T
r
a
n
s
o
c
e
a
n
L
t
d
.
•
2
0
2
1
A
N
N
U
A
L
G
E
N
E
R
A
L
M
E
E
T
I
N
G
A
N
D
P
R
O
X
Y
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
•
2
0
2
0
A
N
N
U
A
L
R
E
P
O
R
T
2021 Annual General Meeting
and Proxy Statement
2020 Annual Report
C
O
N
T
E
N
T
S
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE OF 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION REPORT
2020 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.
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 with a particular
focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and operates one of the most versatile
offshore drilling fleets in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in, and operates a fleet
of 37 mobile offshore drilling units consisting of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters.
In addition, Transocean is constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships. 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 12, 2021 Fleet Status Report.
ABOUT THE COVER
The front cover features two of our crewmembers onboard the Deepwater Conqueror in the Gulf of Mexico and was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, our priorities remain keeping our employees, customers, contractors and their families healthy and safe, and delivering incident-free
operations to our customers worldwide.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements included in this Proxy Statement and 2020 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.
OUR GLOBAL MARKET PRESENCEUltra-Deepwater2710Harsh Environment TO THE OWNERS OF OUR COMPANY:
Adversity provides unique opportunities for us all to challenge the status quo, innovate and galvanize positive
change. Since the start of 2020, COVID-19 and other events have offered more than their share of adversity.
Throughout this time, our team of professionals has kept our core values as guiding principles for our direction
and we have collectively risen to the occasion. In 2020, Transocean changed in ways that we believe will serve
as the foundation for future success, delivering exceptional results in the face of a global pandemic. We enter
2021 in a strong position, more committed than ever to continuing to deliver the superior level of performance
all of our stakeholders expect and deserve.
While we remain pragmatic as we continue to respond and adapt to the effects of the ongoing pandemic, we
recognize the tireless dedication and incredible creativity of our employees who keep our rigs operating on
behalf of our customers. As we continue to develop and innovate, we also continue to take the necessary
actions to preserve and enhance liquidity as we have done in the past, including delivering best-in-class backlog
conversion, further improving our cost structure to fit our evolving active fleet, quickly cold-stacking or scrapping
unmarketable assets, and executing timely and opportunistic capital markets transactions.
In recent years, our disciplined approach to preserving and enhancing liquidity has allowed us to transform our
ultra-deepwater and harsh environment fleet, dropping the average age of our floaters to nine years from
21 years through strategic additions and subtractions. In 2020 alone, we retired or sold seven older, less
competitive rigs. These ongoing efforts have resulted in Transocean continuing to maintain our leadership
position among offshore drillers.
THIS NEWER, YOUNGER, HIGHER-SPECIFICATION FLEET OF 37 FLOATERS, WITH TWO MORE STILL
UNDER CONSTRUCTION, OFFERS OUR CUSTOMERS SAFER, CLEANER, MORE EFFICIENT
OPERATIONS AND ALLOWED TRANSOCEAN, IN 2020, TO DELIVER UPTIME PERFORMANCE TO OUR
CUSTOMERS THAT EXCEEDED 97%.
While we own and operate some of the industry’s most advanced rigs, we continued to make strategic
technology upgrades during 2020, including the addition of Smart Equipment Analytics (“SEA”) on 19 of our
rigs. SEA provides us with real-time equipment and operating data, enabling us to quickly evaluate rig
performance and respond as necessary to keep our rigs operating at optimal levels. SEA also provides fleet-
wide awareness of power consumption and emissions, allowing us to deliver our vital services, while reducing
our impact on the environment. Furthermore, during 2020, we deployed the offshore drilling industry’s first
safety system, HaloGuardSM, that integrates a wearable locating device with drill floor equipment and machine
stoppage controls. HaloGuardSM combines a wearable alarm and a real-time location transmitter together with
a machine vision system that is designed to track the position of personnel on the drill floor and key drill floor
equipment while operating and, if needed, stop the equipment from operating. This system provides an
advanced layer of individual protection on the drill floor for our crew. We have fully installed the system on one
rig operating in the Gulf of Mexico, and we plan to install HaloGuardSM systems on six more rigs during 2021.
This system is an example of how we have prioritized providing a safe and healthy work environment for our
people by utilizing the most advanced technologies available.
In 2020, we were able to deliver a total recordable incident rate of 0.24, the second lowest in our company’s
60-plus year history. And remarkably, amid the pandemic, due to our employees’ professionalism, dedication,
flexibility and resilience, we delivered adjusted revenue of approximately $3.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of
approximately $1.2 billion, all without a single lost time incident.
OUR RESILIENCE AND CREATIVITY THROUGHOUT 2020 IS ALSO EVIDENCED BY OUR LIQUIDITY
IMPROVEMENT THROUGH THE REDUCTION IN OUR DEBT AND INTEREST COST TO MATURITY BY
MORE THAN $1 BILLION AND $100 MILLION, RESPECTIVELY, RESULTING FROM A SERIES OF
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AND STRATEGIC LIABILITY MANAGEMENT TRANSACTIONS.
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
As we have demonstrated over the last several years, our finance and legal teams have proven we can
successfully execute fiscally responsible transactions to further our strategic goals. In 2021, we will continue to
be proactive in managing our balance sheet in a way that enables us to continue to invest in our people, our
assets and the development of new and differentiating technologies. While we take some comfort in our
approximately $7.8 billion backlog, we remain pragmatic, recognizing the challenges to the industry and,
specifically, those that Transocean will continue to face in the near-term. Transocean remains in an
advantageous position relative to other offshore drillers, many of whom are in, or have recently emerged from,
bankruptcy. Instead, we believe we have the liquidity to continue to prudently invest in our business; and
importantly, we are able to maintain a singular focus on delivering best-in-class operations to our customers.
We expect that a full-scale recovery in the deepwater offshore market will not likely begin before the middle of
this year, at the earliest. However, as the commodity markets have begun to stabilize, we have confidence that
our customers will be ready to increase their offshore activity in the years to come. We remain encouraged by
the emergence of multiple opportunities for work in offshore markets across the globe in 2021 and beyond.
And, we are pleased to be entering the year with some meaningful contracts and extensions signed in 2020:
We signed a conditional agreement with Beacon Offshore Energy to drill the Shenandoah prospect in
the Gulf of Mexico with the newbuild Deepwater Atlas. Upon sanctioning, the project will require a
20,000 psi well control system, making the Deepwater Atlas our second 20,000 psi capable drillship.
We extended the contracts with Petrobras for the Deepwater Mykonos and Deepwater Corcovado by
680 days and 815 days, respectively.
AS AN INTEGRAL PARTICIPANT IN THE PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY, WE MUST
CONTINUE TO OPERATE WITH INTEGRITY, DISCIPLINE AND AN UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT FOR
OUR PEOPLE, OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR PLANET.
We must continue to adapt and sharpen our focus on responsible operations that help meet the cyclical and
dynamic energy demands of global and regional economies. As part of this focus, we continue to formally
integrate our sustainability efforts into our corporate strategy and business execution plans. At the end of 2020,
we introduced our Human Rights Policy and published our third sustainability report.
At our 2020 Annual General Meeting, our shareholders approved the addition of a second woman to our Board
of Directors, and at this year’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, we are nominating a third woman to our Board
of Directors. These individuals join a Board that is highly experienced, well-credentialed and sharply focused
on shareholder value.
In closing, we are exceptionally grateful for and proud of our employees’ dedication, flexibility, strength and
resilience during this challenging time. We will continue to overcome the challenges before us and use adversity
to change for the better. On behalf of our entire team at Transocean, we thank our shareholders for your
continued support and trust. We look forward to continuing our leadership role in fulfilling the world’s energy
needs.
CHADWICK C. DEATON
Chair of the Board of
Directors
JEREMY D. THIGPEN
President and Chief Executive
Officer
April 7, 2021
]
CONTENTS
P-ii
P-iv
P-1
P-6
P-7
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
P-12 AGENDA ITEM 1. APPROVAL OF THE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT, INCLUDING THE AUDITED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF TRANSOCEAN LTD. FOR FISCAL YEAR
2020 AND THE AUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF TRANSOCEAN
LTD. FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
P-14 AGENDA ITEM 2. DISCHARGE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM FROM LIABILITY FOR ACTIVITIES DURING FISCAL
YEAR 2020
P-15 AGENDA ITEM 3. APPROPRIATION OF ACCUMULATED LOSS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 AND RELEASE
OF CHF 8.0 BILLION OF STATUTORY CAPITAL RESERVES FROM CAPITAL
CONTRIBUTION AND ALLOCATION TO FREE CAPITAL RESERVES FROM CAPITAL
CONTRIBUTION
P-16 AGENDA ITEM 4. RENEWAL OF SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE
P-18 AGENDA ITEM 5. ELECTION OF 11 DIRECTORS, EACH FOR A TERM EXTENDING UNTIL COMPLETION
OF THE NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
P-33 SKILLS & EXPERIENCE MATRIX FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
P-35 AGENDA ITEM 6. ELECTION OF THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A TERM EXTENDING
UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
P-36 AGENDA ITEM 7. ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, EACH FOR A
TERM EXTENDING UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
P-37 AGENDA ITEM 8. ELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT PROXY FOR A TERM EXTENDING UNTIL
COMPLETION OF THE NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
P-38 AGENDA ITEM 9. APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND ELECTION
OF ERNST & YOUNG LTD, ZURICH, AS THE COMPANY’S AUDITOR FOR A FURTHER
ONE-YEAR TERM
P-40 AGENDA ITEM 10. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
P-42 AGENDA ITEM 11. PROSPECTIVE VOTES ON THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS AND THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
P-47 AGENDA ITEM 12. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE TRANSOCEAN LTD. 2015
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
P-55 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
P-65 BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
P-72 2020 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
P-73 AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
P-75 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
P-76 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
P-77 COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
P-100 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
P-101 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
P-110 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
P-111 OTHER MATTERS
A-1
APPENDIX A – NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX B – PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF TRANSOCEAN LTD. 2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
B-1
AN-1 ANNEX A – AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5 OF THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Transocean 2021 i Proxy Statement
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
The 2021 Annual General Meeting of the shareholders (the “2021 Annual General Meeting”) of Transocean
Ltd. (the “Company”) will be held:
9
WHEN
Thursday, May 27, 2021
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
WHERE
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
Information regarding the matters to be acted upon at the meeting is set forth in the attached invitation to the
2021 Annual General Meeting and the proxy statement, which is available at: www.deepwater.com by selecting
Financial Reports, then Annual and Quarterly Reports in the dropdown menu of the Investors section.
At the 2021 Annual General Meeting, we will ask you to vote on the following items:
AGENDA
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
FOR MORE
INFORMATION,
SEE PAGE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Approval of the 2020 Annual Report, Including the Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of Transocean Ltd. for
Fiscal Year 2020 and the Audited Statutory Financial
Statements of Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2020
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and
Executive Management Team from Liability for Activities
During Fiscal Year 2020
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2020
And Release of CHF 8.0 Billion of Statutory Capital
Reserves from Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free
Capital Reserves from Capital Contribution
Renewal of Shares Authorized for Issuance
Election of 11 Directors, Each for a Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next Annual General Meeting
Election of the Chair 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
Election 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 2021 and Election of Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich,
as the Company’s Auditor for a Further One-Year Term
✓
FOR
✓
FOR
✓
FOR
FOR
FOR
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
FOR
P-35
✓
FOR
P-36
FOR
P-37
FOR
P-12
P-14
P-15
P-16
P-18
P-38
P-40
10
Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer
Compensation
✓
FOR
Transocean 2019 ii Proxy Statement
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
11
12
Prospective Votes on the Maximum Compensation of the
Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team
Approval of Amendment and Restatement of the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
FOR
P-42
FOR
P-47
✓
✓
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. If you are a shareholder registered in
our share register, you may submit voting instructions electronically over the internet, by telephone 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.
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 April 1, 2021. 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, by telephone 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 May 10, 2021, and who were not registered as of April 1, 2021. The Notice or proxy
statement and form of proxy, as appropriate, are first being mailed or sent, as appropriate, to shareholders on
or about April 7, 2021.
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.
Due to the extraordinary situation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Annual General
Meeting will not take place in the usual format. In accordance with the Swiss Federal Council Ordinance 3 of
June 19, 2020 on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus, as amended (the “COVID-19 Ordinance 3”),
shareholders will not be permitted to attend the meeting in person. Shareholders and beneficial owners of our
shares must therefore exercise their voting rights only by giving voting instructions to the independent proxy or
its substitute by internet, telephone or mail, as described above, or by giving the independent proxy or its
substitute proxy card voting instruction, as further described in this proxy statement. We look forward to
welcoming shareholders in person at general meetings of shareholders that take place following the 2021
Annual General Meeting, consistent with our long-standing practice.
Thank you in advance for your vote.
Sincerely,
CHADWICK C. DEATON
Chair of the Board of
Directors
JEREMY D. THIGPEN
President and Chief Executive
Officer
April 7, 2021
Transocean 2021 iii Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DETAILS
9
WHEN
Thursday, May 27, 2021
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
VOTING INFORMATION
WHERE
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
RECORD DATE
May 10, 2021
BY PHONE
BY INTERNET
BY MAIL
Registered
Holders
(shares are
registered in
your own
name)
On a touch-tone
Go to
telephone, call toll-free:
+1 (800) 690-6903 24/7,
and follow the
instructions.
You will need the
12-digit control number
that is included in the
voting instructions form
that is sent to you.
You will be able to
confirm that the
telephonic system has
properly recorded your
votes.
www.proxyvote.com
24/7, and follow the
instructions.
You will need the
12-digit control number
that is included in the
voting instructions form
that is sent to you.
The internet system
allows you to confirm
that the system has
properly recorded your
voting instructions.
Beneficial
Owners
(shares are
held “in street
name” in a
stock
brokerage
account or by
a bank,
nominee or
other holder
of record)
On a touch-tone
Go to
telephone, call toll-free:
+1 (800) 690-6903 24/7,
and follow the
instructions.
You will need the
12-digit control number
that is included in the
voting instructions form
that is sent to you.
You will be able to
confirm that the
telephonic system has
properly recorded your
votes.
www.proxyvote.com
24/7, and follow the
instructions.
You will need the
12-digit control number
that is included in the
voting instruction form
that is sent to you.
The internet system
allows you to confirm
that the system has
properly recorded your
voting instructions.
Complete, date,
sign and return
your proxy card
in the postage-
paid envelope.
Do not mail the
proxy card if you
are submitting
voting
instructions over
the internet.
Complete, date,
sign and return
your voting
information form.
Do not mail the
voting instruction
form if you are
submitting voting
instructions over
the internet or by
telephone.
BY MOBILE
DEVICE
Scan the QR
code, which
can be found
on your voting
instructions
form that is
sent to you.
Scan the QR
code, which
can be found
on your voting
instructions
form that is
sent to you.
Transocean 2021 iv Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
While shareholders will not attend the 2021 Annual General Meeting in person, as explained below, we
encourage you to vote as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 27, 2021
Our proxy statement and 2020 Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com or on our website
investor.deepwater.com under “Financial Reports ― Annual and Quarterly Reports.” Information contained
on or accessible from our website is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and should not
be considered a part of this report or any other filing that we make with the SEC. Furthermore, references
to our website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Shareholders registered in our share register on the record date have the right to vote their shares at the 2021
Annual General Meeting. Such shareholders may designate proxies to vote their shares by submitting their
proxy electronically over the internet, by telephone 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.
All dollar figures in this proxy statement are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise denoted.
Transocean 2021 v Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
COMPANY OVERVIEW AND 2020 STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE
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 with a particular
focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and believes that it operates the highest
specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.
Transocean’s fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units consists of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh
environment floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships. The below graphic
shows the global market presence of our fleet as of our Fleet Status Report issued on February 12, 2021.
With the offshore industry’s highest specification floating fleet, and a steadfast focus on incident-free operations
and superior well construction, we believe that we are best-positioned to support our customers in the delivery of
their operational and business objectives, which will ultimately translate into solid returns for our shareholders.
We are proud of our employees’ resolve as we have overcome the challenges of 2020. By any measure, we
have delivered industry-leading results throughout some of the most difficult days of the offshore drilling
industry’s history. As a result of the constraints and challenges imposed on our business by the global pandemic
during this past year, we have innovated, adapted and delivered meaningful change across our organization.
In 2020, we delivered the best overall operational performance for any single year in the history of Transocean.
Importantly, we also delivered a total recordable incident rate of 0.24, the second lowest in our company’s
history. Even more remarkably, we achieved this with no lost time incidents. We also delivered over 97% uptime
across our global fleet, which marked a new best for Transocean. Importantly, we delivered this result with a
fleet of floaters that are focused exclusively on ultra-deepwater and harsh operations, which present the most
challenging operational conditions. We believe demand for hydrocarbons will increase as vaccine distribution
continues and the global economy recovers from the pandemic. Our priorities are unchanged: keep our
Transocean 2021 vi Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
employees, customers, contractors and their families healthy and safe, and deliver incident-free operations to
our customers worldwide. Our team’s dedication is truly remarkable.
NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As the market leader in offshore drilling, Transocean has proven that it attracts the most qualified leadership
and management team in the industry. The current terms of all of our directors will expire at the annual meeting,
including Tan Ek Kia, a current director who is not a nominee for re-election. Mr. Tan has decided not to stand
for re-election and will retire from the Board when his term expires at the 2021 Annual General Meeting. The
Board of Directors extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Tan for his ten years of service and many contributions to
the Company’s success.
At our 2020 Annual General Meeting, our shareholders elected Diane de Saint Victor to our Board of Directors,
and as described in our proxy statement, we are pleased to nominate Ms. de Saint Victor for re-election to the
Board. We are also pleased to nominate a new candidate to the Board of Directors for election at the 2021
Annual General Meeting: Margareth Øvrum, who has nearly 40 years of experience in the energy industry and
most recently served as Executive Vice President of Equinor ASA, Development and Production Brazil. If
elected, Ms. Øvrum will be the third new member added to our Board since 2018 and will contribute to the
diversity of experience, background and tenure of our directors. Each of our director nominees has a proven
record of success and high integrity, and is committed to advancing the interests of shareholders and increasing
the Company’s sustainability efforts.
During 2020, each of our current directors attended 100% of the Board of Directors’ meetings and committee
meetings on which he or she served during his or her elected term, except for Mr. Mohn, whose attendance at
one Board Meeting was excused due to a potential conflict of interest associated with his ownership of debt
securities issued by a subsidiary of the Company, as further described in this proxy statement.
Additional information regarding the director nominees for election is provided below and under Agenda Item 5.
GENDER DIVERSITY
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
3 of 10
are
women
30%
2 of 10
ethnically
diverse
20%
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
6 of 10
non-U.S.
citizens
60%
Transocean 2021 vii Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
DIRECTORS FOR ELECTION
DIRECTOR
SINCE
AGE
INDEPENDENT AUDIT COMPENSATION FINANCE
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEES
HEALTH, SAFETY,
ENVIRONMENTAL
AND
SUSTAINABILITY
OTHER
CURRENT
PUBLIC
COMPANY
BOARDS
Glyn A. Barker
Former Vice Chair-U.K.,
PwC LLP
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Former Director and
Shareholder of EL & EL
Investments
Frederico F. Curado
CEO, Ultrapar S.A.
67
2012 ✓
68
2012 ✓
59
2013 ✓
Chadwick C. Deaton
Former Executive Chair
and CEO, Baker Hughes
Incorporated
68
2012 ✓
Vincent J. Intrieri
Founder and CEO, VDA
Capital Management LLC 64
2014 ✓
Samuel J. Merksamer
Partner, Caligan
Partners, L.P.
Frederik W. Mohn
Owner and Managing
Director, Perestroika;
former Director and
Chair, Songa Offshore SE
Edward R. Muller
Former Chair and CEO,
GenOn Energy, Inc.;
former Vice Chair, NRG
Energy, Inc.
Margareth Øvrum
Former Executive Vice
President for Equinor
Development and
Production Brazil
Diane de Saint Victor
Former Company
Secretary of ABB Ltd,
Switzerland
40
2013 ✓
44
2018 ✓
69
2008 ✓
62 Nominee ✓
66 2020 ✓
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and CEO,
Transocean Ltd.
46 2015
2
2
1
2
2
0
0
1
3
1
0
MEETINGS IN 2020: BOARD: 5
BOARD AND COMMITTEES: 30
Committee
Chair
Committee
Member
8
4
5
4
4
Audit Committee
financial expert (SEC
and NYSE)
✓
Independent, as determined by the
Board of Directors in accordance
with applicable rules and regulations
Transocean 2021 viii Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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 Chair 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 elect Chadwick C. Deaton as Chair of the Board of Directors (Agenda Item 6) and Glyn A.
Barker, Vanessa C.L. Chang and Samuel J. Merksamer as members of the Compensation Committee (Agenda
Item 7) to serve until completion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the shareholders (the “2022 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 Chair 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 2021 Annual General Meeting. Swiss companies may only appoint
an independent proxy for these purposes. At the 2020 Annual General Meeting, shareholders elected
Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat to serve as our independent proxy for a term extending until the completion of
the 2021 Annual General Meeting. Agenda Item 8 asks that you again elect this firm to act as the independent
proxy for the 2022 Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the
Company that may be held prior to the 2022 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 2021 Annual General
Meeting and the 2022 Annual General Meeting (Agenda Item 11A) and the maximum aggregate amount of
compensation of the Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2022 (Agenda Item 11B). The shareholder
vote is binding.
GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our Board is committed to strong corporate governance in order to promote long-term shareholder interests
and strengthen Board and management accountability. The Board continues to monitor evolving governance
standards and enhance our governance practices to serve Transocean shareholders. Key features of the
Company’s corporate governance program include:
Independent Board Chair
Highly independent Board and Committees
Annual director elections
One share, one vote – no dual-class stock
Shareholder right to call special meetings
Shareholder proxy access
Annual performance evaluations of the Board, the Committees and individual directors
Retirement age and term limits
No poison pill
No hedging or pledging company stock by directors or executives
No blank check preferred stock
Transocean 2021 ix Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
ACTIVE SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
As part of our ongoing shareholder engagement program, our Board of Directors and Management team are
committed to meeting with our shareholders and incorporating their feedback into our decision-making
processes. We began 2020 with our regular cadence of investor outreach that included in-person conferences,
meetings, and phone calls, while we monitored the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with
appropriate safety protocols, our management team quickly adjusted our engagement with shareholders to
utilize virtual platforms that included video meetings and calls. During 2020, we attended more than 12 virtual
conferences or sell side events, which allowed us to engage and maintain a dialogue with our shareholders on
topics, including environment, social and governance-focused (“ESG”) outreach and engagement, in a
meaningful and substantive way, and with a frequency that is generally consistent with pre-COVID-19 levels.
Participants in many of the engagements included our Chief Executive Officer and Independent Chair of the
Board, and members of executive management. In late 2020, we engaged with shareholders representing
approximately 20% of our outstanding shares to discuss recent developments and to solicit investor feedback
on our corporate governance and sustainability practices. All feedback received during our engagements has
been shared directly with the Board and has helped inform material governance, compensation, sustainability
and information security considerations.
KEY FEATURES OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Our executive compensation program reflects our commitment to retain and attract highly qualified executives
and align our executives’ pay with performance. 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 our management team for delivering superior financial, safety and operational
performance, each of which is important to the long-term success of the Company. Our executive compensation
Transocean 2021 x Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
program includes features that align the interests of our senior management with those of our shareholders and
excludes features that may result in misalignment.
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DON’T DO
✓ Conduct an annual review of our compensation
Allow our executives to hedge, sell short or
strategy, including a review of our
compensation-related risk profile
✓ Mandate meaningful share ownership
requirements for our executives
✓ Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the
forfeiture, recovery or adjustment of incentive
compensation (cash and equity)
✓ Base annual and long-term incentive payments
on quantitative, formulaic metrics
✓ Maintain compensation plans that are weighted
significantly toward variable pay to align our
executive compensation with long-term
shareholder interests
✓ Link long-term incentive compensation to
relative performance metrics to motivate strong
performance
✓ Deliver at least 50% of long-term incentives in
performance-based awards
✓ Retain an independent consultant who is
retained by and reports only to our
Compensation Committee (not management)
✓ Maintain double trigger change-in-control
provisions
hold derivative instruments tied to our shares
(other than derivative instruments issued by
us)
Allow our executives or directors to pledge
Company shares
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, in exchange for
covenants that protect the Company
Provide gross-ups for severance payments
Guarantee salary increases, non-performance
based bonuses or unrestricted equity
compensation
Provide any payments or reimbursements for
tax equalization
Pay dividends or dividend equivalents on
performance-based equity that has not vested
Offer executive perquisites
Transocean 2021 xi Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS
Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and declines in the energy sector, Transocean has
continued to focus on responsibly fulfilling our role in meeting the world’s energy needs while protecting our
employees, safely operating our rigs and delivering value to our stakeholders. Our approach to managing
environmental impact is driven by our pursuit of ever-greater operational efficiency to reduce our carbon
footprint. To read more about sustainability at Transocean, please visit our website, www.deepwater.com,
where you can access our latest sustainability report and other ESG materials.
Our Board of Directors oversees our sustainability program and monitors our progress through
regular updates from management.
We are working to align our ESG reporting with the Sustainability Accounting Standards
Board (SASB) standard, and are focused on how we can come into alignment with global initiatives,
such as the Paris Climate Accord.
We have leveraged our proprietary performance dashboard to improve the safety, reliability and
efficiency of our operations. This includes best practices to reduce fuel usage and lower emissions.
We continue to identify, develop and implement technologies that enhance personnel safety, such
as our patented HaloGuard℠ system, which tracks personnel and moving equipment on the drill floor,
providing alerts when individuals are positioned in the path of the moving equipment and stopping the
equipment, when necessary, if individuals do not move out of its path.
We implemented the Smart Equipment Analytics tool to provide real time insights into our equipment
and processes to improve energy management and optimize equipment maintenance.
We launched a new offshore development program aimed at training women and
underrepresented populations for technical leadership positions.
We continue to offer industry-leading benefits that cover the physical, emotional, social and
financial well-being of our employees, and we are partnering with our customer to pilot a Mental
Health Ambassador Program offshore to expand employees’ knowledge and understanding of
the benefits available to them.
In response to COVID-19 challenges for our workforce, we have issued a wide range of measures to
protect the health and safety of employees while avoiding disruptions to our operations.
