1) the issuance of up to 68.6 million of our shares, (2) an amendment of our articles of association to create additional
authorized share capital, (3) election of one new director to our board of directors and (4) issuance of consideration shares of our authorized
share capital and our shares issuable upon exchange of the Exchangeable Bonds. On January 18, 2018, we announced that shareholders
at our extraordinary general meeting approved all proposals related to the Songa acquisition.
On January 30, 2018, we completed the acquisition of an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa, and we issued
66.9 million shares with an aggregate market value of USD 735 million, equivalent to USD 10.99 per share, estimated based on the market
value of our shares on the date of issuance to shareholders of Songa as partial consideration for the acquired Songa shares. Additionally,
we made an aggregate cash payment of less than USD 1 million to Songa shareholders that elected to receive a cash payment.
Transocean Inc. also issued an aggregate principal amount of USD 854 million of the Exchangeable Bonds as partial consideration
for the acquisition of the acquired Songa shares and partial settlement of certain Songa indebtedness. Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the
Exchangeable Bonds, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. Holders of the Exchangeable Bonds may convert the notes into
our shares under certain circumstances at a rate of 97.29756 shares per USD 1,000 note, equivalent to a conversion price of USD 10.28 per
share, subject to adjustment due to the occurrence of certain events.
By March 31, 2018, we expect to complete the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by us through a compulsory
acquisition, which is available to us under Cyprus law. In connection with the compulsory acquisition, we expect to issue 1.6 million shares
and Transocean Inc. is expected to issue an aggregate principal amount of USD 13 million of the Exchangeable Bonds as consideration for
the remaining Songa shares.
Significant shareholders—Subsequent to December 31, 2017, in connection with the Songa acquisition, we issued our shares
to Songa shareholders as partial consideration for their shares. As of January 31, 2018, as a result of the transaction, Frederick W. Mohn,
a newly elected member of our board of directors held, directly and indirectly through Perestroika AS, 31.1 million shares, which represented
approximately 6.74% of our issued capital, based on our 461.7 million total shares issued as of such date.
SR-11
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
PROPOSED APPROPRIATION OF THE ACCUMULATED LOSS
The board of directors proposes that shareholders at the annual general meeting in 2018 approve the following appropriation
(in thousands):
Balance brought forward from previous years
Reduction of par value
Net loss for the year
Total accumulated loss
Balance to be carried forward on this account
December 31,
2017
CHF
(4,997,032 ) CHF
—
(468,002 )
2016
(8,682,993)
3,750,000
(64,039)
(5,465,034 )
(4,997,032)
CHF
(5,465,034 ) CHF
(4,997,032)
Under Swiss law, the appropriation of available earnings or accumulated loss, as the case may be, as set forth in the Swiss
statutory financial statements must be submitted to shareholders for approval at each annual general meeting. The accumulated loss subject
to the vote of the Company’s shareholders at the 2018 Annual General Meeting is the accumulated loss of Transocean Ltd., on a standalone
basis.
Proposed Release of Statutory Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution to Free Capital Reserves from Capital
Contribution (in thousands)
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution, as of December 31, 2017
Less release to free capital reserves from capital contribution
Remaining statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
CHF 11,403,842
1,500,000
9,903,842
CHF
The Board of Directors proposes that (1) the accumulated loss of the Company be carried forward and (2) CHF 1,500,000,000 of
statutory capital reserves from capital contribution be released and allocated to free capital reserves from capital contribution.
SR-12
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LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION REPORT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.
We are a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of
February 19, 2018, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 47 mobile offshore
drilling units. In addition, we have two newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships under construction or under
contract to be constructed. The company also operates two high-specification jackups that were under drilling
contracts when the rigs were sold, and the company continues to operate these jackups until completion or
novation of the drilling contracts. We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling
business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe we
operate one of the most versatile offshore drilling fleets in the world.
Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RIG.
The symbols in the map above represent the company’s global market presence as of the February 19, 2018 Fleet Status Report.