Transocean 2021 xii Proxy Statement
1
2
3
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
9
WHEN
Thursday, May 27, 2021
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
WHERE
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors proposes that the 2020 Annual
Report, including the audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31
(“fiscal year”) 2020, and the audited statutory financial
statements for fiscal year 2020, be approved.
Approval of the 2020 Annual
Report, Including the
Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for
Fiscal Year 2020 and the
Audited Statutory Financial
Statements of
Transocean Ltd. for
Fiscal Year 2020.
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
✓ FOR
Discharge of the Members
of the Board of Directors
and the Executive
Management Team from
Liability for Activities During
Fiscal Year 2020.
The Board of Directors proposes that the members of
the Board of Directors and Messrs. Jeremy D.
Thigpen, Mark L. Mey and Keelan I. Adamson, who
served as members of our Executive Management
Team in 2020, be discharged from liability for activities
during fiscal year 2020.
The Board of Directors proposes that the accumulated
loss of the Company be carried forward and 8.0 billion
of statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
be released and allocated to free capital reserves from
capital contribution.
Appropriation of
Accumulated Loss for
Fiscal Year 2020 and
Release of CHF 8.0 Billion
of Statutory Capital
Reserves from Capital
Contribution and Allocation
to Free Capital Reserves
from Capital Contribution.
✓ FOR
✓ FOR
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
(7,274,826)
(3,840,209)
(11,115,035)
(11,115,035)
Transocean 2021 P-1 Proxy Statement
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
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
11,953,457
8,000,000
3,953,457
The Board of Directors proposes to renew the total
number of shares that may be issued using the
Company’s authorized share capital to a maximum of
205,702,850 shares, with such authorization expiring
on May 27, 2023.
4
Renewal of Shares
Authorized for Issuance.
5
Election of 11 Directors,
Each for a Term Extending
Until Completion of the Next
Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Directors proposes that the following
candidates be elected to the Board of Directors, each
for a term extending until completion of the next
annual general meeting.
✓ FOR
✓ FOR
5A Election of Glyn A. Barker as a director.
5B Election of Vanessa C.L. Chang as a director.
5C Election of Frederico F. Curado as a director.
5D Election of Chadwick C. Deaton as a director.
5E Election of Vincent J. Intrieri as a director.
5F Election of Samuel J. Merksamer as a director.
5G Election of Frederik W. Mohn as a director.
5H Election of Edward R. Muller as a director.
5I Election of Margareth Øvrum as a director.
5J Election of Diane de Saint Victor as a director.
5K Election of Jeremy D. Thigpen as a director.
6
7
Election of the Chair of the
Board of Directors for a
Term Extending Until
Completion of the Next
Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Directors proposes that Chadwick C.
Deaton be elected as the Chair of the Board of
Directors for a term extending until completion of the
next annual general meeting, subject to his election as
a member of the Board of Directors.
Election of the Members of
the Compensation
Committee, Each for a Term
Extending Until Completion
of the Next Annual General
Meeting.
The Board of Directors proposes that the following
three candidates be elected 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 election as a
member of the Board of Directors:
7A Election of Glyn A. Barker as a member of the
Compensation Committee.
7B Election of Vanessa C.L. Chang as a member of
the Compensation Committee.
✓ FOR
✓ FOR
each nominee
Transocean 2021 P-2 Proxy Statement
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
8
9
10
Election 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 2021 and Election of
Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich,
as the Company’s Auditor
for a Further One-Year
Term.
Advisory Vote to Approve
Named Executive Officer
Compensation for Fiscal
Year 2021.
✓ FOR
✓ FOR
✓ FOR
7C Election of Samuel J. Merksamer as a member
of the Compensation Committee.
The Board of Directors proposes that Schweiger
Advokatur / Notariat be reelected to serve as
independent proxy at (and until completion of) the
2022 Annual General Meeting and at any
extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the
Company that may be held prior to the 2022 Annual
General Meeting.
The Board of Directors proposes that Ernst &
Young LLP be appointed as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for
fiscal year 2021 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 2021 Annual General
Meeting and terminating on the date of the 2022
Annual General Meeting.
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. The Board of Directors
has proposed a resolution that provides shareholders
with the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the
Company’s Named Executive Officer compensation
program as described in the proxy statement for the
Company’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.
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 2021 Annual
General Meeting and the
2022 Annual General
Meeting.
11B Ratification of the Maximum
Aggregate Amount of
Compensation of the
Executive Management
Team for Fiscal Year 2022.
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 2021 Annual
General Meeting and the 2022 Annual General
Meeting.
✓ FOR
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 2022.
✓ FOR
Transocean 2021 P-3 Proxy Statement
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
12
Approval of Amendment and
Restatement of the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-
Term Incentive Plan
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders
approve an amendment and restatement of the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan for
additional reserves in the aggregate amount of
23,000,000 shares issuable pursuant to the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as
amended (“2015 LTIP”), which was originally approved
by shareholders on May 15, 2015.
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
✓ FOR
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
A copy of the Notice is being sent to each shareholder registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the
close of business on April 1, 2021. Any additional shareholders who are registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share
register as of the close of business on May 10, 2021, 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 May 10, 2021, will
not be entitled to vote or grant proxies to vote at the 2021 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 May 10, 2021, and the opening of business on the day following the 2021 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 May 10, 2021, have the right to vote their
shares at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, 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 2021 Annual General
Meeting for consideration. Such shareholders may designate proxies to vote their shares electronically over
the internet, by telephone 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 2021 Annual General Meeting.
We urge you to submit your voting instructions electronically over the internet, by telephone or return the proxy
card as soon as possible. All electronic voting instructions or proxy cards must be received no later than
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 (5:59 a.m. Swiss time on Thursday, May 27,
2021) unless extended by the Company.
If you have timely submitted electronic voting instructions, telephone 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 2021 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 2021 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.
Transocean 2021 P-4 Proxy Statement
INVITATION TO 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.
Information concerning the 2021 Annual General Meeting can be obtained by contacting:
OUR
CORPORATE
SECRETARY
AT OUR
REGISTERED
OFFICE
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
INVESTOR
RELATIONS AT
OUR OFFICES
IN THE UNITED
STATES
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Investor Relations
1414 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077
USA
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
+41 (41) 749-0500
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
+1 (713) 232-7500
ANNUAL REPORT, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, STATUTORY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A copy of the 2020 Annual Report (including the consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2020, the
statutory financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2020 and the audit reports on such consolidated
and statutory financial statements) and the 2020 Swiss Compensation Report is available for physical
inspection at our registered office:
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
Copies of these materials may be obtained without charge by contacting:
OUR
CORPORATE
SECRETARY
AT OUR
REGISTERED
OFFICE
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
INVESTOR
RELATIONS AT
OUR OFFICES
IN THE UNITED
STATES
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Investor Relations
1414 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077
USA
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
+41 (41) 749-0500
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
+1 (713) 232-7500
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
CHADWICK C. DEATON
Chair of the Board of Directors
Steinhausen, Switzerland
April 7, 2021
Transocean 2021 P-5 Proxy Statement
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE
AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
You may designate a proxy to vote your shares by submitting your voting instructions electronically over the
internet, by calling the toll-free number 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
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 27, 2021
Our proxy statement and 2020 Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com or on our website
investor.deepwater.com under “Financial Reports ― Annual and Quarterly Reports.” Information contained
on or accessible from our website is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and should not
be considered a part of this report or any other filing that we make with the SEC. Furthermore, references to
our website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Transocean 2021 P-6 Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT
9
WHEN
WHERE
Thursday, May 27,
2021
6:30 p.m., Swiss time
Transocean Ltd.
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
RECORD DATE
May 10, 2020
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 2021 Annual General Meeting to be held on May 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.,
Swiss time, at the offices of Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland. The Notice or
proxy statement and form of proxy, as appropriate, are first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 7,
2021.
RECORD DATE
Only shareholders of record on May 10, 2021, are entitled to notice of and to vote or to grant proxies to vote at,
the 2021 Annual General Meeting. No shareholder will be entered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register with
voting rights between the close of business on May 10, 2021, and the opening of business on the day following
the 2021 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 May 10, 2021, and the opening of business on the day following the 2021
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 time the meeting proceeds to business constitutes a quorum for
purposes of convening the 2021 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
the relevant quorums at the meeting are satisfied, so long as the broker has discretion to vote the shares on at
least one matter before the 2021 Annual General Meeting.
Transocean 2021 P-7 Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT | INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
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 2020 Annual Report, Including the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Audited
Statutory Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2020 of
Transocean Ltd.
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and
Executive Management Team from Liability for Activities
During Fiscal Year 2020
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss and Release of
CHF 8.0 Billion of Statutory Capital Reserves from
Capital Contribution and Allocation to Free Capital
Reserves from Capital Contribution
Renewal of Shares Authorized for Issuance
Election of 11 Directors
Election of Chair of the Board of Directors
Election of Members of the Compensation Committee
Election 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 and Restatement of the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
RELATIVE
MAJORITY(1)
TWO-
THIRDS
MAJORITY
PLURALITY OF
VOTES
✓(3)
✓(4)(5)
✓(4)
✓(4)
✓
✓(2)
✓
✓
✓
✓(6)
✓
✓
(1) Affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast at the 2021 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 have no impact on the
approval of such agenda item.
(2) Affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast at the 2021 Annual General Meeting on the applicable agenda item.
Shares held by members of the Board of Directors and members of the Company’s Executive Management Team are not
entitled to vote on this matter and are not counted for this agenda item. Abstentions, broker non-votes (if any) or blank or
invalid ballots are not counted for such purposes and have no impact on the approval of such agenda item.
(3) The affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares represented at the 2021 Annual General Meeting and entitled to vote
on that agenda item. An abstention, blank or invalid ballot will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.
(4) Affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the 2021 Annual General Meeting. The plurality requirement means that the
nominee who receives the largest number of votes for a position as a director, 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
Transocean 2021 P-8 Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT | INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
Guidelines set forth our procedures if a nominee for director is elected but does not receive more votes cast “FOR” than
“AGAINST” the nominee’s election.
(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.
(6) The proposal is an advisory vote; as such, the vote is not binding on the Company.
OUTSTANDING SHARES
As of March 29, 2021, there were 617,288,705 Transocean Ltd. shares deemed to be outstanding, which
exclude 22,387,460 treasury shares that are held by the Company or our subsidiaries as of such date and any
shares issued into treasury after such date. Only registered holders of our shares on May 10, 2021, the record
date established for the 2021 Annual General Meeting, are entitled to notice of 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 is being sent to each shareholder registered in
Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the close of business on April 1, 2021. Any additional shareholders who
are registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of the close of business on May 10, 2021, but who were
not registered in the share register as of April 1, 2021, will receive a copy of the proxy materials, including a
proxy card, after May 10, 2021. Shareholders not registered in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of May 10,
2021, will not be entitled to vote or grant proxies to vote at, the 2021 Annual General Meeting.
If you are registered as a shareholder in Transocean Ltd.’s share register as of May 10, 2021, 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
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 (5:59 a.m. Swiss time on Thursday,
May 27, 2021) unless extended by the Company.
BY TELEPHONE
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 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 26,
2021 (5:59 a.m. Swiss time on Thursday, May 27, 2021) 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 2021 P-9 Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT | INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
Transocean 2021 AGM
Vote Processing
c/o Broadridge
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, NY 11717
USA
or
Transocean 2021 AGM
Vote Processing
Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat
Dammstrasse 19
6300 Zug
Switzerland
All proxy cards must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 (5:59 a.m. Swiss time on Thursday, May 27, 2021) 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 by telephone.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
We encourage you to submit your voting instructions over the internet, by telephone, 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 2021 Annual General Meeting, please submit your
voting instructions for each account.
Under 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 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
DESCRIPTION
2
5
6
7
10
11A
11B
12
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team
from Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year 2020
Election of 11 Directors
Election of the Chair of the Board of Directors
Election of the Members of the Compensation Committee
Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation
Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Compensation of the Board of Directors for the Period
Between the 2021 Annual General Meeting and the 2022 Annual General Meeting
Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Compensation of the Executive Management Team
for Fiscal Year 2022
Approval of Amendment and Restatement of the Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive
Plan
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 2021 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.
Transocean 2021 P-10 Proxy Statement
PROXY STATEMENT | INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
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 2021 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 2021 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:
Transocean 2021 AGM
Vote Processing
c/o Broadridge
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, NY 11717
USA
or
Transocean 2021 AGM
Vote Processing
Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat
Dammstrasse 19
6300 Zug
Switzerland
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.
Due to the extraordinary situation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Annual General
Meeting will not take place in the usual format. In accordance with the Swiss Federal Council Ordinance 3 of
June 19, 2020 on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus, as amended (the "COVID-19 Ordinance 3"),
shareholders will not be permitted to attend the meeting in person. Shareholders and beneficial owners of our
shares must therefore exercise their voting rights only by giving voting instructions to the independent proxy or
its substitute by internet, telephone or mail, as described above, or by giving the independent proxy or its
substitute proxy card voting instructions, as further described in this proxy statement. We look forward to
welcoming shareholders in person at general meetings of shareholders that take place following the 2021
Annual General Meeting, consistent with our long-standing practice.
References to “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” include Transocean Ltd. together with its
subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise.
Transocean 2021 P-11 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 1
the 2020 Annual Report,
the Audited
Approval of
Consolidated Financial Statements of Transocean Ltd. for Fiscal Year
2020 and the Audited Statutory Financial Statements of Transocean
Ltd. for Fiscal Year 2020
Including
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors proposes that the 2020 Annual Report, including the audited consolidated financial
statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2020 and the audited statutory financial statements of
Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2020, be approved.
EXPLANATION
The audited consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2020 and the audited Swiss
statutory financial statements of Transocean Ltd. for fiscal year 2020 are contained in the 2020 Annual Report,
which, along with this proxy statement, are available at: www.deepwater.com by selecting Financial Reports,
then Annual and Quarterly Reports in the Investors section dropdown. In addition, these materials will be
available for physical inspection at
Transocean Ltd.’s registered office
Turmstrasse 30
6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
Due to the extraordinary situation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, we ask you to abstain from
visiting our office and instead request a copy of these materials, which may be obtained without charge by
contacting our Corporate Secretary at our registered office or Investor Relations at our offices in the United
States, at 1414 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas, 77077, USA, telephone number +1 (713) 232-7500.
The 2020 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 2020 and
statutory financial statements for fiscal year 2020. 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, 2020, be approved. Ernst & Young Ltd expresses its opinion that the “consolidated
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, present fairly in all material respects
the consolidated financial position of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and
the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2020, 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 2020 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.
Transocean 2021 P-12 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 1
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this
Agenda Item 1.
Transocean 2021 P-13 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 2
Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive
Management Team from Liability for Activities During Fiscal Year
2020
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 Keelan I. Adamson, who served as members of our Executive Management Team in 2020,
be discharged from liability for activities during fiscal year 2020.
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 the 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 2020.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this
Agenda Item 2.
Transocean 2021 P-14 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 3
Appropriation of the Accumulated Loss for Fiscal Year 2020 and
Release of CHF 8.0 Billion 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 the accumulated loss of the Company be carried forward and that CHF
8.0 billion 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
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
EXPLANATION
IN CHF THOUSANDS
(7,274,826)
(3,840,209)
(11,115,035)
(11,115,035)
IN CHF THOUSANDS
11,953,457
8,000,000
3,953,457
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 2021 Annual
General Meeting is the accumulated loss of Transocean Ltd., on a standalone basis.
The total accumulated loss as of December 31, 2020, has resulted in our net assets covering approximately
21% 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. The Board of Directors proposes that CHF 8.0 billion 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.
Transocean 2021 P-15 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 4
Renewal of Shares Authorized for Issuance
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors proposes to amend the Company’s Articles of Association to renew the total number
of shares that may be issued using the Company’s authorized share capital to a maximum of 205,702,850
shares, representing approximately 30% of the Company’s issued shares as of April 7, 2021. Within this
authorization, the maximum number of shares issuable without preemptive rights would be limited to
68,567,616 shares, representing approximately 10% of the Company’s issued shares as of April 7, 2021.
This authorization to issue shares with or without preemptive rights would expire on May 27, 2023.
The proposed amendment to our Articles of Association, if approved, would replace the authorization to issue
shares pursuant to authorized share capital that was approved by our shareholders at our 2020 Annual
General Meeting.
Any issuance of additional shares could have the effect of diluting existing shareholders’ existing ownership
and voting interests in the Company. The Board of Directors believes, however, that providing the flexibility
to issue shares quickly is a strategic benefit for the Company and that the proposal would more closely align
the Company’s authorized share capital with that of its peers, most of whom have received similar or higher
authorizations from their respective shareholders.
The proposed amendments to the Articles of Association are included in Annex A.
EXPLANATION
As of April 7, 2021, the Company had 685,676,165 shares issued. At our 2020 Annual General Meeting,
shareholders authorized us to issue up to 184,974,503 shares using the Company’s authorized share capital.
The current authorization would expire on May 7, 2022. The proposed amendment to our Articles of Association,
if approved, would replace the authorization to issue shares pursuant to authorized share capital that was
approved by shareholders at our 2020 Annual General Meeting.
Although our shares are listed on the NYSE and held predominantly by U.S. investors, we are incorporated in
Switzerland and subject to Swiss corporate law. Unlike companies incorporated in U.S. jurisdictions for whom
authorized share capital does not expire, our ability to issue shares using authorized share capital expires every
two years under Swiss law. We have therefore traditionally sought shareholder approval at regular intervals for
additional authority to issue shares without a specific purpose, using authorized share capital.
The current proposal would permit us to issue up to 205,702,850 additional shares using authorized share
capital, or approximately 30% of the Company’s issued shares as of April 7, 2021, until May 27, 2023. Within
this authorization, the maximum number of shares issuable without preemptive rights would be limited to
68,567,616 shares, or approximately 10% of the Company’s issued shares as of April 7, 2021.
We do not currently have plans to issue shares pursuant to the proposed authorization. Any issuance of
additional shares could have the effect of diluting existing shareholders’ ownership and voting interests in the
Company. We believe, however, that it is advisable to maintain flexibility to be able to access capital markets
at optimal times and market conditions, rather than being subject to the delays and costs associated with calling
a special shareholders’ meeting. Further, we believe the number of shares proposed for authorization is
appropriate in all respects. It will allow our authorized share capital to be more closely aligned with the
authorizations received by most of our peers. Further, we believe it is compliant with the policies of certain
proxy advisory firms whose voting recommendations help inform the voting decisions of some of our largest
shareholders. The proposed authorization is also lower than the maximum authorization permitted under Swiss
law and our Articles of Association.
Transocean 2021 P-16 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 4
If the proposed increase in the total number of authorized shares is approved, the Board of Directors would
determine the time of the issuance, the issuance price, the manner in which the shares will be paid, the date
from which the shares carry the right to dividends and, subject to provisions of our Articles of Association and
the limitations on issuing shares without preemptive rights described above, 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, subject to applicable laws and regulations, including the rules of the NYSE.
The Board of Directors may allow preemptive rights that are not exercised to expire, or it may place or allocate
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, and subject to the limitations
on issuing shares without preemptive rights described above, in connection with the issuance of shares using
authorized share capital, the Board of Directors is authorized to limit or withdraw the preemptive rights of the
existing shareholders in various circumstances, including for financing and acquisition purposes.
To the extent that shares are issued 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 proposed authorization above. However, we have
demonstrated our commitment to prudently manage the Company’s use of and access to capital during the
recent market downturn and developing market recovery. Since the proposed authorization has an expiration
date – May 27, 2023 – our shareholders will have the opportunity to review and vote upon additional requests
for shareholder approval of our authorized share capital at regular intervals.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this
Agenda Item 4.
Transocean 2021 P-17 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
Election 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 the following candidates for election to the Board of Directors of the
Company, each for a term extending until completion of the next annual general meeting.
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
Frederik W. Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Margareth Øvrum
Diane de Saint Victor
Jeremy D. Thigpen
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
A reputation, both personal and professional, consistent with our FIRST 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, sustainability, information security, 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, environmental and sustainability 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
Transocean 2021 P-18 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
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 for potential Board of Directors
candidates, interview those candidates and conduct 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:
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Turmstrasse 30
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
Transocean 2021 P-19 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
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.”
In connection with the Board of Directors’ periodic review of the skills, experience and diversity of its members,
the Board also assesses the appropriateness of its size to determine whether any changes are necessary. The
Board of Directors has determined that, should each of the director nominees be elected, the Company will
have an appropriate combination of leadership, experience and oversight at this time.
The Board of Directors considers diversity as a key factor 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, sustainability, information security 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 and have seven different nationalities represented in our director
and executive officer group, and 56 in our global workforce. We have a presence in 25 countries worldwide.
7
56
25
NATIONALITIES
IN OUR DIRECTOR AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICER GROUP
NATIONALITIES
IN OUR GLOBAL
WORKFORCE
COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE
Board Leadership
Except during extraordinary circumstances, the Board of Directors has chosen not to combine the positions of
Chief Executive Officer and Chair 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 Chair of the Board presides over the
Board as the Board 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 Chair of the Board of Directors requires.
The Board of Directors believes that having separate positions and having an independent outside director
serve as Chair of the Board of Directors is the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time and
demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance.
Executive Sessions
Our independent directors met in executive session without management at each of the regularly scheduled
Board of Directors’ meetings held in 2020. During 2021, 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 Chair of the Board of Directors to act as the presiding director for executive sessions.
Transocean 2021 P-20 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
Director Attendance at Annual General Meeting
In light of regulations on preventive measures to combat COVID-19 and related travel restrictions, we do not
expect all of our directors to attend the 2021 Annual General Meeting. At the 2020 Annual General Meeting,
none of our directors were in physical attendance due to COVID-19-related considerations.
VOTING REQUIREMENT TO ELECT NOMINEES
The election of each nominee requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the 2021 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 filed with or 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 as a director at the 2021 Annual General
Meeting listed below an executed irrevocable letter of resignation consistent with these guidelines described
above.
The information regarding the nominees presented below is as of April 1, 2021.
Transocean 2021 P-21 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
GLYN A. BARKER | Director since 2012
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Glyn A. Barker served as Vice Chair-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 UK 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 the Chair of Irwin Mitchell Holdings Ltd (since 2012) and the Chair of
Tappit Technologies (UK) Ltd (since 2020). He is a director of Berkeley Group Holdings plc (LON:
BKG) (since 2012) and Various Eateries Ltd. (LON: VARE) (since 2020). Mr. Barker served as
director (from 2014 to 2016) and the Chair (from 2015 to 2016) of Transocean Partners LLC and
as a director of Aviva plc from 2012 to 2019 and a director of Interserve plc from 2016 to 2019.
Mr. Barker was Deputy Chair of the English National Opera Company from 2009 to 2016.
EDUCATION
Chartered Accountant
Bachelor of Science, Economics and Accounting, University of Bristol (1975)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Barker should remain on the Board of Directors due to
his experience and expertise in:
Accounting & auditing
Finance debt & capital markets
Global international
Information Security
Mergers & acquisitions
Public company governance
Strategy
FORMER VICE
CHAIR ― U.K.,
PWC LLP
U.K. CITIZEN
Independent
Age: 67
COMMITTEES
Audit
Compensation
Finance
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
Berkeley Group
Holdings plc (LON:
BKG) (since 2012)
Various Eateries Ltd.
(LON: VARE) (since
2020)
Transocean 2021 P-22 Proxy Statement
VANESSA C.L. CHANG | Director since 2012
AGENDA ITEM 5
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Vanessa C.L. Chang previously served as a Director and shareholder of EL & EL Investments, a
privately held real estate investment business, from 1998 to 2018, 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
16 funds advised by the Capital Group and its subsidiaries, nine of which are members of the
American Funds family and seven 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 was also a director of Forest Lawn Memorial
Parks Association, a non-profit organization from 2005 to 2020 and SCO, America, Inc., a non-
profit organization from 2013 to 2019. Ms. Chang is a member of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, the California State Board of Accountancy, Women Corporate Directors and
the National Association of Corporate Directors.
EDUCATION
Certified Public Accountant (inactive)
Bachelor of Arts, University of British Columbia (1973)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Ms. Chang should remain on the Board of Directors due to
her experience and expertise in:
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international
Human capital management
Information Security
Mergers & acquisitions
Public company governance
Strategy
Sustainability
FORMER
DIRECTOR AND
SHAREHOLDER OF
EL & EL
INVESTMENTS
CANADIAN AND
U.S. CITIZEN
Independent
Age: 68
COMMITTEES
Audit
Corporate
Governance
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
Edison
International
(NYSE: EIX since
2007)
Sykes Enterprises,
Incorporated
(NASDAQ: SYKES)
(since 2016)
Transocean 2021 P-23 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
FREDERICO F. CURADO | Director since 2013
CEO, ULTRAPAR
S.A.
BRAZILIAN AND
PORTUGAL
CITIZEN
Independent
Age: 59
COMMITTEES
Corporate
Governance
Health, Safety,
Environment and
Sustainability
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
ABB Ltd (NYSE:
ABB) (since 2016)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Frederico F. 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. Mr. Curado was a member of the Executive
Board of the ICC―International Chamber of Commerce from 2013 to 2018, a director of Iochpe-
Maxion S.A. from 2015 to 2017, the President of the Brazilian Chapter of the Brazil-United States
Business Council from 2011 to 2016, a member of Brazil's National Council for Industrial
Development from 2011 to 2016, and was a director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space
Museum from 2014 to 2017.
EDUCATION
Executive Master’s in Business Administration, University of São Paulo, Brazil (1997)
Bachelor of Science degree, Mechanical-Aeronautical Engineering, Instituto Tecnológico de
Aeronáutica in Brazil (1983)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends that Mr. Curado should remain on the Board due to the
following:
His leadership as the chair of our Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability
(HSES) Committee, informed by more than 30 years in the highly regulated aerospace
industry, providing critical cross-industry perspectives on ways to continue to improve
our HSES practices;
His expertise in the oil and gas industry in Brazil, which is one of our key markets;
His exemplary preparation for, attendance at, and engagement in, Board of Directors
and committee meetings;
His commitment to best practices in governance, executive compensation, shareholder
engagement, and sustainability, as evidenced by our numerous improvements in those
areas since he joined the Board of Directors; and
His experience and expertise in:
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international, especially Brazilian business and governance sectors
Human capital management
Legal & compliance
Mergers & acquisitions
Oil & gas (including oilfield services)
Operations & engineering
Public company CEO
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
Sustainability
Technology, research & development
Lastly, we note that, although Mr. Curado is the Chief Executive Officer of Ultrapar S.A., he is not
on the board of directors of that company; accordingly, he serves on only one Board of Directors
other than our own.
Transocean 2021 P-24 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
CHADWICK C. DEATON | Director since 2012
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Deaton served as Executive Chair of Baker Hughes Incorporated from 2012 to 2013, prior to
which he served as Chair 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 Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
(NYSE: APD) (since 2010) and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) (since 2014). Mr. Deaton
previously was a director of Carbo Ceramics Inc. (from 2013 to 2020; and previously from 2004 to
2009). He 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).
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science degree, Geology, University of Wyoming (1976)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Deaton should remain on the Board of Directors due to
his significant experience and expertise in:
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international
Human capital management
Legal & compliance
Mergers & acquisitions
Oil & gas (including oilfield services)
Operations & engineering
Public company CEO
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
Technology, research & development
FORMER
EXECUTIVE CHAIR
AND CEO, BAKER
HUGHES
INCORPORATED
U.S. CITIZEN
Independent
Age 68
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc.
(NYSE: APD) (since
2010)
Marathon Oil
Corporation (NYSE:
MRO) (since 2014)
Transocean 2021 P-25 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
VINCENT J. INTRIERI | Director since 2014
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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 Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) (since 2014) and
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) (since 2012). Mr. Intrieri previously served as a
director of Energen Corporation from March 2018 until November 2018, Conduent Incorporated
from 2017 to 2018, 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 Chair 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 Chair 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.
EDUCATION
Certified Public Accountant (inactive)
Bachelor of Science degree, with Distinction, Accounting, The Pennsylvania State University
(Erie Campus) (1984)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Intrieri should remain on the Board of Directors due to his
significant experience and expertise in:
FOUNDER AND
CEO, VDA CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT LLC
U.S. CITIZEN
Independent
Age 64
COMMITTEES
Corporate
Governance
Finance
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
Hertz Global
Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE: HTZ) (since
2014)
Navistar International
Corporation (NYSE:
NAV) (since 2012)
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international
Human capital management
Mergers & acquisitions
Oil & gas (including oilfield services)
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
Technology, research & development
Transocean 2021 P-26 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
SAMUEL J. MERKSAMER | Director since 2013
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Merksamer is a Partner at Caligan Partners, L.P., an investment firm. He 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 previously served as a director of American International Group, Inc. from 2016 to
2018, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. from 2014 to 2017, Navistar International Corporation from 2012
to 2017, Cheniere Energy Inc. 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 Ltd., Transocean Partners and American International
Group, Inc. through the ownership of securities.
EDUCATION
A.B. degree, Economics, Cornell University (2002)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Merksamer should remain on the Board of Directors due
to his experience and expertise in:
PARTNER,
CALIGAN
PARTNERS, L.P.
U.S. CITIZEN
Independent
Age 40
COMMITTEES
Compensation
Finance
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Mergers & acquisitions
Public company governance
Strategy
Transocean 2021 P-27 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
FREDERIK W. MOHN | Director since 2018
OWNER AND
MANAGING
DIRECTOR,
PERESTROIKA;
FORMER
DIRECTOR AND
CHAIR, SONGA
OFFSHORE SE
NORWEGIAN
CITIZEN
Independent
Age 44
COMMITTEES
Audit
Health, Safety,
Environment and
Sustainability
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Mohn has served as a director of the Company since January 30, 2018, when Transocean
acquired Songa Offshore SE. Previously, Mr. Mohn served as a director of Songa Offshore SE
from 2013 to 2014, and as Chair 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. Mr. Mohn
previously served as a director of Dof ASA, a Norwegian shipping company, from August 2017 to
October 2019 and as a director of Fjord 1, a Norwegian transport company from August 2017 to
December 2019. 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 the following private companies: Viken
Crude AS, Gjettumgrenda AS, Fornebu Sentrum AS, Fornebu Sentrum Utvikling AS and Høvik
Stasjonsby AS og KS.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science degree, Royal Holloway, University of London (2001)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
Mr. Mohn served as the Chair of the Board of Songa Offshore SE prior to Transocean’s acquisition
of that company in 2018. The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Mohn should remain on the
Board of Directors due to his previous position as Chair of the Board of Songa Offshore SE and
his expertise in:
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international
Mergers & acquisitions
Oil & gas (including oilfield services)
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
Transocean 2021 P-28 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
EDWARD R. MULLER | Director since 2008
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Muller 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 Chair 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 Chair and Chief Executive Officer (since 2010) and
President (since 2011). Mr. Muller previously served as Chair, 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 has served as a director of AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) since 2013.
Mr. Muller 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 twice served as its Chair, a position he held from
2008 to 2012 and from 2015 to 2018. Since 2019, Mr. Muller has served as the Chair of the
advisory board of the UCLA Institute for Carbon Management.
EDUCATION
Law degree, Yale Law School (1976)
Bachelor of Arts degree, Dartmouth College (1973)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Muller, an attorney by education, should remain on the
Board of Directors due to his extensive experience and expertise in:
Accounting & auditing
Finance, debt & capital markets
Global international
Legal & compliance
Mergers & acquisitions
Public company CEO
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
FORMER CHAIR
AND CEO, GENON
ENERGY, INC.;
AND FORMER VICE
CHAIR, NRG
ENERGY, INC.
U.S. CITIZEN
Independent
Age 69
COMMITTEES
Audit
Finance
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
AeroVironment, Inc.
(NASDAQ: AVAV)
(since 2013)
Transocean 2021 P-29 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
FORMER
EXECUTIVE VICE
PRESIDENT FOR
EQUINOR
DEVELOPMENT
AND PRODUCTION
BRAZIL
NORWEGIAN
CITIZEN
Independent
Age 62
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
FMC Corporation
(NYSE: FMC) (since
2016)
Harbour Energy
(OTCPK: ENGH)
(since 2021)
Technip FMC
(NYSE: FTI) (Paris:
FTI) (since 2020)
MARGARETH ØVRUM | Director nominee
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Ms. Øvrum served as Executive Vice President of Equinor ASA, Development and Production
Brazil until earlier this year when she retired after nearly 40 years with Equinor. Her tenure at
Equinor included working as President, Equinor Brazil from 2018 to 2020; Executive Vice President
of Technology, Projects and Drilling from 2011 to 2018; Executive Vice President, Technology and
New Energy for Statoil Hydro from 2007 to 2011; Executive Vice President of Technology and
Projects from 2004 to 2007 and Executive Vice President of Health, Safety and the Environment
during 2004. Ms. Øvrum began her career in 1982 at Equinor in Strategic Analysis, Production and
Maintenance and within a decade became the first female platform manager of the company’s
oldest fields in the North Sea. Ms. Øvrum currently serves on the board of directors of Harbour
Energy (OTCPK: ENGH) since 2021, Technip FMC (NYSE: FTI) (PARIS: FTI) since 2020 and
FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) since 2016. She previously served as a director of Alfa Laval AB
from 2015 to 2019, Atlas Copco AB from 2008 to 2017 and Ratos AB from 2009 to 2014.
EDUCATION
Master of Science Technical Physics, Norwegian Technical University (1981)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Ms. Øvrum should be elected to the Board of Directors due
to her experience and expertise in:
Global international
Human capital management
Information Security
Mergers & acquisitions
Oil & gas (including oilfield services)
Operations & engineering
Public company governance
Safety & environment
Strategy
Sustainability
Technology, research & development
Transocean 2021 P-30 Proxy Statement
DIANE DE SAINT VICTOR | Director since 2020
AGENDA ITEM 5
FORMER GENERAL
COUNSEL, ABB
LTD.
FRENCH CITIZEN
Independent
Age 66
COMMITTEES
Audit
Health, Safety,
Environment and
Sustainability
OTHER CURRENT
PUBLIC COMPANY
BOARDS
Natixis S.A., France
(ENX: KN Paris)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Ms. de Saint Victor previously served as ABB Ltd.’s Company Secretary, a position she vacated
in March 2020, and as ABB Ltd.’s General Counsel and Company Secretary from 2007 to 2019.
During this time, Ms. de Saint Victor also served as the vice Chair of the Board of Directors of ABB
Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. Prior to joining ABB, she served as a Senior Vice President and General
Counsel of Airbus Group from 2004 to 2006 and from 2003 to 2004 as a Vice President and
General Counsel at SCA Hygiene Products. She spent a decade working at Honeywell, beginning
in 1993 as the General Counsel Europe for the company. Her final two years with Honeywell were
spent working as the company’s Vice President and General Counsel International. Earlier in her
career, Ms. de Saint Victor worked for General Electric and as counsel for a law firm. She currently
serves on the board of Natixis, SA (ENX: KN Paris) and previously served on the boards of ABB
India Limited from 2019 to 2020, Altran Technologies SA France from 2019 to 2020 and Barclays
PLC, where she was a member of the audit and reputation committees from 2013 to 2017, and the
American Chamber of Commerce in France from 2017 to 2019. Ms. de Saint Victor is a member
of Women Corporate Directors, the American Bar Association, the American Corporate Counsel
Association and the International Bar Association.
EDUCATION
D.E.A. (L.L.M. equivalent) in Business Law from Paris Law School (1977)
D.E.A. (L.L.M. equivalent) in International Law from Paris Law School (1976)
Admitted to the Paris Bar in 1975
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Ms. De Saint Victor should remain on the Board of Directors
due to her experience and expertise in:
Global international
Information Security
Legal & compliance
Mergers & acquisitions
Public company governance
Strategy
Sustainability
Transocean 2021 P-31 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 5
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER,
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
U.S. CITIZEN
Age 46
JEREMY D. THIGPEN | Director since 2015
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Thigpen 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 Chair for National Oilwell Varco.
EDUCATION
Program for Management Development, Harvard Business School (2001)
Bachelor of Arts degree, Economics and Managerial Studies, Rice University (1997)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE
The Board of Directors recommends Mr. Thigpen should 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 election of these candidates as directors.
Transocean 2021 P-32 Proxy Statement
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE MATRIX FOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR NOMINEES
BUSINESS OR
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Glyn A.
Barker
Vanessa
C.L.
Chang
Frederico
F. Curado
Chadwick
C. Deaton
Vincent
J. Intrieri
Samuel
Merksamer
Frederik
W. Mohn
Edward
R. Muller
Margareth
Øvrum
Accounting
& auditing
Finance,
debt & capital
markets
Global
international
Human capital
management
Information
Security
Legal &
Compliance
Mergers &
acquisitions
Oil & gas
(including
oilfield services)
Operations &
engineering
Public company
CEO
Public company
governance
Safety &
environment
Strategy
Sustainability
Technology,
research &
development
Diane
de Saint
Victor
# OUT
OF 10
7
8
✓ ✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓ 9
✓
5
✓
✓
4
✓
✓
✓
✓
4
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
10
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
5
3
3
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓ 10
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
6
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓ 10
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓ 4
✓
4
Transocean 2020 P-33 Proxy Statement
Other Attributes of Our Independent Director Nominees
GENDER DIVERSITY
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
3 of 10
are
women
30%
2 of 10
ethnically
diverse
20%
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
INDEPENDENCE (NYSE STANDARDS)
6 of 10
non-U.S.
citizens
60%
10
independent
100%
10
TENURE OF CURRENT DIRECTORS
Average tenure 7.44 years
Median tenure 8 years
AGE OF DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES
Average age 60.7 years
Median age 64 years
1 - 3 YRS
6 - 9 YRS
10+ YRS
40s
50s
60s
22.2% 66.7%
11.1%
20%
10%
70%
Transocean 2020 P-34 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 6
Election of the Chair 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 Chair of the Board
of Directors is vested with the general meeting of shareholders. The term of office of the Chair of the Board
of Directors is the same as the other directors’ terms and extends until completion of the next annual general
meeting. The Chair elected at the 2021 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 nominates
Chadwick C. Deaton for reelection by the shareholders as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Deaton
has served on the Board since May 2012 and as Board Chair since 2019. Prior to his election as Chair of
the Board of Directors by our shareholders at the 2019 Annual General Meeting, Mr. Deaton served as Chair
of the Board’s Health Safety Environment and Sustainability Committee and as a member of the Corporate
Governance Committee. Mr. Deaton’s biographical information may be found above under Agenda Item 5.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the
election of the nominee for the Chair of the Board of
Directors.
Transocean 2021 P-35 Proxy Statement
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 2021 Annual General Meeting
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Samuel J. Merksamer
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.
Transocean 2021 P-36 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 8
Election 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 2021 Annual
General Meeting will serve as independent proxy at the 2022 Annual General Meeting and at any
extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company that may be held prior to the 2022 Annual
General Meeting.
The Board of Directors has nominated for election as independent proxy Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat,
Dammstrasse 19, 6300 Zug, Switzerland. Schweiger Advokatur / Notariat was elected at the 2020 Annual
General Meeting to serve as independent proxy at the 2021 Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary
general meeting of shareholders of the Company held prior to the 2021 Annual General Meeting. Schweiger
Advokatur/Notariat confirmed to the Company that it possesses the required independence to fulfill its
mandate.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this
Agenda Item 8.
Transocean 2021 P-37 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 9
Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm for Fiscal Year 2021 and Election
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 2021 and that Ernst & Young Ltd, Zurich, be elected 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 2021 Annual General Meeting and terminating on the day of the 2022 Annual
General Meeting.
Representatives of Ernst & Young Ltd will participate in the 2021 Annual General Meeting, will have the
opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to questions you may ask. Due to limited
participation at the Annual General Meeting resulting from COVID-19 precautions, please submit any
questions you may have to the Corporate Secretary prior to the 2021 Annual General Meeting. 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 2020 and 2019 and audit-related
fees, tax fees and total of all other fees for services rendered in 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Fiscal year 2020
Fiscal year 2019
AUDIT
FEES(1)
U.S. $
4,996,805
5,023,982
AUDIT-RELATED
FEES(2)
U.S. $
429,771
462,876
TAX
FEES
U.S. $
-
-
TOTAL OF ALL
OTHER FEES(3)
U.S. $
2,138
2,154
(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.
Transocean 2021 P-38 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 9
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 2020 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 Chair 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 is engaged to perform the service. The Audit
Committee has given advance approval for specified audit, audit-related, tax and other services for 2021.
Requests for services that have received this pre-approval are subject to specified fee or budget restrictions,
as well as internal management controls.
Transocean 2021 P-39 Proxy Statement
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 supported the Board of
Directors’ recommendation to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation every year for the Company’s
Named Executive Officers. As a result, 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 2021 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
A share ownership policy that requires our executive
performance as measured against
pre-determined performance
goals;
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;
A compensation mix weighted toward
Hedging and pledging policies that prohibit any of
long-term incentives to allow our Named
Executive Officers to participate in the
long-term growth and profitability of the
Company;
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
Long-term incentives include performance
The Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy,
share units that vest based upon (1) the
Company’s EBITDA margin; and (2) the
Company’s total shareholder return
compared to the companies in our
performance peer groups;
Median pay positioning for target
performance, above median pay for
above target performance, and
below median pay for below target
performance;
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 2021 Annual General Meeting, we will consider our shareholders’ feedback and
the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address this feedback.
Transocean 2021 P-40 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 10
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,
the Compensation Discussion and
including
Analysis, the compensation tables, and the narrative
disclosure in this proxy statement.
Transocean 2021 P-41 Proxy Statement
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 2021 Annual General
Meeting and the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders ratify an amount of U.S. $4,121,000 as the maximum
aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the period between the 2021 Annual General
Meeting and the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
EXPLANATION
As required by our Articles of Association and the Minder Ordinance, the shareholders are provided the
opportunity to vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation that can be paid or granted to the
members of the Board of Directors for the period between the 2021 Annual General Meeting and the 2022
Annual General Meeting (the “2021/2022 Term”). The shareholder vote is of binding nature.
DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION PRINCIPLES
The general principles of the compensation for our Board of Directors are described in article 29b of our Articles
of Association.
We use a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on
our Board of Directors. Our directors’ compensation consists of:
cash retainers and
grants of restricted share units
Set forth below is an overview of the non-employee director compensation elements for the term of office
between the 2019 Annual General Meeting and the 2020 Annual General Meeting (the “2019/2020 Term”), and
the term of office between the 2020 Annual General Meeting and the 2021 Annual General Meeting (the
Transocean 2020 P-42 Proxy Statement
“2020/2021 Term”). Additionally, the compensation elements currently contemplated for the 2021/2022 Term
are also provided:
AGENDA ITEM 11
CASH RETAINERS
Non-employee chair
Non-employee vice chair
Non-employee directors
(other than the chair and
the vice chair)
Additional retainer for
committee chair:
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance
Committee, Finance
Committee, and Health,
Safety, Environment and
Sustainability Committee
TARGET VALUE OF
RESTRICTED SHARE
UNITS
Non-employee chair
Non-employee vice chair
Non-employee directors
(other than the chair and
the vice chair)
2019/2020 Term
(U.S.$)
325,000
250,000
TERM OF OFFICE
2020/2021 Term
(U.S.$)
275,000
250,000
2021/2022 Term
(U.S.$)
275,000
250,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
35,000
20,000
35,000
20,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
325,000
210,000
275,000
210,000
275,000
210,000
210,000
210,000
210,000
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 2020 are disclosed under “2020 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 that the Company may pay to the Board of Directors for the 2021/2022
Term.
The proposed aggregate maximum amount has been calculated based on the directors’ compensation
elements as outlined above and represents no change from the maximum aggregate amount of compensation
for the 2020/2021 Term, which was approved by shareholders at last year’s annual general meeting.
In consideration of 2020 economic conditions, and in an effort to align with the reductions to equity
compensation for management and employees, the Board of Directors elected to reduce their actual 2020
award of restricted share units by 28% of target. The total compensation paid to the Board of Directors for the
2020/2021 Term was U.S. $2,726,394, which is below the U.S. $4,121,000 previously approved by
shareholders at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.
Transocean 2021 P-43 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 11
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote
FOR this Agenda Item 11A.
Transocean 2021 P-44 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 11
11B Ratification of the Maximum Aggregate Amount of Compensation of the
Executive Management Team for Fiscal Year 2022.
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 2022.
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 2022. 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.
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:
base salary,
annual performance bonus,
long-term incentives, which may be comprised of grants of restricted share units, performance share
units, performance cash and stock options, and
other compensation, including Company contributions to savings plans, pension plans, and life
insurance premiums.
Our Executive Management Team is comprised of our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and our Executive Vice President and Chief Operations 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 2018-2020 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 support for the Company’s executive compensation principles.
Transocean 2021 P-45 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 11
For fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, the shareholder approval levels
have been 86%, 81%, 92%, 80%, 87%, 96%, 97%, 97% 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 2020, as is explained
in detail in Agenda Item 10.
The proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for the Executive Management Team for fiscal
year 2022 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 2022 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 2022. This amount is unchanged from the approved maximum aggregate amount of
compensation for fiscal year 2021, and is the maximum amount that the Company can pay or grant to its
members of the Executive Management Team for fiscal year 2022, 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 2021 Annual General Meeting.
The proposed maximum aggregate amount of compensation for fiscal year 2022 is based on our estimated
compensation levels and represents no change from the maximum aggregate amount of compensation for
fiscal year 2021, which was approved by shareholders at last year’s annual general meeting.
Shareholder approval is based on the maximum aggregate amounts that could be payable in accordance with
our compensation principles as set out in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Therefore, actual
aggregate amounts paid to our Executive Management Team members for fiscal year 2022 will fall within the
range that may be payable. Although historical compensation paid to our Executive Management Team, as
disclosed in the Swiss Compensation Report, has been substantially less (2020: U.S. $12,312,947) than the
maximum amount payable (2020: U.S. $24,000,000), 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 2022 Executive Management Team compensation will be disclosed in the proxy statement for our 2023
Annual General Meeting and the Swiss Compensation Report for fiscal year 2022.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote
FOR this Agenda Item 11B.
Transocean 2021 P-46 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
Approval of Amendment and Restatement of the Transocean Ltd.
2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders approve the amendment and restatement of the
Transocean Ltd. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan as amended (the “2015 LTIP”), which would increase the
number of shares available for issuance as long-term incentive compensation under the 2015 LTIP by
23,000,000 shares. Our Board, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has
approved the amendment and restatement of the 2015 LTIP, subject to shareholder approval. The 2015 LTIP
became effective as of May 15, 2015, when approved by our shareholders at the 2015 Annual General
Meeting, and replaced our previous incentive compensation plan. Since the adoption of the 2015 LTIP, our
shareholders have approved the addition of 12,000,000 shares and 30,000,000 shares that could be issued
as long-term incentive compensation to our employees at our 2018 and 2020 annual meetings, respectively.
EXPLANATION
In order to effectively execute our business strategy, it is essential for us to manage our talent in an industry
where there is intense competition for qualified individuals. We need to (i) attract highly qualified new industry
professionals and (ii) reward and retain our experienced professionals. We believe that the issuance of equity-
based incentive compensation is a key component of our comprehensive human resource strategy, and that
equity-based incentives promote and sustain the progress, growth and profitability of the Company by:
attracting, motivating and retaining individuals of high ability;
reinforcing a pay-for-performance culture;
aligning the interests of our employees with that of the Company; and
providing incentives and rewards to employees who are in a position to contribute to the success and
long-term objectives of the Company.
The competition for highly-qualified talent has increased the importance of equity-based compensation as a
key component for employee recruitment and retention and the need for available shares under an equity
compensation plan. The Company granted awards under the 2015 LTIP to 140 individuals in 2020; six of whom
were Executive Officers and ten of whom were non-employee directors.
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 January 31, 2021, dilution attributed to the 2015 LTIP was approximately 6.62% and would increase by
approximately 2.49% upon approval of 23,000,000 additional reserves. The three-year average annual
percentage of the Company’s outstanding shares issued under equity incentive plans or the Company’s “burn
rate” was 1.18%, well below the Institutional Shareholder Services benchmark for our industry of 3.24%.
However, when annual grants are made in periods of depressed share prices such as those that resulted from
the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, dilution may increase significantly from the rate implied by our
average “burn rate.” Nonetheless, we believe that it is important that meaningful equity-based long-term
incentives remain a significant element of our compensation program throughout the business cycle of our
Transocean 2020 P-47 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
industry. We may also increase cash compensation during such periods relative to our historical practices to
limit the amount of dilution from equity awards.
The table below shows information as of February 28, 2021, with regard to all of our share-settled equity plans:
Total Stock Options Outstanding
Total Restricted Share Awards/Units Outstanding
Total Performance Share Awards/Units Outstanding
Total Common 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 2015 LTIP
4,327,526
14,343,466
6,586,396
615,996,717
$11.43
6.54 years
7,849,025
DESCRIPTION OF THE 2015 LTIP
The Company believes that the 2015 LTIP incorporates state-of-the-art governance best practices, and a
summary description of the material features of the 2015 LTIP is set forth below.
The 2015 LTIP plan document is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix B and is incorporated by
reference into this proposal. As further described below, the 2015 LTIP will be amended to provide for an
increase of 23,000,000 shares available for issuance as long-term incentive awards.
Highlights of the 2015 LTIP include:
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.
Clawback. All equity awards allow for the cancellation of outstanding awards for actions that are
inconsistent with our Code of Integrity.
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. The 2015 LTIP was
Transocean 2021 P-48 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
further amended in 2020 to remove broad Compensation Committee discretion to treat a change of
control as a specific vesting event.
Minimum vesting. All awards shall have a minimum vesting period or restriction period of one year
from grant date; provided, however, that awards with respect to up to five percent (5%) of the shares
available for awards may be issued without regard to this limitation.
No dividends or dividend equivalents on options, SARs or unvested awards. The terms of the 2015
LTIP do not permit dividends or dividend equivalents to be made a part of an award of stock options
or SARs and do not permit payment of dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to any awards
that are unvested.
No dividend or dividend equivalents on unvested restricted shares, restricted share units or
performance units. The terms of the 2015 LTIP, as amended in 2020, clarified that no dividends shall
be paid with respect to unvested restricted shares and no dividend equivalents shall be paid with
respect to unvested restricted share units or performance unit awards.
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 19,500,000 shares for awards, plus the remaining
shares from a prior long-term incentive plan that had not been granted. In 2018 and 2020, amendments to the
plan were approved for additional reserves in the aggregate amount of 12,000,000 and 30,000,000 shares,
respectively. Subject to shareholders’ approval of the proposed amendment to the 2015 LTIP, an additional
23,000,000 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 fair market value of awards of options and SARs that may be granted to any
employee in any calendar year each may not exceed $10,000,000 taking into account the grant date value of
the shares subject to such awards without regard to the exercise price associated with such awards. No
employee may be granted restricted shares, restricted share units or other share-based awards with an
aggregate fair market value in excess of $10,000,000, taking into account the grant date value of the shares
subject to such awards. In addition, the maximum amount that may be granted to an employee pursuant to
awards that may be settled in cash in any calendar year may not exceed grant date value of $5,000,000. The
maximum award value that may be granted to a non-employee director in any calendar year may not exceed
$1,000,000.
If any shares subject to an award under the 2015 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, restricted share units
or performance units granted and (b) as 1.0 share for every share if the shares were subject to awards other
than restricted share awards, restricted share units or performance unit granted.
The following shares will not be added to the shares authorized for grant as described above:
(i)
shares tendered by the participant or withheld by us in payment of the purchase price of an option;
Transocean 2021 P-49 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
shares tendered by the participant or withheld by us to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with
respect to an award;
shares that are not issued due to net settlement of an award; and
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
Employees, Executive Officers and non-employee directors are 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 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, provided
that no dividends may be paid with respect to unvested restricted shares. 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 dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to the RSUs
provided that no dividends or dividend equivalents may be paid with respect to an RSU 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
Transocean 2021 P-50 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
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; (16) total market value and corporate values
measures (including ethics compliance, environmental, human resources development and safety);
and (17) any other measure as determined by the Compensation Committee.
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.
Minimum Vesting Requirements
All awards shall have a minimum vesting period or restriction period of one year from the grant date; provided,
however, that awards with respect to up to five percent (5%) of the shares available for awards may be issued
without regard to such limitations.
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 dividends and dividend equivalents
with respect to stock options and SARs.
Treatment of Awards Upon Certain Events
Retirement, Death, or Disability. 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,
or any other termination event, except that any modification may not be materially adverse to the award recipient
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.