The front cover features one of our high-specification, harsh environment semisubmersibles, the Transocean Barents, currently operating offshore
Eastern Canada. The back cover features another one of our high-specification, harsh environment semisubmersibles, the Transocean Spitsbergen,
ABOUT THE COVER
currently operating in the Norwegian North Sea.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements included in this Proxy Statement and 2017 Annual Report that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements
regarding future market trends and results of operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Such
statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties beyond our control and our actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking
statements.
819978ifc.indd 1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr.
Chairman
Transocean Ltd.
Glyn A. Barker
Former Vice Chairman – U.K.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Director and shareholder of EL & EL
Investments, a privately held real
estate investment business
Frederico F. Curado
Former President and
Chief Executive Officer
Embraer S.A.
Chadwick C. Deaton
Former Executive Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Edward R. Muller
Former Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President
GenOn Energy, Inc.
Vincent J. Intrieri
Founder and CEO of VDA Capital
Management LLC, a private
investment fund
Tan Ek Kia
Former Chairman
Shell Northeast Asia
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Transocean Ltd.
Samuel J. Merksamer
Former Managing Director
Icahn Capital LP
Frederik W. Mohn
Former Chairman Songa Offshore SE
Sole Owner and Managing Director
of Perestroika AS
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
John B. Stobart
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Performance Officer
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Registered Address
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
CH-6312
Steinhausen, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (41) 749-0500
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare
www.computershare.com
Online inquiries: www-us.computershare.com/investor/contact
Shareholder inquiries:
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000
1 877 397 7229
1 201 680 6570 (for callers outside the United States)
Overnight correspondence:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street
Suite 1600
Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000
Proxy solicitor
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, Texas
Swiss Auditor
Ernst & Young Ltd.
Zurich, Switzerland
Financial Information
Financial analysts and shareholders should visit the company’s website
at: www.deepwater.com, or call Investor Relations at +1 713 232 7500 for
information about Transocean Ltd.
NYSE Annual CEO Certification and Sarbanes-
Oxley Section 302 Certifications
We submitted the annual chief executive officer certification to the NYSE
as required under the corporate governance rules. We also filed the chief
executive officer certifications required under section 302 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 as an exhibit to our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stock Exchange Listing
Transocean Ltd. shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under
the symbol RIG. The following table represents the intraday high and low per-share
prices as reported on the NYSE for the periods indicated.
NYSE (USD)
2017
2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
HIGH
16.16
13.04
10.84
11.78
LOW
11.69
7.67
7.20
9.33
HIGH
13.48
12.05
13.03
16.66
LOW
7.67
8.34
8.68
9.10
Performance Graph1
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return of our
shares, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”), the Standard
& Poor’s MidCap 400 Index (“S&P MidCap 400”) and the Upstream Index
prepared by Simmons & Company International, Energy Specialists of Piper
Jaffray (“SCI”) over our last five fiscal years. In 2017, the Company moved to the
S&P MidCap 400 from the S&P 500 due to a market capitalization below $4.5
billion. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our shares, the S&P 500
and the S&P MidCap 400 on December 31, 2012, and that all dividends were
reinvested on the date of payment. The SCI represents the price movement
of the index.
Indexed Cumulative Total Shareholder Return
December 31, 2012 - December 31, 2017
250
200
150
100
50
0
S&P 500
S&P MidCap 400
SCI
RIG
31-Dec-12
31-Dec-13
31-Dec-14
31-Dec-15
31-Dec-16
31-Dec-17
DATE
S&P 500
S&P MidCap 400
SCI
RIG
DEC-12
DEC-13
DEC-14
DEC-15
DEC-16
DEC-17
$100
$100
$100
$100
$132
$134
$133
$114
$151
$147
$90
$46
$153
$143
$54
$33
$171
$173
$74
$39
$208
$201
$61
$28
1The above Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be
“filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the
Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we
specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
3/7/18 5:46 PM
OUR GLOBAL MARKET PRESENCEDeepwaterMidwaterUltra-Deepwater271226Harsh Environment
www.deepwater.com
2018 Annual General Meeting
and Proxy Statement
2017 Annual Report
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