Transocean 2021 P-51 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
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 Internal
Revenue Code (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 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.
Transocean 2021 P-52 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
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.
Code Section 162(m) limits the annual tax deduction to U.S. $1 million for compensation paid by a publicly held
company to its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer, and each of the company’s three other most
highly compensated named executive officers. Although the deductibility of compensation is a consideration
evaluated by the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee believes that the lost deduction on
compensation payable in excess of the U.S. $1 million limitation is not material relative to the benefit of being
able to attract and retain talented management. We have also awarded compensation that might not be fully
tax deductible when such grants were nonetheless in the best interest of the Company and our stockholders.
Accordingly, the Compensation Committee will continue to retain the discretion to pay compensation that is
subject to the U.S. $1 million deductibility limit.
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.
Transocean 2021 P-53 Proxy Statement
AGENDA ITEM 12
WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT?
We must attract, motivate and retain individuals of high ability. The ability to issue equity
is fundamental to our compensation strategy. Our success is dependent, in large part, on
our ability to use equity compensation to attract, motivate and retain experienced and
highly capable people.
We have a disciplined annual share granting practice. Our burn rate has averaged 1.6%
over the past three years. For comparison purposes, our average burn rate over the past
three and five years are both well below the Institutional Shareholders Services Inc.
(“ISS”) cap of 4.03% for Russell 3000 companies in the energy industry.
Without equity compensation, we could lose employees or be forced to pay more
compensation in cash. If equity compensation is not available, we could face the choice
of losing our most valuable employees or using cash-based long-term incentives to
compensate employees, which would not be the best use of our liquidity during this
difficult market period and could result in a misalignment of the interests of our
employees and shareholders.
We use equity compensation to align employee and shareholder interests. Equity
compensation is a critical means of aligning the interests of our employees with those of
our shareholders and provides a strong pay-for-performance link between the
compensation provided to executives and the Company’s performance.
We grant shares that must be earned by our executives. Over one-half of the value of
awards to our named executive officers are subject to achieving a pre-determined level of
shareholder returns compared to our industry peer group.
We have equity ownership requirements. We apply meaningful ownership requirements
to our executives to ensure a significant ownership stake in our Company. This further
aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders.
The 2015 LTIP incorporates state-of-the-art governance best practices. The 2015 LTIP
meets governance best practices standards for employee incentive plans.
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this
Agenda Item 12.
Transocean 2021 P-54 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
WE ARE COMMITTED TO UPHOLDING HIGH STANDARDS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND
BUSINESS CONDUCT AND BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTIONS HAVE REFLECTED OUR LONG-STANDING
ADHERENCE TO THOSE HIGH STANDARDS.
We annually review and, as necessary, update our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our 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.
Management and the Board of Directors solicit and are responsive to shareholder feedback that
informs our governance practices.
The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors evaluates the Company’s and the Board of
Directors’ governance practices and formally reviews, at least annually, all committee charters, with
recommendations from the various committees of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors’
governance principles. The Corporate Governance Committee receives updates at each meeting regarding
new developments in the corporate governance arena. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and committee
charters also require, among other things, that each committee and the Board of Directors annually conduct a
self-evaluation of their own performance. The evaluation provides an opportunity for an assessment of each
member of the Board of Directors.
Director Share Holding Requirement
Non-Management Director
5x Annual Cash Retainer
President and Chief Executive Officer
6x Base Pay
We have equity ownership guidelines for directors that require each current non-management director to
acquire and retain a number of our shares and/or restricted 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,
and/or restricted units during 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.
Transocean 2020 P-55 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Governance Documents
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
Audit Committee Charter
Finance Committee Charter
Corporate Governance
Committee Charter
Health, Safety, Environment
and Sustainability Committee
Charter
Corporate Governance
Guidelines
Compensation Committee
Charter
Our Mission Statement
Our FIRST Shared Values
Code of Integrity
Gender Pay Gap Regulations
Our Modern Slavery and
Human Trafficking Statement
Our Tax Principles Statement
Human Rights Policy
Sustainability Report
HSE Policy
Quality Policy
Information contained on our website is not part of this proxy statement.
Sustainability
The success of our business is predicated upon the value we deliver to our customers, our shareholders and
our stakeholders. It is equally self-evident that as a business in the energy industry, we must operate with
integrity, discipline and an unconditional respect for our people, our communities and our planet. Our Vice
President, Human Resources, Sustainability and Communications partners with our other functional leadership
to manage and execute our sustainability program, including investments in:
Technologies that improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of our assets and to reduce the impact
our operations have on the environment.
Safety and training programs and tools to protect our people, assets and the environments in which
we operate.
Recruiting, developing, retaining and motivating the industry’s most talented and diverse workforce.
Benefits to support employee health and well-being and financial security.
Programs to support the global communities in which we operate.
Importantly, Board oversight of our Sustainability program was formally added to the committee charter of the
Health, Safety, and Environment Committee in 2020, and the committee was renamed the Health, Safety,
Environment, and Sustainability (HSES) Committee. This committee now receives quarterly updates from
management regarding the Company’s sustainability activities and tracks achievement toward annual goals. In
February 2021, the Board expanded the sustainability metrics in the 2021 annual cash bonus, as described in
our Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Board and Management continue to monitor our sustainability
practices and update policies and procedures, as appropriate, in order to maintain our high standards and
achieve organizational goals.
Through continuous engagement with stakeholders, we incorporate feedback and address the material issues
that are important to our dynamic industry and global community. Last year, we began taking steps to align our
reporting framework to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standard and intend to continue
referencing the Global Reporting Initiative standard. We are keenly focused on projects that enable us to grow
our business, reduce our environmental impact, and come into alignment with global initiatives like the Paris
Climate Accord.
Transocean 2021 P-56 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
For more information on our sustainability efforts, please see our most recent sustainability report on our
website by selecting the Sustainability, Health, Safety and Environment page from the “About” tab on
deepwater.com and scrolling down to the sustainability report.
Environmental Stewardship
At Transocean, our approach to managing environmental impact is driven by our pursuit of ever-greater
operational efficiency, and our continued focus on innovative technology to improve safety and to reduce our
carbon footprint. Additionally, we continue to evaluate potential business line extensions in renewables and
alternative energy whereby we can leverage our existing assets and core competencies to generate enhanced
returns for our shareholders.
Examples of recently implemented innovative technologies that support environmental initiatives include:
Digitization of our Operations Procedures. This tool was piloted in 2020 and will be implemented
across the fleet in 2021. It supports a higher level of consistent and disciplined execution of
operations and builds on our culture of operational excellence, improving safety, reliability and
efficiency.
Performance Dashboard. Our performance dashboard empowers us to make improvements in real-
time, enhancing the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. The ability to measure, track,
report and share progress enables us to roll out best practices across crews and rigs around the
world and directly impact our environmental performance, reducing fuel use and lowering emissions.
Smart Equipment Analytics (SEA). Our SEA tool builds on the success of our performance
dashboards. By leveraging a network of sensors on our offshore equipment and integrating the data
with that from our existing operations and maintenance tools, SEA enables us to monitor and
compare equipment health, inferred emissions, energy consumption and power plant performance in
real time. With this information, our teams are able to make adjustments to optimize our equipment
and how we use it. Tools like SEA give us the insights needed to reduce the intensity of our energy
usage and our emissions near-term, and we expect they will drive us toward absolute reductions in
the long-term.
Our Workforce and Our Community
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our aim is to recruit, develop, and retain the best workforce in the offshore drilling industry. As a company with
an international operational and customer base, we view the diversity of our workforce as a key factor in our
success. We endeavor to provide those who work at Transocean with an inclusive, supportive, safe and
respectful environment in which they can flourish personally and professionally. In 2020, our workforce
consisted of approximately 5,350 employees and contractors, representing 56 nationalities. To fully realize the
benefits of a diverse workforce in achieving our safety and operational objectives, especially in the current
challenging environment, it is critical that we continue to cultivate a workplace that values the contributions of
every employee, and drives a culture of high performance and success.
Frontline Leadership Training. Initiatives such as our Frontline Leadership Training reinforce our
commitment to a Safe and Respectful Workplace, by equipping our supervisors with the knowledge
and skills to extend our definition of safety beyond physical safety to include intellectual and
emotional well-being.
Nationalization. While the COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges for our team, it also enabled
us to accelerate some initiatives, such as increasing local workforce representation in key markets
like Brazil. Our robust training and development programs created a highly competent and qualified
local talent pool that was ready to assume leadership positions in our operations there, reducing
reliance on expatriates and simplifying logistics.
Offshore Development Program. Accustomed to developing talent worldwide, we applied lessons
learned for our newly-launched Operational Development Program, which aims to train women and
Transocean 2021 P-57 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
those from underrepresented populations across the globe for technical drilling positions. Personnel
in such positions – assistant drillers, drillers and drilling superintendents – are key decision makers in
the Company, and these roles are foundational for future opportunities with P&L responsibilities.
Safety
Our safety vision is to conduct our operations in an incident-free workplace, all the time, everywhere.
Underpinning this vision is our robust company management system, which details the policies and tools
employed by our teams to complete their work safely, efficiently and effectively. Remarkably, we achieved our
second best safety performance in company history with a TRIR of 0.24 during 2020, despite the COVID-19
pandemic. We largely attribute this success to the diligence of our people and our robust training and safety
programs. For more information on our safety performance, please see our Compensation Discussion and
Analysis. Examples of our continued investment in the tools and technologies that promote safe operations
currently and in the future include the following.
COVID-19 Mitigation. As the COVID-19 pandemic began, we relied upon the experience and
expertise of our team to quickly implement our business continuity plan and disease prevention
protocols in order to mitigate the effects of the disease on our workforce and our operations.
Consistent with our FIRST Shared Values, our top priority throughout the pandemic has been the
safety of our workforce. Our internal safety and medical teams tracked scientific developments and
regularly networked with external experts and industry peers to make regional assessments of the
pandemic’s impact. This approach enabled us to tailor our response to the unique needs of our teams
in each geography and by work classification. In general, we have trained our workforce on COVID-
19 prevention strategies, such as wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and frequent
handwashing. Our shore-based teams were transitioned to remote work made possible by a suite of
digital conferencing and collaboration tools. Our offshore teams continued our operations, and we
employed a series of mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of the virus reaching our
installations, including quarantine requirements, PCR testing offshore and at heliports prior to
departure, and new travel procedures. Onboard our rigs, additional procedures were enacted to
promote social distancing and mask use. Our teams overcame logistical challenges to move people
and equipment around the globe safely and timely, ensuring that we were able to continue delivering
excellent service and operations to our customers. We will monitor developments in the pandemic
and make adjustments to our operational plans as needed. Transocean supports the use of
vaccinations approved by healthcare authorities as a key tool in saving lives and ending the
pandemic.
HaloGuard℠. In February 2021, we announced the successful deployment of HaloGuard℠, the
offshore drilling industry’s first safety system that integrates a wearable locating device with drill floor
equipment and machine stoppage controls. This system combines a wearable alarm and a real time
location transmitter together with a machine vision system that is designed to track the position of
personnel on the drill floor and key drill floor equipment while operating. By enabling machines with
the technology to track, sense and, if needed, stop operations, HaloGuard℠ provides an advanced
layer of individual protection on the drill floor. We plan to deploy the technology on six additional rigs
by the end of 2021.
Training
Our offshore Competency Assurance Management System is accredited by the Offshore Petroleum Industry
Training Organization (OPITO) and ensures that every employee and contractor working offshore has a
mechanism to gauge the skills and competencies needed to perform the assigned role. Competency
Assessment Programs and training requirements are specified on our corporate training matrix, and personnel
are regularly trained and assessed to ensure they maintain the knowledge needed to safely and effectively
complete their jobs.
Our aim is to address training requirements in an effective and pragmatic manner through a variety of
mechanisms, including formal training courses, e-learning, virtual training simulations and supervised on-the-
job training modules. To facilitate training during the pandemic, we prioritized the use of virtual and on-demand
Transocean 2021 P-58 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
courses, reducing the need for travel and in-person formats. We also invested in new training simulators at our
Houston facility, which will enhance continuing crew education on the management of complex drilling
scenarios and advanced well control techniques. Our rig teams that are individually performing different
functions – station keeping, crane operation and drilling – can practice working together, replicating the
environment and complex tasks they perform offshore, but in a no-risk, practice environment. In addition to
training, the simulators can also be used to assess the competencies and knowledge of our crews.
Social Responsibility/Community Partnership
We embrace our role as a global corporate citizen, and we aim to positively impact communities where we live
and operate. Our investments continue to focus around education, health and well-being and environmental
conservation and restoration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we supported local hospitals with donations of
personal protective equipment and continued to provide financial support for our community partner
organizations.
Industry Leadership
As an industry leader, we are mindful of our responsibility in influencing and setting the standards that guide
best practices. We continue to actively participate on committees and in events sponsored by:
American Petroleum Institute
Center for Offshore Safety
International Association of Drilling Contractors
National Ocean Industries Association
Oilfield Energy Center
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Women Offshore
We will continue to monitor our governance and sustainability practices and update policies and procedures,
as appropriate, in order to maintain our high standards.
Data Privacy and Information Security
Transocean’s culture of safety extends beyond just the physical well-being and includes a commitment to
maintaining the security of both personal and business data. We have established protocols and technology
focused on maintaining the privacy of personal information disclosed to us by employees, their families and
other sources. We are also committed to maintaining the security and integrity of personal data regarding
contractors, directors, shareholders and customers.
In addition, our culture of safety extends to our digital assets. We maintain strong information security,
cybersecurity principles and governance support to protect our rigs and the data processed throughout every
aspect of our enterprise. Our Audit Committee meets periodically with the Company’s Chief Information Officer
and Director of Cybersecurity to review any material cybersecurity matters that may affect the Company. These
principles and technologies enhance the resiliency of our operations and protect our business moving forward.
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 seek to ensure that (1) the risk management processes designed and implemented by
management (as more particularly described below) are adapted to and integrated with the Company’s
Transocean 2021 P-59 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
corporate strategy, (2) that those processes are functioning as designed, and (3) 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, information security,
cybersecurity, 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. Our management and Board of Directors continue to assess and respond to various
risks that affect our industry, our company and our employees, including public health issues such as COVID- 19
and market fluctuations among commodities.
Compensation and Risk
We regularly assess risks related to our compensation programs, including our executive compensation
programs. 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 2020, 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. We
believe that the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse change on the Company.
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. There is no family relationship between any of our directors.
The Board of Directors has determined that its current members and nominees, 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 for membership on these committees.
Transocean 2021 P-60 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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, or have had relationships
with, companies with which we conduct business in the ordinary course.
The Board of Directors also considered the transactions with these companies and believes they were on
arm’s-length terms that were reasonable and competitive.
Mr. Barker’s son was 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. Mr. Barker’s son left PwC in January 2019, and at no time did his
son directly or indirectly, provide any services to the Company or any of its affiliates. His son never
worked within a division of PwC that provided any services to the Company or any of its affiliates.
Moreover, Mr. Barker’s son was not a partner or principal of PwC, but was instead one of more than
250,000 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.
Since 2016, Mr. Curado has been a non-executive director of ABB Ltd, from which the Company has
purchased rig-related services and equipment.
Mr. Curado’s son began working in GE’s corporate audit department in 2017. GE sold its interest in
Baker Hughes in 2019 and his son continues to work as a finance manager for Baker Hughes. His
son-in-law works as an engineer for Mitsubishi Industries. GE, Baker Hughes and Mitsubishi
Industries provide services or products 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 2007 to 2019, Ms. de Saint Victor was General Counsel and Company Secretary of ABB Ltd.
She continued as Company Secretary of ABB Ltd. until March 31, 2020. From 2019 until April 29,
2020, Ms. de Saint Victor served as a director and member of the audit committee of ABB India
Limited.
Until January 10, 2020, Ms. de Saint Victor’s brother-in-law was managing director and controlled a
majority of the voting interests in Groupe Bourbon, from whom the Company purchases offshore
supply services.
From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Merksamer served as non-executive director of American International
Group, Inc., a company that provides insurance-related services to the Company.
Upon and following the closing of the Company’s acquisition of Songa Offshore in January 2018,
Mr. Mohn became the beneficial owner of 67,740,289 shares, consisting of 31,120,553 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 shares that may be issued in the future upon exchange of
the 0.5% Exchangeable Senior Bonds of Transocean, Inc. due 2023 (the “0.5% Exchangeable
Bonds”) issued in connection with the acquisition. In August 2020, the Company completed a private
exchange of $355,611,000 of existing 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds held by Perestroika for
$237,933,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.5% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds of
Transocean, Inc. due 2027 (the “2.5% Exchangeable Bonds”). The 2.5% Exchangeable Bonds are
exchangeable into shares at an initial exchange rate of 162.1626 shares per $1,000 principal amount
of 2.5% Exchangeable Bonds. As a result, assuming the conversion of the Exchangeable Bonds
beneficially owned by Mr. Mohn, he will possess voting rights with respect to approximately 10.40%
of the Company’s outstanding shares as of February 27, 2021. The Board of Directors evaluated
Mr. Mohn’s overall beneficial ownership of shares and Exchangeable Bonds and concluded that his
ownership of shares and Exchangeable Bonds 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.
Ms. Øvrum served as Executive Vice President of Equinor ASA, Development and Production Brazil
until earlier this year when she retired after nearly 40 years with the company. Equinor, whose largest
Transocean 2021 P-61 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
shareholder is the Government of Norway with 67% of the shares, is one of our largest customers.
Equinor accounted for approximately 27% of our consolidated operating revenue during 2020.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors concluded that the relationships described above 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.
Board Retirement
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, each member of our Board of Directors must retire from the
Board at the annual general meeting following his or her 75th birthday or after he or she has served on the
Board of Directors for 15 years, whichever occurs first.
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 process of setting the compensation for other executives. 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 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. Pay Governance LLC,
has gathered 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 recommended for consideration by the Board of Directors
that the compensation of the Chair of the Board would be better aligned to market with a reduction in total
compensation of $100,000. In February 2020, the Board of Directors approved this recommendation by the
Compensation Committee.
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, to:
Transocean Ltd.
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Turmstrasse 30
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.
Transocean 2021 P-62 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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 executive officers
to complete questionnaires identifying transactions with us in which the executive officer or director or their
immediate family members have an interest. Quarterly, our directors and executive 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 Chair 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 2020, there were no related person
transactions where such policies and procedures were not followed.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
In connection with our acquisition of Songa Offshore, Mr. Mohn acquired beneficial ownership of U.S.
$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 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 shareholders.
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. In August 2020, we completed a private exchange of U.S. $355,611,000
aggregate principal amount of Transocean Inc.’s 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds owned by Mr. Mohn, including
exchangeable bonds owned by Perestroika, for U.S. $213,367,000 million original principal amount of
Transocean Inc’s 2.5% Exchangeable Bonds. These exchangeable bonds bear interest at an annual rate of
Transocean 2021 P-63 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
2.5%, payable semiannually, and are exchangeable into shares of Transocean Ltd. In connection with the
completion of this private exchange, we also entered into an amendment to the existing registration rights
agreement with Perestroika to reflect, among other things, that certain of the Company’s shares issuable upon
the exchange of the 2.5% Exchangeable Bonds will be subject to registration rights.
Ms. Øvrum served as Executive Vice President of Equinor ASA, Development and Production Brazil until earlier
this year when she retired after nearly 40 years with the company. Equinor, whose largest shareholder is the
Government of Norway with 67% of the shares, is one of our largest customers. Equinor accounted for
approximately 27% of our consolidated operating revenue during 2020.
Transocean 2021 P-64 Proxy Statement
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
During 2020, the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd. held five 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 100% of the meetings following his or her election,
including meetings of committees on which the director served, except for Mr. Mohn, whose attendance at one
Board Meeting was excused due to a potential conflict of interest associated with his ownership of debt
securities issued by a subsidiary of the Company, as further described in this proxy statement.
The Board of Directors has the following standing committees: Audit, Compensation, Finance, Corporate
Governance, and Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability. 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. Following the 2021 Annual General Meeting, the Board expects to
complete its annual review of committee assignments.
COMMITTEES FOR 2020 AGM to 2021 AGM
DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT AUDIT COMPENSATION FINANCE
HEALTH,
SAFETY,
ENVIRONMENT
AND
SUSTAINABILITY
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L.
Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J.
Merksamer
Frederik W. Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Diane de Saint
Victor
Tan Ek Kia
Jeremy D. Thigpen
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
MEETINGS IN 2020
8
4
5
4
4
Committee
Chair
Committee
Member
Audit
Committee
financial expert (SEC
and NYSE)
✓
Independent, as determined by the
Board of Directors in accordance with
applicable rules and regulations
Transocean 2021 P-65 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AUDIT COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2020: 8
MEMBERS
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederik W. Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Diane de Saint Victor
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;
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 Board of Directors has reviewed the criteria set by the NYSE and 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 all of the current members of the Audit
Committee qualify 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 Chair-U.K. of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 2008 to 2011.
Ms. Chang was previously partner in charge of Corporate Finance for KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
Transocean 2021 P-66 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Mr. Mohn is the sole owner and managing director of Perestroika, a Norwegian investment company, and
served previously as a director of Songa Offshore SE, Chair of the Songa Board and as managing director
of Frank Mohn AS.
Mr. Muller was previously the Vice Chair of NRG Energy, Inc. and GenOn Energy Inc.’s Chair and Chief
Executive Officer.
Ms. de Saint Victor previously served as ABB Ltd.'s Company Secretary, a position she vacated in March
2020, and as ABB Ltd.'s General Counsel and Company Secretary from 2007 to 2019. She previously was
a director at Barclays PLC, where she was a member of the audit and reputation committees from 2013 to
2017.
In addition to Ms. Chang’s membership on the Audit Committee, she also serves on the audit committees of
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, and certain funds advised by the Capital Group of Companies, Inc. and its
subsidiaries. In accordance with applicable NYSE rules, the Board of Directors has determined that
Ms. Chang’s service on the audit committees of those companies does 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.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, among others, the following:
Recommend 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;
Directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of our independent registered public
accountants and our auditor pursuant to the Swiss Code of Obligations;
Advise as necessary in the selection of the lead audit partner;
Monitor 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;
Review and report 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;
Review any material information security or cybersecurity matters that may affect the Company;
Review with the accounting firm the adequacy of our system of internal controls; and
Review transactions between us and our directors and executive officers for disclosure in the proxy
statement, our policies regarding those transactions and compliance with our business ethics and
conflict of interest policies.
Additional information can be found in the Audit Committee Report of this proxy statement.
Transocean 2021 P-67 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2020: 4
MEMBERS
Tan Ek Kia
Glyn A. Barker
Samuel J. Merksamer
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.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
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 incentive plans, Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan, Deferred
Compensation Plan, and any other compensation plans or arrangements providing for benefits
primarily to 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;
Transocean 2021 P-68 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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
incentive plans to new and existing employees of the Company, excluding executive officers and other officers
at or above the Senior 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 chair 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 incentive 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.
Transocean 2021 P-69 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
FINANCE COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2020: 5
MEMBERS
Edward R. Muller
Glyn A. Barker
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Finance Committee include, among others, the following:
Approve our long-term financial policies, insurance programs and investment policies;
Make 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; and
Approve the creation, termination and amendment of certain of our employee benefit programs and
periodically review the status of these programs and the performance of the managers of the funded
programs.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2020: 4
MEMBERS
Vincent J. Intrieri
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Corporate Governance Committee include, among others, the following:
Make 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 should function and how the Board of
Directors should interact with shareholders and management;
Develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the
Company;
Coordinate the self-evaluation of the Board of Directors and its committees;
Recommend committee structure, operations and reporting to the Board;
Review updates from management regarding the Company’s sustainability activities, as they pertain
to Board and management diversity; and
Review the qualifications of and proposes to the Board of Directors candidates to stand for election at
the next general meeting of shareholders.
Transocean 2021 P-70 Proxy Statement
HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE |
Meetings in 2020: 4
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
MEMBERS
Frederico F. Curado
Tan Ek Kia
Frederik W. Mohn
Diane de Saint Victor
The Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability 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.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of the Health, Safety Environment and Sustainability Committee include, among others, the
following:
Review and discuss with management the status of key environmental, health, safety and
sustainability issues;
Regularly evaluate Company policies, practices and performance related to health, safety,
environmental and sustainability issues;
Provide oversight to the aspects of the Company’s ESG program that pertain to health, safety and
the environment; and
Guide strategy decisions to promote company goals and compliance with applicable rules and
regulations.
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.
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.
Transocean 2021 P-71 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In 2020, non-employee director target compensation in U.S. dollars included the following fixed components:
COMPENSATION COMPONENT
Annual Retainer—non-employee Chair
Annual Retainer—non-employee Directors
Additional Annual Retainer for Committee Chair
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance Committee, Finance Committee and Health,
COMPENSATION
(U.S.$)
275,000
100,000
35,000
20,000
Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee
Grant of Restricted Share Units—non-employee Chair(1)
Grant of Restricted Share Units—non-employee Directors and Vice Chair(1)
(1) Restricted share units are granted to each non-employee director. 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.
10,000
275,000
210,000
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.
2020 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
In 2020, each non-employee member of the Board of Directors was eligible to receive the compensation
described above; however, in consideration of 2020 economic conditions, and in an effort to align with the
reductions to equity compensation for management and employees, the Board of Directors elected to reduce
their actual 2020 award of restricted share units by 28% of target.
At the Board of Directors meeting held immediately after the 2020 Annual General Meeting of our shareholders,
98,182 restricted share units were granted to each non-employee director (other than the Chair) and 128,571
restricted share units were granted to the non-employee Chair, in aggregate value equal to U.S. $151,200 and
U.S. $198,000, respectively, based upon approximately 110% of the FMV on the date of grant (U.S. $1.54 per
share).
Each non-employee director is required to acquire and retain a number of our shares and/or restricted share
units at least equal in value to an amount five times the annual director retainer. Each non-employee director’s
vested restricted share units generally are not settled until the non-employee director’s service with the
Company ends.
The following summarizes the compensation of our non-employee directors for 2020.
NAME
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C. L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Chadwick C. Deaton
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
Frederik Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Diane de Saint Victor
Tan Ek Kia
FEES EARNED
OR PAID IN CASH
(U.S.$)
STOCK
AWARDS(1)
(U.S.$)
135,000
100,000
110,000
292,445
110,000
100,000
100,000
110,000
65,110
120,000
136,473
136,473
136,473
178,714
136,473
136,473
136,473
136,473
136,473
136,473
ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION
(U.S.$)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
TOTAL
(U.S.$)
271,473
236,473
246,473
471,159
246,473
236,473
236,473
246,473
201,583
256,473
(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 2020, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a discussion of
the valuation assumptions with respect to these awards, please see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Transocean 2021 P-72 Proxy Statement
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee, consisting of five independent directors, operates under the Audit Committee Charter as
adopted by the Board, in overseeing:
The integrity of the financial reporting process resulting in the Company’s financial statements;
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
The independence, qualifications and performance of the Company’s independent registered
accountants, Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”); and
The performance of the internal audit function.
The Committee complied in 2020 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 disclosure controls and procedures, 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;
Reviewed and 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 Chief Audit
Executive, 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 integrity; and
Recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2020, 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;
Results from PCAOB inspections; and
EY’s internal quality control and tone at the top.
Transocean 2021 P-73 Proxy Statement
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
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 Chief
Audit Executive and EY. The Committee met eight times in 2020 with regular executive sessions with EY and
management, including the Chief Audit Executive.
MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Glyn A. Barker, Chair
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederik W. Mohn
Edward R. Muller
Diane de Saint Victor
Transocean 2021 P-74 Proxy Statement
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 29, 2021, of more than 5% of the Company’s shares.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
Perestroika AS, Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd.(2)
Statminister Michelsensvei 38
5320 Paradis, Norway
Frederik W. Mohn(2)
Statminister Michelsensvei 38
5320 Paradis, Norway
The Vanguard Group(3)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
PRIMECAP Management Co.(4)
177 E. Colorado Blvd.
11th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91105
BlackRock, Inc.(5)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED
PERCENT OF CLASS(1)
67,740,354
10.97%
55,618,830
9.01%
48,543,106
43,406,217
7.86%
7.03%
(1) The percentage indicated is based upon 617,288,705 Company shares deemed to be outstanding as of March 29, 2021, which
exclude treasury shares held by the Company or our subsidiaries as of such date or issued into treasury thereafter.
(2) The number of shares and associated percent of class is based on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 5, 2018, as
amended on August 18, 2020, by Mr. Frederik W. Mohn, Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd. and Perestroika AS. According to the filing,
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 U.S. $185,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds due
2023, in each case individually owned by Mr. Mohn, and (b) 2,054 shares and 1,654 shares issuable upon the exchange of U.S.
$17,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds due 2023, in each case owned by Mr. Mohn’s spouse), and
shared voting power and shared dispositive power with the Perestroika entities with regard to 67,696,498 shares (which consists
of 33,096,351 shares and 34,600,147 shares issuable upon the exchange of U.S. $213,367,000 aggregate principal amount of
2.5% Exchangeable Bonds due 2027, in each case held directly by Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Perestroika AS.
(3) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2021, by The Vanguard Group.
According to the filing, The Vanguard Group has shared voting power with regard to 569,144 shares, sole dispositive power with
regard to 54,594,801 shares and shared dispositive power with regard to 1,024,029 shares.
(4) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021, by PRIMECAP Management
Company. According to the filing, PRIMECAP has sole voting power with regard to 46,200,710 shares, and sole dispositive
power with regard to 48,543,106 shares.
(5) The number of shares is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 1, 2021, by BlackRock, Inc. According to
the filing, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with regard to 42,318,083 shares, and sole dispositive power with regard to
43,406,217 shares.
Transocean 2021 P-75 Proxy Statement
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 29, 2021.
NAME
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
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
Frederik W. Mohn(4)
Edward R. Muller
Margareth Øvrum
Diane de Saint Victor
Tan Ek Kia
All of directors and executive officers as a group
(17 persons)
* Less than 1%.
SHARES
OWNED(1)
1,109,955
497,086
221,083
287,801
269,036
11,748
36,900
0
61,000
20,000
0
SHARES
SUBJECT TO
RIGHT TO
ACQUIRE
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP(2)
1,432,224
570,300
361,132
449,589
408,312
200,521
206,263
200,521
250,991
195,761
206,497
33,096,351 34,760,309
219,000
0
98,182
210,031
12,687
0
0
0
TOTAL
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(3)
2,542,179
1,067,386
582,215
737,390
677,348
212,269
243,163
200,521
311,991
215,761
206,497
PERCENT
OF
CLASS(3)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
67,856,660 10.99%
*
231,687
0
98,182
210,031
*
*
38,801,150 40,091,716
75,892,866 12.29%
(1) The business address of each director and executive officer is c/o Transocean Management Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, 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 29, 2021, through the exercise of options held by Messrs.
Thigpen (1,068,588), Mey (430,041), Adamson (252,041), Davis (337,901), Long (304,416), and all executive officers as a group
(2,645,460). Also includes vested share units held and unvested share units that will vest within 60 days from March 29, 2021, by
Messrs. Thigpen (363,636), Mey (140,259), Adamson (109,091), Davis (111,688), Long (103,896), Barker (200,521), Curado
(200,521), Deaton (250,991), Intrieri (195,761), Merksamer (206,497), Mohn (140,508) Muller (219,000) and Tan (210,031), and
Ms. Chang (206,263) and Ms. de Saint Victor (98,182) and all directors and executive officers as a group (2,826,455).
(3) The percentage indicated is based upon 617,288,705 Company shares deemed to be outstanding as of March 29, 2021, which
exclude treasury shares held by the Company or our subsidiaries as of such date or issued into treasury thereafter. As of March
29, 2021, 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) The number of shares and associated percent of class is based on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 5, 2018, as
amended on August 18, 2020, by Mr. Frederik W. Mohn, Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd. and Perestroika AS. According to the filing,
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 U.S. $185,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds due
2023, in each case individually owned by Mr. Mohn, and (b) 2,054 shares and 1,654 shares issuable upon the exchange of U.S.
$17,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.5% Exchangeable Bonds due 2023, in each case owned by Mr. Mohn’s spouse), and
shared voting power and shared dispositive power with the Perestroika entities with regard to 67,696,498 shares (which consists
of 33,096,351 shares and 34,600,147 shares issuable upon the exchange of U.S. $213,367,000 aggregate principal amount of
2.5% Exchangeable Bonds due 2027, in each case held directly by Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Perestroika AS. The total shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mohn includes 140,508 restricted share units he has the right to
receive based upon his service as a director of Transocean Ltd.
Transocean 2021 P-76 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
CONTENTS
P-77 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
P-78
2020 COMPENSATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
P-80 COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY, STRATEGY AND DESIGN
P-81 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SETTING
P-83 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
P-95 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE, POLICY AND PRACTICE
P-99
TAX IMPACT ON COMPENSATION
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides an overview and analysis of Transocean’s executive
compensation programs and policies, material compensation decisions for 2020, 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 2020:
JEREMY D. THIGPEN
President and Chief Executive
Officer
MARK L. MEY
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
KEELAN I. ADAMSON
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operations Officer
HOWARD E. DAVIS
Executive Vice President and
Chief Administrative and
Information Officer
BRADY K. LONG
Executive 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 Adamson.
Executive Summary
Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. We
specialize in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on
ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and we operate one of the most versatile offshore
drilling fleets in the world.
Our executive compensation program reflects a strong commitment to best practices in compensation
governance. Among other attributes, our program is designed to:
strongly align pay with Company performance and shareholder experience;
retain and motivate our executives to achieve important business objectives, and
reward our executives for delivering superior financial, safety and operational performance.
2020: A YEAR OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES
We entered 2020 with cautious optimism about prospects for an offshore drilling recovery due to the robust
demand for our services and supportive oil prices that persisted through January. However, the outlook
changed soon thereafter due to production disputes between major oil producing countries, weakening
commodity pricing and then deteriorated further, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19
Transocean 2021 P-77 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
continued to spread, the world entered into lockdown to contain its impacts. As a result, demand for
hydrocarbons declined, causing oil prices to fall to historic lows, offshore drilling contracts to be canceled, and
forecasted offshore projects to be delayed. By the end of 2020, most of our offshore drilling peers had filed for
bankruptcy protection.
COVID-19 forced our organization to adapt at every level and resulted in changes to how (and when) we
delivered our 2020 executive compensation programs.
2020 Compensation Program Overview
In response to the unprecedented challenges of 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board (“the
Committee”) carefully evaluated potential modifications to our compensation program design. We believe we
responded (and continue to respond) in ways that preserved shareholder interests and achieved the additional
objectives of:
preventing long-term incentive (“LTI”) award design from delivering unintended windfalls;
preserving equity plan reserves sufficient to deliver subsequent year awards; and
maintaining the integrity of the design of the established short-term incentive (“STI”) plan.
The table below identifies the actions we took, largely in response to the challenges 2020 presented, and how
each action supported our principal objectives.
Several of these design features are not typical to our compensation program design and were employed in
direct response to the unique market.
HOW WE RESPONDED
WHY WE CHOSE THIS APPROACH
We deferred the date of annual LTI
awards from the first quarter to the
second quarter.
The rapid and historic decline in oil prices and the
corresponding impact to our share price did not support the
delivery of LTI awards at the previous target.
We reduced the target award value of
share-based LTI awards by 40%.
We applied a premium to the FMV on
the date of grant when converting
award value to shares granted.
We removed stock options from the LTI
pay mix and increased the weighting of
performance-based awards.
Given the further share price and market deterioration in the
second quarter, target award values were not aligned with the
shareholders’ experience in 2020. Further, granting LTI
awards fully at target would have had the potential to deliver
excessive compensation with the subsequent recovery given
that shares were granted at a historically depressed stock
price.
In order to preserve equity plan reserves sufficient to make
subsequent year awards, we determined the maximum
number of shares that could be granted and calculated the
minimum basis price by which award values were converted
to shares. This minimum price represented an approximate
10% premium over the grant date FMV, resulting in a further
discount to target award values.
Stock options were removed from the LTI pay mix due to
foreseeable challenges of implementing equity-based awards
in the unprecedented adverse business environment of 2020.
Their value was redistributed between performance-based
and time-based awards. This resulted in an increase in the
weighting of performance-based awards to 60% of the target
award value.
Transocean 2021 P-78 Proxy Statement
We introduced a performance cash
instrument to the LTI award design.
We limited the maximum potential
achievement of cash based LTI awards
to 150% of target value.
We introduced an additional relative
performance measure to the LTI award
design.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Due to the extreme challenge of setting meaningful LTI
awards during the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, a
cash-settled performance instrument with an 18-month
performance period was established. This award design
supported the objectives of motivating superior performance
alleviating the pressure on equity plan reserves and
preventing an unintended compensation windfall by capping
the absolute potential value of the award.
We believed that a reduction to the maximum potential payout
from 200% to 150% of target aligned to the reduction in the
length of the performance period. In addition, a cap on the
maximum cash payout allowed us to manage the impact to
liquidity, which is critical to our business operations.
Performance cash awards subject to EBITDA Margin
performance relative to a peer group of offshore drillers were
introduced to supplement performance units subject to Total
Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to a peer group of oilfield
service companies. This allowed us to motivate the
achievement of business results through a performance
metric tied to value creation.
We maintained the STI design
(measures and targets) as originally
established for 2020 and did not change
metrics or targets as a result of
COVID- 19.
We gave support to business continuity and motivated our
executives to achieve critical business objectives and
increase shareholder value, maintaining the Performance
Award and Cash Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”) performance
measures and targets as originally established.
Further, the Company continued to reinforce the alignment between pay and performance and compensation
award levels, and maintained the following executive compensation program design components:
a continued freeze on base salaries for all Named Executive Officers for the fifth consecutive year;
limitations on the earning of TSR performance shares such that payouts can never exceed target in
the event absolute TSR performance is less than -15%, regardless of relative performance;
a clawback policy that applies to both cash and equity incentive compensation, and allows for the
cancellation of outstanding incentive compensation awards for actions that are inconsistent with our
Code of Integrity; and
the elimination of any and all executive perquisites.
The Committee evaluates our compensation program design annually, and in February 2021, the Committee
determined that some of the extraordinary features necessary to the 2020 program design were no longer
warranted. As a result, the Committee approved the return to granting LTI awards in the first quarter, the
restoration of full three-year performance periods for all performance-based awards, and the removal of cash-
settled performance instruments.
WE BELIEVE THESE COMPENSATION ACTIONS REFLECT OUR CONTINUED FOCUS ON GOOD
GOVERNANCE, WHILE MAINTAINING PRUDENTLY DESIGNED, COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION
PACKAGES.
Transocean 2021 P-79 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Compensation Philosophy, Strategy and Design
We feel strongly that our executive compensation program includes a range of features that 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
✓ Conduct an annual review of our compensation
Allow our executives to hedge, sell short or
strategy, including a review of our
compensation-related risk profile
✓ Mandate meaningful share ownership
requirements for our executives
✓ Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the
forfeiture, recovery or adjustment of incentive
compensation (cash and equity) in cases of
financial restatement or violations of our Code of
Integrity
✓ Base annual and long-term incentive payments
on quantitative, formulaic metrics
✓ Maintain compensation plans that are weighted
significantly toward variable pay to align our
executive compensation with long-term
shareholder interests
hold derivative instruments tied to our shares
(other than derivative instruments issued by
us)
Allow our executives or directors to pledge
Company shares
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, in exchange for
covenants that protect the Company
Provide gross-ups for severance payments
✓ Link long-term incentive compensation to
Guarantee salary increases, non-performance
relative performance metrics to motivate strong
performance
based bonuses or unrestricted equity
compensation
✓ Deliver at least 50% of long-term incentives in
performance-based awards
✓ Retain an independent consultant who is
retained by and reports only to our
Compensation Committee (not management)
✓ Maintain double trigger change-in-control
provisions
Provide any payments or reimbursements for
tax equalization
Pay dividends or dividend equivalents on
performance-based equity that has not vested
Offer executive perquisites
THE PRIMARY GOAL OF OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS TO ALIGN PAY WITH PERFORMANCE.
We accomplish our goal 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 shareholder
returns. We believe attracting, retaining and motiving talented management is essential to creating shareholder
value throughout the business cycles of our industry.
In administering our executive compensation program, we are guided by the following principal objectives:
Aligning annual incentive compensation with financial, operational and strategic objectives; and
Rewarding share price appreciation and relative performance through long-term equity incentive
awards.
Transocean 2021 P-80 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
We deliver the vast majority of executive pay as performance-based, “at-risk” incentive compensation, with a
portion allocated to the delivery of shorter-term periodic results, with the bulk weighted toward the delivery of
longer-term shareholder value. We believe this approach achieves our objective of aligning pay and
performance, without excessive risk-taking.
2020 TARGET COMPENSATION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ALL OTHER NEOS
89%
Variable,
At-Risk
76%
Long-Term
Incentive
11%
Base
Salary
(FIXED)
82%
Variable,
At-Risk
13%
Non-
Equity
Incentive
67%
Long-Term
Incentive
18%
Base
Salary
(FIXED)
15%
Non-
Equity
Incentive
Executive Compensation Setting
We regularly review our executive compensation program 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. With support of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee annually reviews each
individual component of compensation as well as the aggregate compensation that may be paid or awarded to
each of our Named Executive Officers and compares them:
Externally against compensation awarded and paid to executive officers holding comparable
positions at companies with which we compete for executive talent; and
Internally against other members of the executive team to ensure internal equity, taking into account
individual performance, skills, and experience.
We assess our compensation programs with the aim of positioning elements of compensation at approximately
the market median of the compensation of executives in 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.
The Committee employs two peer groups for the purpose of evaluating executive compensation. The
“Compensation Peer Group” is used to assess the competitiveness of the compensation of our Named
Executive Officers, and “Performance Peer Groups” are used to evaluate the relative 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, the total direct compensation and each underlying element of such total direct compensation
are compared against published and publicly available compensation data.
Transocean 2021 P-81 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Compensation Peer Group for 2020 was composed of the following companies:
Apache Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation
Noble Energy, Inc.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation McDermott International
Petrofac Limited
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Murphy Oil Corporation
TechnipFMC plc
Encana Corporation
Nabors Industries Ltd.
Valaris plc
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Weatherford International plc
Hess Corporation
Noble Corporation plc
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 we 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 positions in Operations and
Marketing, 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 base salary, short-term incentive and long-term incentive compensation levels.
PERFORMANCE PEER GROUPS
While the competition for executive talent spans a broader market, as noted above in the Compensation Peer
Group section, our Performance Peer Groups are specific to those companies with expertise in technically
demanding oilfield service operations.
In February 2020, the Committee established two peer groups with unique performance measures for inclusion
in the 2020 long-term incentive program.
TSR Peer Group: This group is used to evaluate the Company’s TSR relative to that of companies
considered to be direct business competitors and competitors for investment capital; and
EBITDA Margin Peer Group: This group is used to evaluate the Company’s EBITDA Margin
relative to that of our direct competitors in offshore drilling.
The 2020 TSR Performance Peer Group consisted of:
Aker Solutions
Dril-Quip, Inc.
Oil States International, Inc.
Pacific Drilling SA
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.
Saipem S.p.A
Maersk Drilling A/S
Seadrill Ltd
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
Subsea 7 S.A.
Noble Corporation plc
TechnipFMC plc
Oceaneering International, Inc.
Valaris plc
Transocean 2021 P-82 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The 2020 EBITDA Margin Performance Peer Group consisted of:
Maersk Drilling A/S
Noble Corporation plc
Pacific Drilling SA
Seadrill Ltd
Valaris plc
The Committee will continue to assess the composition of the Performance Peer Groups for 2020 and beyond,
with a sharp focus on the impact of the industry downturn and resulting consolidation and bankruptcies by most
of our offshore drilling peers.
2020 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 COMPANY PERFORMANCE.
Transocean 2021 P-83 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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
Provide a base level of income, targeting the
Fixed compensation.
market median for executive talent.
ANNUAL CASH BONUS
Motivate executives to achieve our short-
term financial, operational, and employee
safety objectives.
I. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE
– PERFORMANCE
UNITS
Align the interests of our executives with
those of our shareholders by creating a
direct correlation between realized pay and
shareholder return performance both relative
to peers and on an absolute basis, over a
three-year performance period.
II. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE
– PERFORMANCE
CASH
Align the interests of our executives with
those of our shareholders by creating a
direct correlation between realized pay and
EBITDA Margin performance relative to
direct business competitors.
III. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE
– RESTRICTED SHARE
UNITS
Motivate executives to contribute to long-
term increases in shareholder value, build
executive ownership and retain executives
through ratable, multi-year vesting.
Reviewed annually and adjusted as
appropriate.
Variable compensation.
Award potential ranges from 0% to
200% of target based on corporate
performance measured against pre-
established performance goals.
Variable compensation.
The number of earned units can range
from 0%-200% based on total
shareholder return relative to
performance of selected peers during
a three-year performance period.
Payout is capped if predetermined
threshold of absolute TSR is not met.
“Cliff” vesting at the end of the three-
year performance period.
Variable compensation.
The cash value earned can range from
0%-150% based on EBITDA Margin
relative to performance of offshore
drilling contractors during an 18-month
performance period. “Cliff” vesting at
the end of the performance period.
Variable compensation.
Long-term award with ratable vesting
over three years that provides a direct
correlation of realized pay to
shareholder value.
OTHER COMPENSATION
Provide benefits that promote employee
health and welfare and assist executives in
carrying out their duties and increasing
productivity.
Indirect compensation elements
consisting of health and welfare plans
and other broad-based employee
benefit plans.
POST-EMPLOYMENT
Retain executives and protect the Company
Fixed compensation.
by providing a baseline of short-term
compensation in the event an executive’s
employment is terminated without cause.
Severance benefits, to the extent
permissible under Swiss law, are
provided pursuant to the Executive
Severance Benefit Policy as
consideration for the enforcement of
restrictive covenants and are not
payable in the event of a termination
for cause or a voluntary resignation.
The Committee takes several objectives into consideration when assessing the reasonableness of the total
direct compensation of the Named Executive Officers, particularly the compensation of our Chief Executive
Transocean 2021 P-84 Proxy Statement
Officer. These objectives include ensuring alignment with our vision and business strategy, creating sustainable
long-term shareholder value through the amount and mix of compensation provided, and advancing the core
principles of our compensation philosophy and objectives while remaining within our risk tolerance.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
BASE SALARY
Our Named Executive Officers receive base salaries constituting a fixed amount 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 annually, including in the context of promotions or other changes
in job responsibilities. As part of its annual review, the Committee reviews each base salary, (i) for purposes of
maintaining competitive compensation, relative to executive officers at applicable companies, and (ii) for
internal pay equity purposes, relative to other executive officers at the Company.
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 data from our Compensation Peer Group and
other survey data, job responsibilities, individual skills, experience and expected future contributions of each
Named Executive Officer. The Committee also considers input from its independent compensation consultant
within the framework of the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives.
In February 2020, the Committee, in consideration of the unprecedented market conditions, and with
consultation from its independent compensation consultant, elected to freeze base salaries for our Named
Executive Officers. With the exception of Mr. Long, who was promoted to Executive Vice President and General
Counsel in 2018, no individuals received a base salary increase while an Executive Officer for the prior five
years.
The following base salaries in U.S. dollars were approved by the Committee for the individuals listed below.
EXECUTIVE
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Adamson
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
2020 BASE SALARY
($U.S.)
1,000,000
760,000
600,000
550,000
550,000
INCREASE OVER 2019
(%)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS
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.
Transocean 2021 P-85 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Under the Bonus Plan for 2020, the Named Executive Officers had a potential payout range of 0% to 200% of
their individual target award opportunities. The 2020 target bonus opportunity for each Named Executive
Officer, expressed as a percentage of base salary, was as follows:
EXECUTIVE
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Adamson
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
BONUS TARGET
(%)
125%
85%
75%
75%
75%
2020 ANNUAL BONUS STRUCTURE AND ACHIEVEMENT
The annual cash bonus structure is designed to recognize and motivate strong financial, operational and safety
performance. Achievement in these three focus areas provides the Committee with a direct line of sight to
annual Company operational and financial results while maintaining a strong focus on personnel, industrial and
environmental safety. This structure is designed to focus our executives on those areas where we can
differentiate ourselves from our competitors during the industry downturn and be well-positioned to outperform
the competition as the market recovers.
The performance measures, relative weightings, and threshold-target-maximum payout ranges were designed
with reference to our 2019 actual performance results and our 2020 business plan, as presented to the
Committee in early February 2020.
The following tables outline the 2020 bonus performance measures and relative weightings. Each of the
measures is defined and discussed in more detail below.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE
I. Safety
II. EBITDA
III. Uptime
2020 Bonus Plan Structure
2020 WEIGHTING
(%)
20%
60%
20%
100%
Based on the performance measures described further below 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 176% of the targeted bonus opportunity under the Bonus Plan for 2020. The components of this
total bonus payout under the Bonus Plan for 2020 are as follows:
PERFORMANCE MEASURE
I. Safety
II. EBITDA
III. Uptime
2020 Bonus Plan Achievement
2020 WEIGHTED
ACHIEVEMENT
(%)
38%
102%
36%
176%
For specific award amounts, see “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table.”
Transocean 2021 P-86 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
I. SAFETY PERFORMANCE
OUR BUSINESS
COMMITTED TO PROTECTING OUR PERSONNEL, OUR PROPERTY AND OUR ENVIRONMENT.
INVOLVES NUMEROUS OPERATING HAZARDS, AND WE ARE STRONGLY
Our goal is expressed in our safety vision of “an incident-free workplace all the time, everywhere.” Beginning
in 2017, the safety component of the bonus structure has focused on Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”).
We establish threshold, target, and maximum levels of TRIR performance for the purposes of assessing any
incentive payout from this metric. In addition, the bonus structure provides for a 25% reduction to the TRIR
calculated payout for any Tier 1 Operational Integrity event (see definition below). The Committee elected to
carry forward this methodology and weighting for 2020.
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 hours worked.
The Committee approved a TRIR target for 2020 of 0.31 based on input from the Board’s Health, Safety,
Environment and Sustainability (HSES) Committee. This target represents a five-year rolling approach to TRIR
goal setting. The methodology takes the average of the prior 5-year actual TRIR results and applies a modifier
to ensure the pursuit of continuous improvement. For 2020, a .95 modifier was applied, resulting in a 2020
TRIR target that represents an approximate 10% improvement over the 2019 TRIR target.
In setting the threshold and maximum values, the Committee applied a 25% range above and below target.
This range created a threshold, or entry point, of 0.39 and a maximum of 0.23.
TRIR TARGET AND PERFORMANCE RANGE
Threshold = 0.39
Target = 0.31
Maximum = 0.23
BONUS PAYOUT
(%)
0%
100%
200%
Further, the Committee recognized the impact of Operational Integrity on process safety performance.
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:
Fire, explosion, release of a hazardous substance with serious injury or fatality;
Other circumstances resulting in serious injuries/fatalities and/or damage to the environment;
Major structural damage to Company property; and
Uncontrolled release of hazardous fluids.
Consistent with our Bonus Plan design for the previous four years, a Tier 1 Operational Integrity 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.
As noted above, the year-end TRIR payout is reduced by 25% for any Tier 1 Operational Integrity event during
the year, regardless of formulaic performance achievement. Furthermore, the Committee evaluates whether to
apply discretion in response to unforeseen, extraordinary circumstances in considering overall bonus results.
Transocean 2021 P-87 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Measuring Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) Results
The 2020 formulaic result for TRIR was 0.24, which exceeded target performance and represents the second
lowest rate in the history of our company. This resulted in a 188% of target payout for the safety component of
the 2020 Bonus Plan, as illustrated below:
TOTAL RECORDABLE INCIDENT RATE
Payout percentage of 2020 total target
bonus opportunity
38%
0.24
20%
0.31
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
T
U
O
Y
A
P
L
A
T
N
E
T
O
P
I
2020 Target TRIR
2020 Actual TRIR
II. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Developing Our EBITDA Target
FOR THE 2020 BONUS PLAN, THE COMMITTEE EVALUATED FINANCIAL MEASURES THAT WOULD
MOST CLOSELY ALIGN MANAGEMENT WITH THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES.
The Committee concluded that Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”)
would be the most appropriate measure, consistent with our metric selection for the performance year ending
2019, based on the following reasons:
EBITDA is commonly used by our shareholders to evaluate financial performance in light of current
market conditions;
EBITDA is commonly used by our peers to evaluate their own financial performance; and
While EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, it is objective and reconcilable to the GAAP
measures reported in our financial statements.
The Committee weighted EBITDA at 60% of the total 2020 Bonus Plan opportunity.
Transocean 2021 P-88 Proxy Statement
In establishing the EBITDA target and range, the Committee considered the Company’s 2020 financial plan, as
presented by management in early February 2020. Threshold and maximum performance outcomes were then
set based on the potential for decreases or increases to financial outcomes tied to dynamic market conditions.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
EBITDA TARGET AND PERFORMANCE RANGE
Threshold = $872M
Target = $997M
Maximum = $1,120M
Measuring EBITDA Results
BONUS PAYOUT
(%)
0%
100%
200%
The Company delivered strong EBITDA results for 2020, despite the unprecedented challenges associated
with COVID-19. Outstanding operating performance and revenue efficiency for deployed rigs, combined with a
strong focus on cost management, resulted in strong EBITDA results relative to target performance and
exemplary performance relative to our offshore drilling peers, the majority of whom filed for bankruptcy
protection during 2020.
Included in this proxy statement, attached as Appendix A, is a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income,
the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The differential between actual adjusted EBITDA and
EBITDA performance achievement for the 2020 Bonus Plan is the result of a Committee-approved calculation
of EBITDA for an adjustment to exclude the deferred components of a favorable settlement with a customer.
As illustrated, the EBITDA result outperformed our goal, achieving a payout of 171% of target, with an
associated weighted payout of 102% of the total target bonus opportunity for each Named Executive Officer.
EBITDA (in millions)
Payout percentage of 2020 total target
bonus opportunity
60%
102%
$1,084
$997
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
T
U
O
Y
A
P
L
A
T
N
E
T
O
P
I
2020 Target EBITDA
2020 Actual
Adjusted EBITDA
III. OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Developing Our Uptime Target
WE HAVE IDENTIFIED UPTIME AS THE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE MEASURE THAT BEST
ALIGNS WITH THE INTERESTS OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND, ULTIMATELY, OUR SHAREHOLDERS.
Transocean 2021 P-89 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Uptime represented 20% of the 2020 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.
Although Uptime is a common operational metric in our industry, it has no standard industry definition or
reporting structure. As a result, the Company has developed its own definition, in consultation with the
Committee, and that definition recognizes the key impediments to Uptime: equipment failures and human
performance errors.
Uptime is measured as total operating hours, minus downtime hours, expressed as a percentage of the
maximum total operating hours. Operating hours are defined as the number of hours a rig is operating under 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 240,000 hours of operation in 2020).
The Committee approved the following Uptime target for 2020:
UPTIME TARGET AND PERFORMANCE RANGE
Threshold = 94.5%
Target = 96.0%
Maximum = 97.5%
BONUS PAYOUT
(%)
0%
100%
200%
In setting the Uptime target, the Committee considered the Company’s emerging 2020 outlook featuring a
reduced fleet. Further, COVID fatigue concerns escalated as travel and quarantine restrictions resulted in
longer hitches and shorter downtime between crew rotations. This ultimately led the Committee to conclude
that the risk of equipment failure and human performance errors was elevated for 2020. Despite this incremental
risk, the Committee decided to maintain the target from 2019, and approved the 2020 Uptime target at 96.0%
Measuring Uptime Results
THE COMPANY ACHIEVED 97.2% UPTIME PERFORMANCE IN 2020.
Despite the challenges of 2020, we increased target performance by approximately 2,400 hours, or 100 days,
of additional operational productivity across the fleet, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and higher
earnings. As illustrated, the formulaic performance of Uptime achieved a payout level of 180% of target and an
associated weighted payout of 36% of the total target bonus opportunity for each of the Named Executive
Officers.
Transocean 2021 P-90 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
UPTIME
Payout percentage of 2020 total target
bonus opportunity
20%
36%
97.2%
96.0%
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
T
U
O
Y
A
P
L
A
T
N
E
T
O
P
I
2020 Target Uptime
2020 Actual Uptime
OVERALL 2020 ANNUAL BONUS ACHIEVEMENT
WE DELIVERED STRONG RESULTS IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.
Remarkably, amidst a global pandemic we delivered very strong results against our 2020 Bonus Plan targets.
This was accomplished through our employees’ dedication, flexibility, and resilience. More importantly, we were
able to deliver these results safely as evidenced by a TRIR rate of 0.24, the second lowest in the history of our
company.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN–
TARGET VS. ACTUAL
% BONUS PAYOUT
I. Safety
II. Financial
III. Operational
Actual EBITDA
(102%)
200%
Actual Uptime
(36%)
$1,084
150%
97.2%
176%
Actual
Bonus Plan
Achievement
T
U
O
Y
A
P
L
A
T
N
E
T
O
P
I
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
0.31
Actual TRIR
(38%)
0.24
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%
$997
96.0%
100%
50%
0%
100%
Target Bonus
Structure
Total
Target TRIR
(20% Weighting)
+
Target EBITDA
(60% Weighting)
+
Target Uptime
(20% Weighting)
Transocean 2021 P-91 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
IV. NEW ESG METRIC FOR ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS
We recognize the importance of sustainability to our business and industry and are committed to identifying
and introducing relevant and measurable objectives that reflect our corporate sustainability.
In November 2020, the Committee mandated the inclusion of Sustainability as part of the 2021 Bonus Plan
performance objectives. The approved Sustainability objectives are comprised of environmental, social and
governance measures, scored quantitatively and qualitatively, and weighted at 20% of the 2021 Bonus Plan
design. The specific targets for the ESG measures were set by the HSES Committee in February 2021.
The complete details and the Company’s performance achievement for the 2021 Sustainability component will
be included in our proxy statement for the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES
THE COMMITTEE ESTABLISHES COMPETITIVE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE (“LTI”) OPPORTUNITIES FOR
OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS THAT MOTIVATE THEM TO INCREASE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER
RETURN, DRIVE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE VALUE AND ALIGN THE INTERESTS OF PARTICIPANTS
WITH THOSE OF SHAREHOLDERS.
Recognizing the challenges and constraints of using equity-based incentives under the unprecedented
business environment of 2020, the Committee modified the LTI compensation design to reduce the usage of
equity-based awards.
To provide an appropriate balance of incentives tied to performance, three types of long-term equity instruments
were used in 2020: Performance Units (“PSUs”), Performance Cash (“PCAs”) and Restricted Share Units
(“RSUs”). The weighting of each instrument in our LTI program was as follows:
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PAY MIX
40%
RSUs
30%
PSUs
30%
PCAs
This LTI mix was designed to ensure that a minimum of 50% of total LTI is conveyed through performance-
based awards. RSUs were included in the incentive mix to reinforce a direct relationship to the shareholder
experience and to promote ownership of Company equity. All three instruments were also designed to be
retentive in nature through extended performance and vesting periods.
Transocean 2021 P-92 Proxy Statement
The following LTI award values were delivered to our Named Executive Officers in 2020.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
EXECUTIVE
Mr. Thigpen
Mr. Mey
Mr. Adamson
Mr. Davis
Mr. Long
2020 LTI TARGET VALUE
($U.S.)
5,040,000
1,944,000
1,512,000
1,548,000
1,440,000
DECREASE FROM
2019 LTI FAIR VALUE
(%)
-27%
-27%
-15%
-27%
-27%
PERFORMANCE UNITS (PSU)
The target award value of the 2020 PSU grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was weighted at 30%
of each officer’s total 2020 LTI target award value.
Each PSU represents one share and is earned based on performance from April 1, 2020 through December
31, 2022. Performance is determined by comparing the Company’s TSR performance relative to the Company’s
TSR Performance Peer Group over the performance cycle.
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%. The
Committee 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 performance cycle will be determined based on the Company’s ranking
of TSR performance. Payout potential ranges from 0% to 200% of target award value.
COMPANY RANKING
% OF TARGET PERFORMANCE UNITS
90th Percentile or higher
200%
50th Percentile
25th Percentile
Less than 25th percentile
100%
50%
0%
Upon completion of the 2020 PSU performance cycle, the Committee will determine final payout levels, if any,
and shares will be distributed to the Named Executive Officers, along with a cash payment equal to any
dividends or equivalents for earned shares that may have accrued during the performance cycle.
PERFORMANCE CASH AWARD (PCA)
The target award value of the 2020 PCA grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was weighted at 30%
of each officer’s total 2020 LTI target award value.
Due to the extreme challenge of setting meaningful equity-based long-term goals while in the midst of a
pandemic, the Committee approved a PCA denominated in dollars with an 18-month performance period
ending on December 31, 2021. Performance is determined by comparing the Company’s EBITDA Margin
performance relative to the Company’s EBITDA Margin Performance Peer Group over the performance cycle.
Transocean 2021 P-93 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Actual results at the completion of the performance cycle will be determined based on the Company’s ordinal
ranking of EBITDA Margin performance. Payout potential ranges from 0% to 150% of target award value, a
lower maximum opportunity than under the PSUs, in consideration of the shorter performance period.
COMPANY RANKING
% OF TARGET PCAs
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
150%
125%
100%
75%
50%
0%
Upon completion of the 2020 PCA performance cycle, the Committee will determine final payout levels, if any,
to be distributed to the Named Executive Officers.
RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS (RSU)
The target award value of the 2020 RSU grants to each of the Named Executive Officers was weighted at 40%
of each officer’s total 2020 LTI target award value.
Time-vested RSUs were granted to all Named Executive Officers as part of the 2020 annual long-term incentive
grants. Each RSU represents one share and the RSUs vest over a three-year schedule (ratably one-third
each year), contingent upon continued service.
PSUs EARNED IN 2020
In 2021, the Committee evaluated the Company’s TSR performance relative to the 15-member peer group
established for the three-year performance period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The
Company’s relative ranking was determined to be eighth of fifteen, resulting in PSU performance achievement
of 83% of target. The 83% achievement equates to 19% of the target award value of the PSUs granted in 2018.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Employment agreements with our Executive Management Team comply with the Swiss 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 agreements.
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, 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. $4 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 are capped
due to U.S. Internal Revenue Service limits on qualified retirement plans.
Transocean 2021 P-94 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
PERQUISITES
The Committee eliminated all executive perquisites for our Named Executive Officers, effective January 1,
2017. As a result, none received perquisites in 2020.
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 the Committee’s 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
outstanding long-term incentive awards as 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-in-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 on the success of the combined enterprise 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, 2020, are described under “Executive Compensation-Potential
Payments Upon Termination or Change of 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, non-solicitation, 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 Benefit Policy.
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 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 is composed solely of members of the Board of Directors who
(i) are not employees of the Company, and
(ii) meet the independence requirements of the NYSE.
Transocean 2021 P-95 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Committee is responsible for overseeing our executive compensation and long-term incentive programs.
Specifically, the Committee is responsible for:
Reviewing and approving the target and actual compensation paid and the benefit levels received by
our Executive Officers;
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;
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;
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
Assessing the risks associated with the Company’s compensation arrangements.
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.
During 2020, the Compensation Committee consisted of the following directors: Tan Ek Kia (Chair), Glyn Barker
(starting in May 2020), Vincent J. Intrieri (through May 2020), and Samuel J. Merksamer.
INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT
To assist in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee engaged an independent executive compensation
consulting firm, Pay Governance LLC (“Pay Governance”), that advised the Committee on executive
compensation matters in 2020.
In order to preserve the independence of the Committee’s compensation consultant and avoid the appearance
of an impairment of such independence, 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 2020. In May 2020, the
Committee assessed whether the work of Pay Governance for the Committee during 2020 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 advising the Committee.
Transocean 2021 P-96 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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 made 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. No advisors other than
Pay Governance were hired in 2020.
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 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.
Transocean 2021 P-97 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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:
6x Base Pay
CEO
Executive Vice President 3x Base Pay
2x Base Pay
Senior Vice President
1x Base Pay
Vice President
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. The
Committee determined that all executives were in compliance with these requirements in 2020.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION RECOUPMENT/CLAWBACK POLICY
Under the Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy, the Company is authorized to recover or adjust both
cash and equity incentive compensation to the extent the Committee determines that payments or awards have
exceeded the amount that would 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. Further, the
Committee has established terms and conditions for equity awards providing that awards may be forfeited in
the event an executive’s conduct is in violation of human resource or legal compliance and ethics policies,
including our Code of Integrity.
NO HEDGING OR PLEDGING OF COMPANY SHARES
We have a policy that prohibits any employee, officer or director of the Company from engaging in short-term
or speculative transactions in the Company’s securities. It, therefore, is the Company’s policy that employees,
officers and directors and their family members or wholly-owned businesses not engage in any of the following
transactions:
Short sales;
Publicly traded options;
Hedging transactions; and
Margin accounts and pledging.
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.
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
Transocean 2021 P-98 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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.
Tax Impact on Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the annual tax deduction to U.S. $1 million for
compensation paid by a publicly held company to its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer, and each
of the company's three other most highly compensated named executive officers. Although the deductibility of
compensation is a consideration evaluated by the Committee, we believe that the lost deduction on
compensation payable in excess of the U.S. $1 million limitation is not material relative to the benefit of being
able to attract and retain talented management. We have awarded compensation that might not be fully tax
deductible when such grants were nonetheless in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders after
taking into consideration changing business conditions, the executive’s individual performance and/or changes
in specific job duties and responsibilities. Accordingly, the Committee will continue to retain the discretion to
pay compensation that is subject to the U.S. $1 million deductibility limit.
Transocean 2021 P-99 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the above Compensation
Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation
Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the above Compensation Discussion and
Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Tan Ek Kia, Chair
Glyn A. Barker
Samuel J. Merksamer
Transocean 2021 P-100 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation paid by the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020, to each of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the next three most highly compensated
Executive Officers as of December 31, 2020, who are collectively referred to herein as our Named Executive
Officers.
CHANGE IN
PENSION
STOCK
AWARDS(1)
($)
OPTION
AWARDS(1)
($)
VALUE AND
NONQUALIFIED
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE
PLAN
($)
COMPENSATION(2) EARNINGS(3)
ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION(4)
($)
TOTAL
($)
SALARY
Executive Officer
President and Chief
Jeremy D. Thigpen
NAME AND
PRINCIPAL POSITION
BONUS
($)
($)
YEAR
2020 1,000,000 ―
2019 1,000,000 ―
2018 1,000,000 ―
2020 760,000 ―
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President 2019 760,000 ―
and Chief Financial Officer 2018 760,000 ―
2020 600,000 ―
Keelan I. Adamson
Executive Vice President 2019 600,000 ―
2018 523,769 ―
and Chief Operations
Officer
2020 550,000 ―
Howard E. Davis
Executive Vice President 2019 550,000 ―
and Chief Administrative 2018 550,000 ―
and Information Officer
2020 550,000 ―
Brady K. Long
Executive Vice President 2019 550,000 ―
2018 545,833 ―
and General Counsel
2,991,546
—
2,200,000
5,183,471 1,762,964
1,775,000
4,818,543 1,483,551
962,500
1,153,881
—
1,136,960
1,999,336 680,001
917,320
1,858,576 572,229
497,420
897,464
—
792,000
1,332,884 453,333
639,000
922,402 283,346
269,572
918,832
—
726,000
1,592,062 541,481
585,750
1,479,983 455,663
317,625
854,726
—
726,000
1,480,998 503,705
585,750
1,376,718 423,872
315,291
($)
―
―
―
―
―
―
221,962
234,061
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
300,258
6,491,804
215,517
9,936,952
286,201
8,550,795
187,192
3,238,031
143,246
4,499,902
183,350
3,871,575
142,466
2,653,891
104,461
3,363,739
147,843
2,146,932
129,802
2,324,634
101,687
3,370,980
127,803
2,931,074
131,861
2,262,589
104,033
3,224,486
123,500
2,785,214
(1) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of performance share units and restricted share units granted in each
year as shown in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2020” table and computed in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC
Topic 718. Regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of these equity awards, please see Note 15 to our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(2) These amounts represent annual cash bonuses payable to the Named Executive Officers based on service during the year 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 2020, is described under Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual
Performance Bonus.
(3) These amounts represent the change in value during the twelve-month period ending on December 31 of each year. 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 2020, 2019 or 2018.
(4) All Other Compensation for 2020 includes company matching contributions of $28,500 to the account of each NEO under the U.S.
401(k) Savings Plan; company matching contributions under the Savings Restoration Plan in the following amounts: Mr. Thigpen,
$249,000; Mr. Mey $139,232; Mr. Adamson $95,400; Mr. Davis, $85,075; and Mr. Long $85,075; and company-paid benefits in the
following amounts: Mr. Thigpen $22,758; Mr. Mey $19,460; Mr. Adamson $18,566; Mr. Davis, $16,227; and Mr. Long $18,286.
Transocean 2020 P-101 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2020
The following table provides information concerning the annual performance bonus and long-term incentive
awards made to each of the Named Executive Officers in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVEPLAN AWARDS(1)
ALL OTHER OPTION
STOCK
AWARDS:
AWARDS: NUMBER OF
NUMBER SHARES OF EXERCISE VALUE OF
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER OF SHARES SECURITIES PRICE OF STOCK AND
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(2) OF STOCK UNDERLYING OPTION OPTION
GRANT
DATE
FAIR
ALL OTHER
TYPE OF GRANT THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM OR UNITS(3) OPTIONS(3) AWARDS AWARDS(4)
AWARD DATE
($)
($)
($)
(#)
(#)
(#)
(#)
(#)
($)
($)
Mark L. Mey
Jeremy D. Thigpen AIP
PCA
PSU
RSU
AIP
PCA
PSU
RSU
Keelan I. Adamson AIP
PCA
PSU
RSU
AIP
PCA
PSU
RSU
AIP
PCA
PSU
RSU
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,250,000 2,500,000
2,100,000 3,150,000
—
646,000 1,292,000
810,000 1,215,000
—
450,000 900,000
630,000 945,000
—
412,500 825,000
645,000 967,500
—
412,500 825,000
600,000 900,000
—
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
5/8/2020
818,182
1,636,364
1,090,909
1,475,182
1,516,364
315,584
631,168
245,455
490,910
251,299
502,598
233,766
467,532
420,779
327,273
335,065
311,688
568,998
584,883
442,555
454,909
453,092
465,740
421,480
433,246
(1) These amounts represent threshold, target, and maximum awards, as applicable, under the following types of cash incentive
awards granted in 2020:
Annual Performance Bonus. These amounts represent the potential payout opportunities to the Named Executive Officers for the
2020 performance period under the Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan. There is no payout at or below threshold under this
plan for 2020. Actual amounts earned by the Named Executive Officers under the plan are reported in the Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation column of the “Summary Compensation Table.” For more information regarding the Performance Award and
Cash Bonus Plan, including the performance targets used for 2020, see Compensation Discussion Analysis—Annual Performance
Bonus.
Performance-Vesting Long-Term Cash Incentive Awards. These amounts represent the potential payout opportunities to the
Named Executive Officers for the performance cash award. This award is subject to an 18-month performance period beginning
July, 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2021. The actual amount of cash received will be determined in the first 60 days of 2022
and is contingent on the Company’s performance in EBITDA margin relative to the Performance Cash Peer Group. The amounts
shown under the Maximum column represent the payout level of 150%. There is no payout at or below threshold under this plan for
2020. This award is not reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” because the performance criteria has not yet been
satisfied. For more information regarding long-term incentive plans, including the performance targets used for 2020 and the
contingent nature of the long-term incentives granted, please see Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Incentives.
(2) The May 8, 2020, performance share unit award is subject to a 33-month performance period beginning April 1, 2020 and ending
December 31, 2022. The actual number of performance units received will be determined in the first 60 days of 2023 and is
contingent on the Company’s performance in total shareholder return relative to the Performance Peer Group. Any earned shares
will vest on December 31, 2022. The amounts shown under the Maximum column represent the payout level of 200%. There is no
payout at or below threshold level under this plan for 2020.
(3) These amounts represent the number of time-vested restricted share units granted to the Named Executive Officers under the long-
term incentive plans. The units vest in one-third increments over an approximate 34-month period commencing on May 8, 2020.
The first increment will vest on the anniversary of the date of grant: May 8, 2021, and the second and third increments will vest on
March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023, respectively.
(4) These amounts represent the grant date fair value of these awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The 2020
performance share unit fair value is calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation to value total shareholder return at the share price
on the date of grant.
Transocean 2020 P-102 Proxy Statement
Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End 2020
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to outstanding equity awards at December 31,
2020, for the Named Executive Officers.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EQUITY
INCENTIVE
EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
AWARDS:
PLAN AWARDS: MARKET OR
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS
(#)
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS
(#)
PAYOUT VALUE
NUMBER OF MARKET VALUE
NUMBER OF
OF UNEARNED
UNEARNED
SHARES OR OF SHARES
UNITS OF
OR UNITS OF SHARES, UNITS, SHARES, UNITS,
STOCK THAT STOCK THAT OTHER RIGHTS OTHER RIGHTS
THAT HAVE NOT THAT HAVE NOT
HAVE NOT
EXPIRATION VESTED(2)(3)(4)
OPTION
VESTED(5)(6)
(#)
VESTED(7)
($)
HAVE NOT
VESTED(7)
($)
OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE
EXERCISABLE(1) UNEXERCISABLE(1) ($/SHARE)
(#)
Grant
Date
Mark L. Mey
NAME
Jeremy D. Thigpen 2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
Keelan I. Adamson 2/10/2011
2/17/2012
2/14/2013
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/11/2016
2/10/2017
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
2/8/2018
2/7/2019
5/8/2020
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
233,957
217,618
219,298
144,033
—
—
109,649
288,066
8.61
13.35
9.18
8.35
DATE
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/7/2028
2/6/2029
54,467
134,409
1,090,909
125,819
310,485
2,520,000
307,557
324,977
818,182
710,457
750,697
1,890,000
98,039
94,011
84,586
55,555
—
—
42,294
111,112
8.61
13.35
9.18
8.35
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/7/2028
2/6/2029
3,492
8,455
15,767
44,118
46,657
41,980
37,037
—
—
—
—
—
20,990
74,074
78.76
50.79
59.3
8.61
13.35
9.18
8.35
2/9/2021
2/16/2022
2/13/2023
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/7/2028
2/6/2029
73,529
74,861
67,356
44,238
—
—
33,678
88,478
8.61
13.35
9.18
8.35
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/7/2028
2/6/2029
58,489
69,638
62,656
41,152
—
—
31,329
82,305
8.61
13.35
9.18
8.35
2/10/2026
2/9/2027
2/7/2028
2/6/2029
21,009
51,844
420,779
48,531
119,760
971,999
118,629
125,348
315,584
274,033
289,554
728,999
10,427
34,562
327,273
24,086
79,838
756,001
16,729
41,283
335,065
38,644
95,364
774,000
15,562
38,403
311,688
35,948
88,711
719,999
58,875
83,565
245,455
136,001
193,035
567,001
94,464
99,814
251,299
218,212
230,570
580,501
87,873
92,851
233,766
202,987
214,486
539,923
Transocean 2020 P-103 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1) Each option award has a 10-year term and vests in one-third increments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.
(2) Restricted share units granted on February 8, 2018; one-third vested on each of March 1, 2019 and 2020, and one-third will vest on
March 1, 2021.
(3) Restricted share units granted on February 7, 2019; one-third vested on March 1, 2020, and one-third will vest on each of March 1,
2021 and 2022.
(4) Restricted share units granted on May 8, 2020; one-third will vest on May 8, 2021, and one-third will vest on each of March 1, 2022
and 2023.
(5) Performance share units granted in 2018 and 2019 are subject to a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2020
and December 31, 2021, respectively. Performance share units granted in 2020 are subject to a 33-month performance period
beginning April 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2022. The actual number of performance share units received will be determined
in the first 60 days following the end of the performance period and is contingent on our performance as determined by comparing
our total shareholder return relative to the Performance Peer Group. Any shares earned will vest the day following the last day of
the performance period. For more information regarding long-term incentive plans, please see Compensation Discussion and
Analysis—Long-Term Incentives.
(6) Performance share units are listed at the targeted number of units.
(7) For purposes of calculating the amounts in these columns, the closing price of our shares on the NYSE on December 31, 2020, of
$2.31 was used.
Option Exercises and Shares Vested for 2020
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the exercise of options and the vesting of RSUs
and PSUs, as applicable, during 2020 for the Named Executive Officers.
NAME
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
NUMBER OF SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
EXERCISE
(#)
VALUE
REALIZED ON
EXERCISE
($)
NUMBER OF
SHARES ACQUIRED
ON VESTING
(#)
VALUE
REALIZED ON
VESTING(1)
($)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
346,541
144,074
75,920
114,726
106,722
1,438,025
602,361
313,745
479,659
446,194
(1) Value realized on vesting is calculated by multiplying the closing price of our shares on the NYSE on the date of release by the
number of gross shares that were released on such date, including any shares subsequently withheld in satisfaction of requisite tax
withholding.
Transocean 2020 P-104 Proxy Statement
Pension Benefits for 2020
We maintain the following pension plans for executive officers and other employees that provide for post-
retirement income based on age and years of service:
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan
Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
The following table and narrative disclosure set forth certain information with respect to pension benefits
payable to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to these plans:
NUMBER OF
YEARS
PRESENT
VALUE OF
ACCUMULATED
BENEFIT
($)
PAYMENTS
DURING
2020
($)
NAME
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
PLAN NAME
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan
Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
Transocean Savings Restoration Plan
CREDITED
SERVICE
(#)
6
6
6
10
10
5
5
1,005,581
565,627
307,356
597,818
611,744
317,208
270,626
—
—
—
—
—
—
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.
Benefits are payable upon a participant’s termination of employment, or six months after termination in the case
of certain officers.
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. Adamson is the only Named Executive Officer 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).
Transocean 2020 P-105 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Furthermore, employees earn the right to receive a benefit if they are active employees and age 65 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 for 2020” table above. In particular, monthly accrued pension benefits,
payable at age 65, were determined as of December 31, 2020. The present value of these benefits was
calculated based on assumptions used in the Company’s financial statements for 2020.
Transocean Pension Equalization Plan
The Pension Equalization Plan (“PEP”) is a nonqualified, unfunded, noncontributory pension plan that was
frozen effective December 31, 2014. Mr. Adamson is the only Named Executive Officer 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) (U.S. $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 for 2020” table above. In particular, monthly accrued pension benefits,
payable at age 65, were determined as of December 31, 2020. The present value of these benefits was
calculated based on assumptions used in the Company’s financial statements for 2020.
Transocean 2020 P-106 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
The following table summarizes the treatment of outstanding awards as provided in the terms and conditions
of each award.
EVENT
CONSEQUENCES
Voluntary not-for-cause termination
Involuntary not-for-cause termination or
Retirement
Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Performance
Cash and Stock Options – executive’s right to unvested portion
of award terminates immediately; vested and outstanding stock
options will remain exercisable for 60 days following termination
(or until expiration, if sooner)
Restricted Share Units – prorated portion of award vests
Performance Share Units and Performance Cash – prorated
portion of award vests based on actual performance after the
performance after the performance period ends
Stock Options – unvested portion of award terminates
immediately; vested and outstanding will remain exercisable for
one year following termination (or until option expiration, if
sooner)
Termination due to Death or Disability
Restricted Share Units – award vests
Involuntary termination not-for-cause
after a Change of Control
Performance Share Units and Performance Cash – prorated
portion of award vests based on actual performance after the
performance period ends
Stock Options – award vests and all vested and outstanding will
remain exercisable for one year following termination (or until
option expiration (or until option expiration, if sooner)
Restricted Share Units – award vests
Performance Share Units and Performance Cash – award
vests based on target performance
Stock options – awards vest and all vested and outstanding will
remain exercisable for one year following termination (or until
option expiration, if sooner)
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation that would be payable to the
Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2020, upon a variety of termination scenarios. It does not include
benefits that are generally available to salaried employees on a non-discriminatory basis, including payments
that would be made under the Company’s life and disability insurance plans, and unused vacation days.
Transocean 2020 P-107 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
As of December 31, 2020, 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.
NAME
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
CASH
NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE
SEVERANCE
PAYMENT(2) COMPENSATION(3)
OPTION
STOCK AWARDS(4) AWARDS(5)
RETIREMENT
PLAN
BENEFIT(6)
($)
TOTAL
($)
TRIGGERING EVENT(1)
Voluntary Not-for-Cause
Involuntary Not-for-Cause
Retirement
Death (7)
Disability(7)
Change of Control
Voluntary Not-for-Cause
Involuntary Not-for-Cause
Retirement
Death (7)
Disability(7)
Change of Control
Voluntary Not-for-Cause
Involuntary Not-for-Cause
Retirement
Death (7)
Disability(7)
Change of Control
Voluntary Not-for-Cause
Involuntary Not-for-Cause
Retirement
Death (7)
Disability(7)
Change of Control
Voluntary Not-for-Cause
Involuntary Not-for-Cause
Retirement
Death (7)
Disability(7)
Change of Control
($)
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
($)
($)
―
―
3,251,916
2,018,824
3,251,916
2,018,824
3,251,916
4,082,072
3,251,916
4,082,072
4,300,000
3,972,565
―
―
1,542,699
778,690
1,542,699
778,690
1,542,699
1,574,514
1,542,699
1,574,514
1,946,960
1,532,276
―
―
1,107,575
570,173
1,107,575
570,173
1,107,575
1,183,356
1,107,575
1,183,356
1,422,000
1,143,355
―
―
577,500
1,049,089
620,067
―
―
―
1,049,089
620,067
1,049,089
1,253,780
1,049,089
1,253,780
577,500
1,371,000
1,220,145
―
―
―
577,500
1,026,547
576,807
―
―
―
1,026,547
576,807
1,026,547
1,166,307
1,026,547
1,166,307
577,500
1,326,000
1,135,019
($)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,005,581 1,005,581
1,005,581 6,276,321
1,005,581 6,276,321
1,005,581 8,339,569
1,005,581 8,339,569
1,005,581 9,278,146
565,627
565,627
565,627
2,887,016
565,627
2,887,016
565,627
3,682,840
565,627
3,682,840
565,627
4,044,863
919,100
919,100
919,100
2,596,848
919,100
2,596,848
692,193
2,983,124
919,100
3,210,031
919,100
3,484,455
317,208
317,208
317,208
2,563,864
317,208
1,986,364
317,208
2,620,077
317,208
2,620,077
317,208
3,485,853
270,626
270,626
270,626
2,451,480
270,626
1,873,980
270,626
2,463,480
270,626
2,463,480
270,626
3,309,145
(1) These amounts represent obligations of the Company under agreements currently in place and valued as of December 31, 2020.
Agreements do not provide for any single-trigger payments upon a change of control.
(2) Amounts payable under the terms of the Executive Severance Benefit Policy. This includes a lump sum payment equal to 52 weeks
of base salary as well as outplacement services (not to exceed 5% of the base salary) for Messrs. Davis and Long.
(3) Amounts payable for the 2020 annual cash bonus earned and the value of performance cash that would vest upon the triggering
event.
(4) These amounts represent the value of restricted share units and performance share units that would vest upon the triggering event,
based on U.S. $2.31, the closing stock price on the last trading day of 2020.
(5) These amounts represent the (“in-the-money”) value of vested and unvested stock options.
(6) These amounts represent the present value of PEP and Savings Restoration Plan benefits, which would have been payable as of
December 31, 2020.
(7) In addition to the benefits listed in the preceding table, payments will also be made under the Company’s life and disability
insurance plans, a benefit that is generally available to all employees.
Transocean 2020 P-108 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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 total annual compensation of our
median employee.
Based on SEC rules for this disclosure and applying the methodology described below, the Company
determined that our CEO’s total compensation in U.S. dollars for 2020 was $6,491,804, and the 2020 total
compensation of the median employee in U.S. dollars was $129,077. Accordingly, for 2020, the Company
estimates the ratio of our CEO’s total compensation to the median total compensation of all employees to be
50 to 1.
Due to changes in our employee population and compensation arrangements, we are not using the same
median employee as prior year. In determining the applicable median salary, we first excluded 247 of our non-
U.S. employees located in Angola, Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Greece, Hungary, India, Nigeria,
Singapore, and Switzerland representing 5% of our workforce, a de minimis number of non-US employees as
allowed under the SEC rules. Next, for all other non-U.S. employees paid in local non-U.S. currency, salaries
were denominated in U.S. dollars by applying applicable currency exchange rates in place on December 31,
2020. This currency exchange was necessary for comparison to our CEO pay which is denominated in U.S.
dollars. We then identified the median employee based on a tabulation of year-to-date earnings for all included
employees on December 31, 2020, the last day of our fiscal year.
Once the median employee was identified as described above, the total annual compensation for 2020 for that
employee was determined using the same rules that apply to reporting NEO compensation in the Total column
of the “Summary Compensation Table.”
Transocean 2020 P-109 Proxy Statement
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity
compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES TO BE
ISSUED UPON
EXERCISE OF
OUTSTANDING
OPTIONS,
WARRANTS AND
RIGHTS
(A)
4,385,147
—
4,385,147
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE
OF OUTSTANDING
OPTIONS,
WARRANTS
AND RIGHTS
(B) (U.S.$)
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
REMAINING AVAILABLE
FOR
FUTURE ISSUANCE
UNDER
EQUITY COMPENSATION
PLANS
(EXCLUDING SECURITIES
REFLECTED IN COLUMN
(A)) (C)(2)
12.31
—
12.31
35,360,554
—
35,360,554
PLAN CATEGORY
Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders(1)
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders
Total
(1) We may also grant restricted share units and other forms of share-based awards under our long-term incentive plans previously
approved by our shareholders. At December 31, 2020, we had 13,379,920 shares available for future issuance pursuant to grants
of restricted share units.
(2) In February 2021, we granted share-based awards to our employees, and at February 28, 2021, including the awards granted prior
to December 31, 2020, we had 7,849,025 shares remaining available for future grants of share-based awards.
Transocean 2021 P-110 Proxy Statement
OTHER MATTERS
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors during 2020 were Tan Ek Kia, Chair,
Glyn A. Barker and Samuel J. Merksamer. There are no matters relating to interlocks or insider participation
that we are required to report.
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 1414 Enclave Parkway, Houston,
Texas 77077 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 2022 Annual
General Meeting, your proposals must be received at our principal executive offices c/o Transocean Ltd.,
Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland by no later than 5:00 p.m. Swiss time on December 8, 2021.
However, if the date of the 2022 Annual General Meeting changes by more than 30 days from the anniversary
of the 2021 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.
Transocean 2021 P-111 Proxy Statement
OTHER MATTERS
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 March 8, 2022, for the 2022 annual meeting unless it is
more than 30 calendar days before or after May 27, 2022.
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 March 8, 2022. 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 (if permitted) 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, 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
Georgeson LLC for a fee of U.S. $20,000, plus expenses, 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
Transocean 2020 P-112 Proxy Statement
OTHER MATTERS
reimburse them for reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with the forwarding of solicitation
materials.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires 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. Due to administrative and technical issues, a
Form 4 was filed late on behalf of Edward R. Muller, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, on
March 11, 2020, and Form 4s for each of Messrs. Thigpen, Mey, Adamson, Davis, Long and David Tonnel
(Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer) were filed one day late on March 4, 2020. Based solely on a
review of reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no report on Form 5 was required
for 2020, other than as indicated above, 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.
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—2020 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, 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 2020 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.
Transocean 2021 P-113 Proxy Statement
APPENDIX A
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND RELATED
MARGINS
(in millions, except percentages)
Contract Drilling Revenues
Contract intangible amortization
Adjusted Contract Drilling Revenues
Net loss
Interest expense, net of interest income
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization
Contract intangible amortization
EBITDA
Restructuring costs
Loss on impairment of assets
Loss on disposal of assets, net
Gain on restructuring and retirement of debt
Loss on impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA margin
Adjusted EBITDA margin
$
$
$
$
YEAR ENDED
12/31/20
3,152
215
3,367
(568)
554
27
781
215
1,009
5
597
61
(533)
62
1,201
30 %
36 %
The differential between actual adjusted EBITDA of $1.201 million and the EBITDA performance achievement
of $1.084 million for the 2020 Bonus Plan is the result of a Committee-approved calculation of EBITDA to reflect
a reduction of $117 million to exclude the deferred cash components of a favorable settlement with a customer.
A-1
APPENDIX B
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(as amended and restated effective _________, 2021)
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”), as amended and restated effective May 7, 2020, again on May 8, 2020 and as most recently amended
and restated effective _______, 2021.
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.
respective meanings:
3.
Definitions. As used herein, the terms set forth below shall have the following
“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
B-1
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 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.
B-2
“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.
“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.
“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 0.10 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
84,500,000 Shares plus the 1,212,966 Shares remaining available for awards under the Prior Plan
B-3
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.
(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 on or after
May 15, 2009, 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 of 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)
No Employee may be granted during any calendar year Awards consisting
of Options or SARs that are exercisable with respect to Shares with an aggregate Fair Market
Value in excess of $10,000,000 taking into account the date of grant value of the Shares
subject to, and without regard to the Exercise Price associated with, such Awards;
(ii)
No Employee may be granted during any calendar year Awards that are
Share-Based Awards with an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of $10,000,000 taking
into account the date of grant value of the Shares subject to such Awards (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”);
(iii)
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
(iv)
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.
B-4
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; and
(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, regulation or statute fulfilling the same or similar function). 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 or any other termination event, 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(b) or 8(c) 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.
(d)
Minimum Vesting or Restriction Period. Subject to Paragraph 6(a) hereof, all
Awards shall have a minimum vesting period or Restriction Period, as applicable, of one year from
the Grant Date; provided, however, that Awards with respect to up to five percent (5%) of the Shares
B-5
available for Awards pursuant to this Plan (subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 15) may
be issued pursuant to Awards without regard to the limitations of this Paragraph 6(d).
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 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 the applicable Award Agreement or in any other written
agreement the Company has entered into with the Participant.
(b)
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.
(c)
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.
(d)
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.
(e)
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.
B-6
(f)
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.
(g)
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.
(h)
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. One or more Performance Objectives 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; (16) total market value and corporate
values measures (including ethics compliance, environmental, human resources development and
safety); and (17) any other measure determined by the Committee. 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).
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.
10.
Award Payment; Dividends and Dividend Equivalents.
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
(a)
B-7
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
(x) no such Dividends shall be paid with respect to unvested Restricted Shares and (y) no such
Dividend Equivalents shall be paid with respect to unvested Restricted Share Unit Awards or
Performance Unit Awards. Dividends or Dividend Equivalents with respect to unvested Restricted
Shares, 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 Shares,
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.
B-8
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.
B-9
(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 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
B-10
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.
No 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 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 the Company’s Incentive Compensation
Recoupment Policy or any other clawback policy adopted by the Company whether before or after the Grant
Date of the Award.
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 gender may be
appropriate under any particular circumstance.
23.
only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Plan.
24.
Headings. The headings in this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference
25.
Effectiveness. This Plan was initially approved 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 and became effective as of the Effective Date. The Plan was thereafter amended and restated
and approved by the holders of a majority of Shares, present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the 2020
Annual General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders, effective May 7, 2020. The Plan was thereafter
amended and restated effective May 8, 2020. The Plan was further amended and restated and approved by
the holders of a majority of Shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the 2021 Annual General
Meeting of the Company’s shareholders, effective _________, 2021. This Plan shall continue until terminated
by action of the Board.
B-11
Annex A
Transocean Ltd. Your vote is important. To ensure the shares are represented, you should
complete, sign and date the below proxy card and return it promptly in the enche reverse side
of this Proxy Card. If you do not provide specific voting instructions in relation to one or several
proposals described on the reverse side, you instruct the independent proxy to vote “FOR”
proposals 1-4, 6, 8-10 and 12, “FOR” each nominee and ratification listed in proposals 5, 7
and 11 and as recommended by the Board of Directors on any modifications to an agenda
item or any other matter which may be properly presented or brought before the Meeting. The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of notice of, and the proxy statement for, the
aforesaid Meeting. Continued on the reverse side. Must be signed on the reverse side.
Amendment to Article 5 of the Articles of Association
(Authorized Share Capital)
Artikel 5
Article 5
Genehmigtes
Aktienkapital
1 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, das
Aktienkapital jederzeit bis zum
27. Mai 2023 im Maximalbetrag von
CHF 20,570,285 durch Ausgabe von
höchstens 205,702,850 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.
3 Der Verwaltungsrat ist ermächtigt, die
Bezugsrechte der Aktionäre in Bezug
auf höchstens 68,567,616 Aktien zu
entziehen oder zu beschränken und
diese einzelnen Aktionären oder
Dritten zuzuweisen:
(a) wenn der Ausgabebetrag der
neuen Aktien unter
Berücksichtigung des
Marktpreises festgesetzt wird;
oder
1
Authorized
Share
Capital
2
The Board of Directors is authorized to
increase the share capital, at any time until
May 27, 2023, by a maximum amount of
CHF 20,570,285 by issuing a maximum of
205,702,850 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.
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
The Board of Directors is authorized to
withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of
the shareholders with respect to a
maximum of 68,567,616 Shares 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
AN-1
(b) für die Übernahme von
(b) for the acquisition of an enterprise,
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
(c)
Aktionärskreises in bestimmten
Finanz- oder Investoren-Märkten,
zur Beteiligung von strategischen
Partnern, oder im Zusammenhang
mit der Kotierung von neuen
Aktien an inländischen oder
ausländischen Börsen; oder
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
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
(d) für die Einräumung einer
(d) for purposes of granting an over-
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.
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
4
Eintragungsbeschränkungen in das
Aktienbuch von Artikel 7 und 9 dieser
Statuten.
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.
AN-2
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:42)(cid:3)
(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:17)(cid:50)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:3)
(cid:1012)(cid:1004)(cid:1004)(cid:1009)(cid:3)(cid:127)(cid:437)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:856)(cid:286)(cid:455)(cid:856)(cid:272)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:876)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Zurich, April 6, 2021
Report of the statutory auditor on the compensation report
(cid:3)
We have audited the compensation report (pages CR-2 to CR-5) of Transocean Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
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. 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 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, 2020 of Transocean Ltd. complies with Swiss law
and articles 14–16 of the Ordinance.
(cid:3)
Ernst & Young Ltd
/s/ Reto Hofer
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Ralph Petermann
Certified public accountant
CR-1
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT
GENERAL
Transocean Ltd. (“Transocean”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is the parent company of Transocean Inc. 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.
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, 2020 and 2019. For a description of our governance framework relating to executive
and director compensation, please refer to page P-62 et seq. of our 2021 Proxy Statement under the caption "Executive and Director
Compensation Process.” For a description of our directors' compensation principles, please refer to page P 71 et seq. of our 2020 Proxy
Statement under the captions "Director Compensation Strategy" and "2020 Director Compensation.” For a description of our Executive
Management Team compensation principles, please refer to page P-77 et seq. of our 2021 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
-
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 0.95 and CHF 0.99, 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:
Annual retainer - non-employee chair
Annual retainer - non-employee vice chair
Annual retainer - non-employee directors
Grant of restricted share units - non-employee chair
Grant of restricted share units - non-employee vice chair
Grant of restricted share units - non-employee directors
Additional annual retainer for committee chairs:
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance Committee, Finance Committee,
and Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee
Year ended December 31, 2020
Payment
Swiss franc
currency
equivalent
Year ended December 31, 2019
Payment
Swiss franc
currency
equivalent
USD
275,000
—
100,000
275,000
—
210,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
CHF
260,343
—
94,670
260,343
—
198,807
33,135
18,934
9,467
USD
325,000
—
100,000
325,000
—
210,000
35,000
20,000
10,000
CHF
323,245
—
99,460
323,245
—
208,866
34,811
19,892
9,946
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. 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. No director served in the position of non-employee vice chair for the years ended December 31, 2020
and 2019.
We grant restricted share units to the non-employee chair and each non-employee director annually with an aggregate value
presented above 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 shares upon vesting or to defer shares until the director no
longer serves on the board.
(cid:3)
CR-2
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
We paid to our non-employee directors total compensation as follows:
Name and function
Chadwick C. Deaton (c)
Chair of the board since May 9,2019
Glyn A. Barker (d)
Member of the board; chair of the audit committee;
member of the finance committee; member of the
compensation committee since May 8, 2020
Vanessa C.L. Chang (c)
Member of the board; member of the audit committee;
member of the corporate governance committee
Frederico F. Curado (e)
Member of the board; chair of the health, safety,
environment and sustainability committee; member of
the corporate governance committee
Diane de Saint Victor (f)
Member of the board, member of the audit committee,
and member of the health, safety, environment and
sustainability committee since May 8, 2020
Vincent J. Intrieri (c)
Member of the board; chair of the corporate governance
committee; member of the finance committee;
member of the compensation committee until May 8,
2020
Samuel Merksamer (c)
Member of the board; member of the finance committee;
member of the compensation committee
Frederik W. Mohn (g)
Member of the board; member of the audit committee;
member of the health, safety, environment and
sustainability committee
Edward R. Muller (c)
Member of the board; chair of the finance committee;
member of the audit committee
Tan Ek Kia (h)
Member of the board; chair of the compensation
committee; member of the health, safety,
environment and sustainability committee
Merrill A. “Pete” Miller, Jr (c) (i)
Chair of the board until May 9, 2019
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
Total
compensation
for board
membership
Year ended December 31, 2020
Restricted
share units
(value)
(b)
Fees
earned
(a)
Restricted
share units
(quantity)
Total
compensation for
board
membership
Year ended December 31, 2019
Restricted
share units
(value)
(b)
Fees
earned
(a)
CHF
USD
446,046
471,159
257,004
271,473
223,869
236,473
233,336
246,473
190,839
201,583
233,336
246,473
223,869
236,473
223,869
236,473
233,336
246,473
242,803
256,473
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
276,858
292,445
127,805
135,000
94,670
100,000
104,137
110,000
61,640
65,110
104,137
110,000
94,670
100,000
94,670
100,000
104,137
110,000
113,604
120,000
169,188
178,714
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
129,199
136,473
128,571 CHF
USD
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
98,182
CHF
USD
553,843
556,851
332,984
334,792
298,173
299,792
304,279
305,931
—
—
CHF
USD
246,315
247,653
134,271
135,000
99,460
100,000
105,566
106,139
—
—
308,119
309,792
109,406
110,000
298,173
299,792
298,173
299,792
308,119
309,792
318,065
319,792
99,460
100,000
99,460
100,000
109,406
110,000
119,352
120,000
307,528
309,198
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
—
—
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
198,713
199,792
Restricted
share units
(quantity)
40,524
26,185
26,185
26,185
—
26,185
26,185
26,185
26,185
26,185
—
—
2,508,307
2,649,526
—
—
1,176,328
1,242,555
CHF
USD
—
—
1,331,979
1,406,971
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
—
1,012,209
115,829
116,458
3,135,757
3,152,784
CHF
USD
115,829
116,458
1,238,525
1,245,250
CHF
USD
—
—
1,897,232
1,907,534
CHF
USD
—
250,004
(cid:3) Fees earned include cash retainer fees.
(cid:3) For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we estimated the fair value of restricted share units to be USD 1.39 and USD 7.63, respectively, equivalent to CHF 1.32
and CHF 7.59, respectively, based on the market price of our shares as reported on the NYSE on the grant date.
(cid:3) Total compensation is not subject to employer-paid social taxes.
(cid:3) In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Barker received compensation representing employer-paid U.K. social taxes. In the years ended December 31,
2020 and 2019, such employer-paid social taxes on Transocean compensation were USD 18,630 and USD 18,630, respectively, equivalent to CHF 17,637 and
CHF 18,529, respectively.
(cid:3) In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Curado received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the years ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 9,928 and USD 9,398, respectively, equivalent to CHF 9,398 and CHF 8,387, respectively.
In addition to the total compensation presented above, Ms. de Saint Victor received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the year ended
December 31, 2020, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 4,689, equivalent to CHF 4,439.
(cid:3)
(cid:3) In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Mohn received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the years ended December 31,
2020 and 2019, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 9,025 and USD 7,945, respectively, equivalent to CHF 8,544 and CHF 7,902, respectively.
(cid:3) In addition to the total compensation presented above, Mr. Tan received compensation representing employer-paid Swiss social taxes. In the years ended December 31,
2020 and 2019, such employer-paid social taxes were USD 8,585 and USD 7,343, respectively, equivalent to CHF 8,127 and CHF 7,303, respectively.
(cid:3) Effective May 9, 2019, Mr. Miller retired from the Board of Directors.
(cid:3)
CR-3
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM COMPENSATION
Total compensation—We paid the members of our Executive Management Team total compensation as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2019
Name and function
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Chief Executive Officer since April 22, 2015
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 28, 2015
Keelan I. Adamson
Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer since August 10, 2018
John B. Stobart
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Performance Officer until June 1, 2018
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
Total
share-based
compensation
Total
compensation
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
3,383,629 CHF
3,574,131
USD
2,015,023
2,128,471
1,483,908
1,567,454
—
—
6,882,560
CHF
USD
7,270,056
2,832,096 CHF
2,991,546
USD
1,092,379
1,153,881
849,630
897,464
—
—
4,774,105
5,042,891
CHF
USD
6,215,725
6,565,677
3,107,402
3,282,352
2,333,538
2,464,918
—
—
11,656,665
12,312,947
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
CHF
USD
Total
share-based
compensation
Total
compensation
9,972,439
10,026,583
4,524,736
4,549,302
3,144,384
3,161,456
1,464,404
1,472,354
19,105,963
6,908,924 CHF
6,946,435
USD
2,664,868
2,679,337
1,776,571
1,786,217
—
—
11,350,363
CHF
USD
3,063,515 CHF
3,080,148
USD
1,859,868
1,869,965
1,367,813
1,375,239
1,464,404
1,472,354
7,755,600
CHF
USD
7,797,706
11,411,989
19,209,695
CHF
USD
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, 2020
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
Name
Base
salary
Bonus
(a)
Additional
compensation
CHF
USD
946,700 CHF 2,082,740 CHF
1,000,000 USD 2,200,000 USD
719,492
760,000
568,020
600,000
1,076,360
1,136,960
749,786
792,000
CHF 2,234,212
CHF
USD 2,360,000 USD 4,128,960 USD
CHF 3,908,886
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Employer’s
pension
contributions
Retirement and
social security
benefits
(b)
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
262,709 CHF
277,500 USD
158,792
167,732
117,296
123,900
538,797
CHF
569,132 USD
91,480 CHF 3,383,629
96,631 USD 3,574,131
2,015,023
60,379
2,128,471
63,779
48,806
1,483,908
51,554
1,567,454
200,665
CHF 6,882,560
211,962 USD 7,270,056
(cid:3) Bonus represents the amount earned in the year ended December 31, 2020, but not paid as of December 31, 2020.
(cid:3) Includes employer-paid social taxes and costs of health benefits, such as medical and dental insurance. Through December 31, 2020, Mr. Adamson has accrued benefits
of USD 611,744, equivalent to CHF 579,138, under the Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan and USD 597,818, equivalent to CHF 565,954, under the Transocean
U.S. Retirement Plan.
Name
Year ended December 31, 2019
Base
salary
Bonus
(a)
Additional
compensation
(b)
Employer’s
pension
contributions
Retirement and
social security
benefits
(c)
Total salary and
other non
share-based
compensation
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
John B. Stobart
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
CHF
USD
994,600 CHF 1,765,415 CHF
1,000,000 USD 1,775,000 USD
755,896
760,000
596,760
600,000
333,191
335,000
CHF 2,680,447
CHF
USD
—
—
—
—
—
—
912,367
917,320
635,549
639,000
—
—
1,038,018
1,043,654
CHF 1,038,018
195,190 CHF
196,250 USD
125,063
125,742
86,488
86,957
27,849
28,000
CHF
434,590
436,949 USD
108,310 CHF 3,063,515
108,898 USD 3,080,148
1,859,868
66,542
1,869,965
66,903
49,016
1,367,813
49,282
1,375,239
1,464,404
65,346
65,700
1,472,354
CHF 7,755,600
289,214
290,783 USD 7,797,706
CHF
USD 2,695,000 USD 3,331,320 USD 1,043,654 USD
CHF 3,313,331
(cid:3) Bonus represents the amount earned in the year ended December 31, 2019, but not paid as of December 31, 2019.
(cid:3) Additional compensation for Mr. Stobart included payment in accordance with the terms of his non-compete agreement.
(cid:3) Includes employer-paid social taxes and costs of health benefits, such as medical and dental insurance. Through December 31, 2019, Mr. Adamson has accrued benefits
of USD 484,083, equivalent to CHF 481,469, under the Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan and USD 503,517, equivalent to CHF 500,798, under the Transocean
U.S. Retirement Plan. Through December 31, 2019, Mr. Stobart has accrued benefits of USD 205,373, equivalent to CHF 204,264, under the Transocean Ltd. Pension
Equalization Plan and USD 96,694, equivalent to CHF 96,172, under the Transocean U.S. Retirement Plan. In January 2020, Mr. Stobart received payment for his accrued
benefits under the Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan.
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.
CR-4
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
COMPENSATION REPORT—continued
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, 2020 and 2019, we granted performance share units to members of our Executive Management
Team. Performance share units granted are generally 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:
Name
Options
Fair value
Units (a)
Fair value
Units (a)(b)
Fair value
Stock options
Restricted share units
Performance share units
Year ended December 31, 2020
Total share-based
compensation
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
—
CHF
USD
—
—
—
CHF
USD
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,090,909
CHF
1,435,541
USD
1,516,364
818,182
CHF
1,396,555 CHF
2,832,096
USD
1,475,182 USD
2,991,546
420,779
327,273
553,709
584,883
430,663
454,909
315,584
245,455
538,670
568,998
418,967
442,555
1,092,379
1,153,881
849,630
897,464
1,838,961
CHF
2,419,913
USD
2,556,156
1,379,221
CHF
2,354,192 CHF
4,774,105
USD
2,486,735 USD
5,042,891
(cid:3) We granted restricted share units and performance share units to the members of our Executive Management Team on May 8, 2020.
(cid:3) The 33-month performance period is April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 and is based on our total shareholder return relative to our performance peer group.
Name
Options (a)
Fair value
Units (a)
Fair value
Units (a)(b)
Fair value
Stock options
Restricted share units
Performance share units
Year ended December 31, 2019
Total share-based
compensation
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
Total (CHF)
Total (USD)
432,099
CHF
1,753,444
USD
1,762,964
201,613
CHF
1,674,378
USD
1,683,469
324,977
CHF
3,481,102 CHF
6,908,924
USD
3,500,002 USD
6,946,435
166,667
111,111
676,329
680,001
450,885
453,333
77,765
51,843
645,831
649,338
430,551
432,889
125,348
83,565
1,342,708
1,349,998
895,135
899,995
2,664,868
2,679,337
1,776,571
1,786,217
598,767
CHF
2,880,658
USD
2,896,298
331,221
CHF
2,750,760
USD
2,765,696
533,890
CHF
5,718,945 CHF 11,350,363
USD
5,749,995 USD 11,411,989
(cid:3) We granted stock options, restricted share units and performance share units to the members of our Executive Management Team on February 7, 2019.
(cid:3) The three-year performance period is January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 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, 2020. At December 31,
2020 and 2019, 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 year ended December 31, 2020 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2019 we paid former non-employee Chairman of the Board, Pete Miller, USD 116,458,
equivalent to CHF 115,829, representing 2019 prorated fees prior to retirement. Additionally, we paid former Executive Management Team
member, John Stobart, USD 1,472,354, equivalent to CHF 1,464,404, which included compensation for his notice period through June 2019
as well as compensation for his non-compete period. These amounts for Mr. Miller and Mr. Stobart are included in the total compensation
tables above.
CR-5
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(cid:3)
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
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.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
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 Accountant Fees and Services
PART III
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
Page
AR-2
AR-8
AR-21
AR-21
AR-21
AR-22
AR-24
AR-25
AR-26
AR-40
AR-41
AR-78
AR-78
AR-78
AR-79
AR-79
AR-79
AR-79
AR-79
AR-80
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:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
the effect, impact, potential duration, the rate of any economic recovery or other implications of the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus
(“COVID-19”) and disputes and actions with respect to production levels by, among or between major oil and gas producing countries and any
expectations we may have with respect thereto;
our results of operations, our revenue efficiency and other performance indicators; optimization of rig-based spending and our cash flow from
operations;
the offshore drilling market, including the effects of variations 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 jurisdictions in which we
operate and changes in the global economy or market outlook for the various geographies in which we operate or for our classes of rigs;
customer drilling contracts, including contract backlog, force majeure provisions, contract awards, commencements, extensions, terminations,
renegotiations, 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;
debt levels, including impacts of the current financial and economic downturn, interest rates, credit ratings and our evaluation or decisions with
respect to any potential liability management transactions or other strategic alternatives intended to prudently manage our liquidity, debt maturities
and other aspects of our capital structure and any litigation, alleged defaults and discussions with creditors related thereto;
newbuild, upgrade, shipyard and other capital projects, including completion, relinquishment or abandonment, delivery and commencement of
operation dates, expected downtime and lost revenues, the level of expected capital expenditures and the timing and cost of completing capital
projects;
the cost and timing of acquisitions and the proceeds and timing of dispositions;
tax matters, including our effective tax rate, changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations, tax assessments and liabilities for tax issues in the tax
jurisdictions in which we operate or have a taxable presence;
legal and regulatory matters, including results and effects of current or potential 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, the timing of, and other matters concerning, 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)(cid:3) anticipates
(cid:131)(cid:3) believes
(cid:131)(cid:3) projects
(cid:131)(cid:3) scheduled
(cid:131)(cid:3) estimates
(cid:131)(cid:3) expects
(cid:131)(cid:3) forecasts
(cid:131)(cid:3) intends
(cid:131)(cid:3) budgets
(cid:131)(cid:3) could
(cid:131)(cid:3) plans
(cid:131)(cid:3) predicts
(cid:131)(cid:3) may
(cid:131)(cid:3) might
(cid:131)(cid:3) should
Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this annual report;
the effects of public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to, our growth, operating costs, supply chain, labor availability, logistical
capabilities, customer demand for our services and industry demand generally, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with
respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally;
the effects of actions by, or disputes among or between, members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and natural
gas producing countries with respect to production levels or other matters related to the prices of oil and natural gas;
the adequacy of and access to our sources of liquidity;
our inability to renew drilling contracts at comparable dayrates and to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that do not have contracts;
operational performance;
the cancellation of drilling contracts currently included in our reported contract backlog;
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 filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free
of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
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.(cid:3)
AR-1
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 16,
2021, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 27 ultra-deepwater
floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters. As of February 16, 2021, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.
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. 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 Steinhausen, Switzerland. Our telephone number at that address is +41 41 749-0500. Our shares are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker 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 20—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers.”
DRILLING FLEET
Overview—Our drilling fleet of floaters consists of drillships and semisubmersibles, which are mobile and can be moved to new
locations in response to customer demand. Our drilling equipment is suitable for both exploration and development, and we engage in both
types of drilling activity. 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. Our
high-specification drillships are equipped with dynamic positioning thruster systems, which allows them to maintain position without anchors
through the use of onboard propulsion and station-keeping systems. Ultra-deepwater drillships 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 22 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 and industry-leading hoisting capacity, our contracted newbuild drillship under construction will be equipped with
two 20,000 pounds per square inch (“psi”) blowout preventers and, if the relevant conditions are satisfied, our newbuild drillship with a
conditional agreement will be equipped with one 20,000 psi blowout preventer as required by the conditional agreement and will be equipped
to accommodate a second 20,000 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. Semisubmersibles are known for stability, making
them well suited for operating in rough sea conditions. Semisubmersible floaters are capable of maintaining their position over a well either
through dynamic positioning or the use of mooring systems. 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. Four of our 13 semisubmersibles
are equipped with dual-activity technology and also have mooring capability. Two of these four dual-activity units are custom-designed, high
capacity semisubmersible drilling rigs, equipped for year-round operations in harsh environments, including those of the Norwegian
continental shelf and sub-Arctic waters.
Fleet categories—We further categorize the drilling units of our fleet as follows: (1) “ultra-deepwater floaters” and (2) “harsh
environment floaters.” Ultra-deepwater floaters are equipped with high-pressure mud pumps and are capable of drilling in water depths of
4,500 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.
Fleet status—Depending on market conditions, we may idle or stack our non-contracted rigs. An idle rig is between drilling
contracts, readily available for operations, and operating costs are typically at or near normal operating 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
AR-2
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, the cost of equipment and materials, the
extent of repairs and maintenance that may ultimately be required and time and cost of assembling and training crew. 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 not return some stacked rigs to work for drilling services.
Drilling units—The following tables, presented as of February 12, 2021, provide certain specifications for our rigs. 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 12, 2021, we owned all of the drilling rigs in our fleet
noted in the tables below, except for the following: (1) the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge, which is owned through our
33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”), and (2) the ultra-deepwater floater
Petrobras 10000, which is subject to a finance lease through August 2029.
Rig category and name
Ultra-deepwater floaters (27)
Deepwater Poseidon
Deepwater Pontus
Deepwater Conqueror
Deepwater Proteus
Deepwater Thalassa
Ocean Rig Apollo
Deepwater Athena
Deepwater Asgard
Deepwater Invictus
Deepwater Skyros
Deepwater Mylos
Deepwater Champion
Deepwater Corcovado
Deepwater Mykonos
Deepwater Orion
Deepwater Olympia
Discoverer India
Discoverer Luanda
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2
Discoverer Inspiration
Discoverer Americas
Development Driller III
Petrobras 10000
Discoverer Clear Leader
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1
GSF Development Driller I
Deepwater Nautilus
Harsh environment floaters (10)
Transocean Norge
Transocean Enabler
Transocean Encourage
Transocean Endurance
Transocean Equinox
Transocean Spitsbergen
Transocean Barents
Henry Goodrich
Transocean Leader
Paul B. Loyd, Jr.
Specifications
Type
Year
entered
service
Water
depth
capacity
Drilling
depth
capacity
(in feet)
(in feet)
Contracted
location or
standby
status
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(a)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b)
(a) (b) (e)
(a) (b)
(a) (b) (c)
(a)
(a) (b) (e)
(e)
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Semisubmersible
Drillship
Drillship
Drillship
Semisubmersible
Semisubmersible
2018
2017
2016
2016
2016
2015
2014
2014
2014
2013
2013
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2010
2010
2010
2010
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2005
2000
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (g)
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (g)
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (g)
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (g)
(a) (e) (g)
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (f) (g) Semisubmersible
Semisubmersible
(a) (e) (f)
Semisubmersible 1985/2007
(e)
Semisubmersible 1987/1997
(e)
Semisubmersible
(e)
2019
2016
2016
2015
2015
2010
2009
1990
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
12,000
7,500
12,000
12,000
12,000
7,500
12,000
12,000
12,000
7,500
8,000
10,000
1,640
1,640
1,640
1,640
10,000
10,000
5,000
4,500
2,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
40,000
35,000
35,000
35,000
35,000
40,000
40,000
35,000
40,000
40,000
37,500
37,500
40,000
35,000
37,500
30,000
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
U.S. Gulf
Stacked
Stacked
Idle
Trinidad
Angola
Stacked
Stacked
Brazil
Brazil
Idle
Stacked
Stacked
Stacked
Myanmar
Idle
Stacked
Trinidad
Brazil
Stacked
India
Stacked
Idle
40,000 Norwegian N. Sea
28,000 Norwegian N. Sea
28,000 Norwegian N. Sea
28,000 Norwegian N. Sea
28,000 Norwegian N. Sea
30,000 Norwegian N. Sea
30,000 Norwegian N. Sea
30,000
25,000
25,000
Stacked
Stacked
U.K. N. Sea
Two blowout preventers.
(a)(cid:3) Dynamically positioned.
(b)(cid:3) Patented dual activity.
(c)(cid:3)
(d)(cid:3) Designed to accommodate a future upgrade to 20,000 psi blowout preventers.
(e)(cid:3) Moored.
(f)(cid:3)
(g)(cid:3) Automated drilling control.
Dual activity.
AR-3
Rig category and name
Rigs under construction (2)
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Deepwater Atlas
Deepwater Titan
Specifications
Type
Water
depth
Drilling
depth
Expected
completion
capacity
(in feet)
capacity
(in feet)
Contracted
location or
contracted
status
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b) (d)
Drillship
Drillship
(cid:886)(cid:3)
H1 2022
12,000
12,000
40,000
40,000
Uncontracted
U.S. Gulf
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
To be dynamically positioned.
To be equipped with our patented dual activity.
To be equipped with one and designed to accommodate a future second 20,000 psi blowout preventer.
To be equipped with two 20,000 psi blowout preventers.
DRILLING CONTRACTS
Our contracts to provide offshore drilling services are individually negotiated and vary in their terms and conditions. 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 rate
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 either covering the
drilling of a single well or group of wells or covering a stated term. At December 31, 2020, our contract backlog was approximately $8.1 billion,
representing a decrease of 22 percent and a decrease of 35 percent, respectively, compared to the contract backlog at December 31, 2019
and 2018, which was $10.4 billion and $12.5 billion, respectively. See “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations—Performance and Other Key Indicators.”
Certain of our drilling contracts may be cancelable for the convenience of the customer, typically with the 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 payment of any termination fee, under various
circumstances such as non-performance, in the event of extended downtime or impaired performance due to 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 early terminate or 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, 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 financial position, 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.”
Under dayrate drilling contracts, consistent with standard industry practice, our customers, as the operators, generally assume,
and grant indemnity for, subsurface and well control risks, and their consequential damages. Under all of our current drilling contracts, our
customers, indemnify us for pollution damages in connection with reservoir fluids stemming from operations under the contract, and we
indemnify our customers for pollution that originates above the surface of the water from the rig from substances in our control, such as
diesel used onboard the rig or other fluids stored onboard the rig. Also, our customers indemnify us for consequential damages they incur,
damage to the well or reservoir, 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 our customers for the risks discussed above may 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.
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 financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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.”
AR-4
MARKETS
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 can 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 to
capture observed market demand. Consequently, we cannot predict the future percentage of our revenues that will be derived from particular
geographic areas. As of February 12, 2021, our drilling fleet, including stacked and idle rigs, but excluding rigs under construction, was
located
the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (seven units), Brazil (three units),
Malaysia (three units), the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) North Sea (two units), Trinidad (two unit), Angola (one unit), Canada (one unit),
India (one unit), Myanmar (one unit), and Namibia (one unit).
the Norwegian North Sea (seven units),
in Greece (eight units),
We categorize the market sectors in which we operate as follows: (1) ultra-deepwater and deepwater, (2) harsh environment, and
(3) midwater. We offer our drilling services across all of these market sectors, collectively known as the floater market, with our drillships
and semisubmersibles, 11 of which are suited to work in harsh environments. We generally view the ultra-deepwater and deepwater market
sector as water depths beginning at 4,500 feet and extending to the maximum water depths in which rigs are capable of drilling, which is
currently up to 12,000 feet. The midwater market sector includes water depths from approximately 300 feet to approximately 4,500 feet.
The harsh environment market sector includes regions that are more challenged by lower temperatures, harsher weather conditions and
water currents.
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 energy companies, including
integrated oil companies, independent oil companies and, to a lesser extent, national oil companies 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 energy companies’ ability to fund investments in exploration, development and production activities.
Since 2014, the industry has experienced a severe cyclical downturn of considerably longer duration than those previously
observed. Multiple years of volatile and generally weak commodity prices, exacerbated in 2020 by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
and production disputes among major oil producing countries, have resulted in our customers repeatedly delaying offshore investment
decisions and postponing exploration and development programs. Some of our customers have also recently committed to invest or increase
investment in low carbon and renewable energy resources, potentially reducing their expenditures in the development and production of
hydrocarbons over the coming decades. However, even in the context of some diversion of investment away from traditional sources of
energy, the structural efficiency gains achieved by the offshore oil and gas segment in the past six years have materially improved the
economics of deepwater offshore development projects, making the segment a competitive source of new supply.
We anticipate that the subdued level of contract activity will continue for at least the first half of 2021, although we believe that by
the second half of 2021, our customers will again focus on favorable deepwater offshore economics and begin increasing their exploration,
production and reserve replacement activities by restarting delayed projects and commencing new campaigns. This depends on many
variables, including global amelioration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of actions by some governments and regulators intended
to curtail existing and future drilling activities, and other factors.
Our overall outlook for the offshore drilling sector remains positive, particularly for high-specification assets. Brazil, the
U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and to a lesser extent, West Africa remain key ultra-deepwater market sectors, while Norway represents the largest
harsh environment market. In addition, in 2020, we saw continued strong tendering activity for Asia and Australia. Licensing activity also
indicated an increased interest in these areas as energy companies looked to explore and develop new prospects.
As the economics of offshore development projects have materially improved, we expect deepwater oil and gas production will
continue to be a significant part of the long-term strategy for energy companies as they strive to replace reserves to meet global demand for
energy sources and hydrocarbons. These projects are technically demanding due to factors such as water depth, complex well designs,
deeper drilling depth, high pressure and temperature, sub-salt geological formations, harsh environments, and heightened regulatory
standards; therefore, they require high-specification drilling units.
Generally, high-specification rigs are the most modern, technologically advanced class of the offshore fleet and have capabilities
that are attractive to energy companies operating in deeper water depths, other challenging environments or with complex well designs. We
have led the industry and made concerted efforts since the beginning of the prolonged downturn to high-grade our fleet profile by acquiring
high-specification assets and disposing of lower-specification assets. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we significantly enhanced our
high-specification asset portfolio with our acquisitions of (i) Songa Offshore SE, (ii) Ocean Rig UDW Inc. and (iii) a 33.0 percent ownership
interest in Orion. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we sold for scrap value six, eleven and
eight lower-specification drilling units, respectively.
Ultimately, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand balance improves, including as the result of a post-pandemic global economic
recovery, we expect a sustained improvement of oil prices, which will result in greater demand for our high-specification fleet of assets,
resulting in further improvement of dayrates. Consequently, when considering the reduced supply of offshore drilling units and expected
increase in demand, we expect dayrates for our services should steadily increase over the next several years. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—
Risks related to our business.”
AR-5
CUSTOMERS
We provide our offshore drilling services to most of the leading integrated oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many
government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and other independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2020,
our most significant customers were Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”), Equinor ASA (together with its affiliates,
“Equinor”) and Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”), representing approximately 28 percent, 27 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, 2020. Additionally, as of February 12, 2021, the customers with the most significant
aggregate amount of contract backlog associated with our drilling contracts were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, representing approximately
53 percent, 23 percent and 13 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 an adverse effect on our business.”
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES
Worldwide workforce—As of December 31, 2020, we had a global workforce of approximately 5,350 individuals, including
approximately 530 contractors, representing 56 nationalities. At December 31, 2020, our global workforce is geographically distributed in
25 countries across five continents as follows: 34 percent in Europe, 32 percent in North America, 18 percent in South America, 11 percent
in Asia and 5 percent in Africa.
Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Norway, Brazil 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.
Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or increased operational restrictions or
disruptions. The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees, not only union members.
Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages.
FIRST Shared Values and corporate culture—Our FIRST Shared Values guide us to act responsibly as we strive to deliver value
for our stakeholders, and they form the foundation of our corporate culture as follows:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
Focused. We will consistently exceed the expectations of customers, shareholders and employees.
Innovative. We will continuously advance our position as technical leaders, and relentlessly pursue improvement in all that we do.
Reliable. We will execute flawlessly by ensuring that our equipment, processes and systems always perform as and when intended, and
that our people are properly trained and motivated.
Safe. Above all else, we will protect each other, the environment and our assets. We will conduct our operations in an incident-free
environment, all the time, everywhere.
Trusted. We will always act with integrity and professionalism, honor our commitments, comply with laws and regulations, respect local
cultures, and be fiscally responsible.
Development, attraction and retention—We are committed to being the world’s premier offshore drilling contractor, which
requires that we develop, retain and attract the industry’s best workforce. For that reason, we offer regionally competitive compensation and
benefits packages, a technically challenging work environment, global opportunities, and rotational development programs. In addition, our
team remains abreast of industry and technology trends and their transformative effects on our work environment. These advancements
necessitate that we continuously develop our workforce, ensuring that they have the skills and competencies for our organization to realize
the full benefits of these advancements and responsibly deliver value to our stakeholders.
Training—We maintain a rigorous competency-based training program. Our internal training board maintains and regularly
updates our training matrix to meet or exceed industry standards, and it oversees our competency assurance management system, which
is accredited by the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization. Offshore training formats include on-the-job, e-learning,
customer-specific training, certifications, and leadership and licensing programs. Unique simulation-based education, augmented by digital
twin modeling, enables our workforce to more accurately visualize equipment performance and target efficiencies. The certifications, skills
and competencies needed for each role are clearly articulated to our workforce, and workers are required to successfully complete the
relevant training and attain all necessary certifications prior to taking on new roles.
Wellness and benefits—We strive to offer regionally competitive medical and financial benefits, tailored to our workforce
demographics, particularly in terms of generational segmentation. We design our wellness and benefits strategy under four pillars consisting
of physical well-being, financial well-being, emotional well-being and social well-being.
Safety—Our safety vision is to conduct our operations in an incident-free workplace, all the time, everywhere. We prioritize
protection of our people, the environment and our property at all work locations and during all operations, and we require compliance with
all local regulations and a comprehensive set of internal policies and procedures that govern our operations. With regular competency and
effectiveness assessments, our highly trained crews are equipped to protect our operational integrity with the process-driven management
of hazards to prevent and mitigate major hazard accidents. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved quickly to enact additional
health and safety protocols for COVID-19 mitigation, and we have keenly focused on enhanced communication and employee support to
engage our workforce in a remote work environment.
AR-6
We measure our safety performance in terms of widely accepted ratios with the use of industry standards, including (a) the total
recorded incidence rate (“TRIR”), which represents the number of work-related injuries or illnesses for every 200,000 hours worked, and
(b) the lost time incidence rate (“LTIR”), which measures the number of incidents that result in lost time due to work-related injuries for every
200,000 hours worked. In the year ended December 31, 2020, our TRIR was 0.24, and our LTIR was 0.0.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
We constantly look for new ways to advance our commitment to safely performing our operations while simultaneously
safeguarding the environment in which we operate. We assess the environmental impacts of our operations, focusing on the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions, operational discharges and water use, through increasing energy efficiency and waste minimization. Our actions
are designed to reduce risk in our current and future operations, to promote sound environmental management practices and to continue to
be proactive in managing and reducing our environmental footprint. Our investments and deployment of capital and technology reflect our
commitment to improve the energy and emission efficiency of our operations.
When we have decommissioned older and less capable assets, we have demonstrated our commitment to recycle them according
to established environmental regulations and guidelines. All the rigs that we have sold for scrap value have been safely and responsibly
recycled following protocols established under the Basel Convention and by the International Maritime Organization at the Hong Kong
International Convention.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
We have a long history of technological innovation, including the first dynamically positioned drillship, the first rig to drill year-round
in the North Sea, the first semisubmersible rig for year-round sub-Arctic operations, the first 10,000-ft. water depth rated ultra-deepwater
drillship and numerous water depth world records over the past several decades. Twenty-two drillships and two 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, reducing well construction critical path activities
and, thereby, improving efficiency in both exploration and development drilling.
We continue to develop and deploy industry-leading technology in the pursuit of delivering safer, more efficient and environmentally
responsible drilling services. In addition to our patented dual-activity drilling technology, our two drillships under construction will include
industry-leading 3.5 million-pound hoisting load capability, hybrid energy storage systems for enhanced drill floor equipment reliability, fuel
and emissions savings as well as advanced generator protection for power plant reliability. Ten drillships in our existing fleet are, and our
two drillships that are under construction will be, outfitted with dual blowout preventers and triple liquid mud systems. Our two drillships
under construction will be equipped with 20,000 psi blowout preventers and related equipment. Five drillships in our existing fleet are
designed to accept 20,000 psi blowout preventers in the future.
Seven of our harsh environment semisubmersibles are designed and constructed specifically to provide highly efficient
performance in the Norwegian North Sea and in the Barents Sea. In 2019, we deployed the world’s first hybrid energy storage system
aboard a floating drilling unit, the harsh environment floater Transocean Spitsbergen, which is the first solution to reduce fuel consumption
and emissions while providing enhanced power management and station keeping reliability. We also continue to develop and invest in
technologies designed to optimize our performance and deliver ever better operational integrity through innovations, such as our proprietary
fault-resistant and fault-tolerant blowout preventer control system. We have installed automated drilling control systems on six harsh
environment floaters, which materially improves our ability to safely and efficiently deliver wells to our customers.
We have also deployed our smart equipment analytics tool, which delivers real-time data feeds from equipment and is used to
monitor equipment health and inferred emissions and energy consumption. This technology can also identify trends in performance that
allow us to systematically optimize equipment maintenance and achieve higher levels of reliability, operational efficiency and sustainability.
This data-driven approach, augmented by the size of our fleet, is helping us build a knowledge framework for sustainable process
optimization. Additionally, our continued, acute focus on personnel safety has driven the development and deployment of our patented
HaloGuard system, which will alarm, notify and, if required, halt equipment to avoid injury to personnel who move into danger zones.
We believe our efforts to continuously improve, and effectively use, innovative technologies to meet or exceed our customers’
requirements is critical to maintaining our competitive position within the contract drilling services industry by drilling more efficient wells,
building greater resilience into our critical operating systems, ensuring the safety of our crews, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS
Our operations are subject to a variety of international, regional, national, state and local government regulations, including
environmental regulations. We monitor our compliance with such government regulations in each country of operation and, while we see an
increase in many government regulations, particularly general environmental regulation, we have made and will continue to make the required
expenditures to comply with current and future government requirements. To date, we have not incurred material costs in order to comply
with such government regulations, including environmental regulation, and do not expect to make any material capital expenditures in order
to comply with such regulations in the year ended December 31, 2021, or any other period contemplated at this time. We do not believe that
AR-7
our compliance with such requirements will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, consolidated results of operations or
cash flows. We incorporate by reference into this subsection “—Government Relations” the disclosures on government regulations, including
environmental regulations, contained in the following sections of this annual report:
(cid:131)(cid:3) “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our laws, regulations and governmental compliance;”
(cid:131)(cid:3) “Item 3, Legal Proceedings;”
(cid:131)(cid:3) “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters;”
(cid:131)(cid:3) “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes;” and
(cid:131)(cid:3) “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and
Contingencies.”
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 since local laws or customs in those areas effectively mandate the establishment of a relationship with a local agent
or sponsor. When appropriate in these areas, we may enter into agency or sponsorship agreements. We also invest in certain companies
for operational purposes, some of which are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to
increase automation, sustainability and safety for our drilling and other activities. We may or may not control these partially owned
companies. At December 31, 2020, we held partial ownership interests in companies in the Cayman Islands, the U.S., Norway, Canada,
Angola, Nigeria and other countries, the most significant of which was our 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion, an unconsolidated
Cayman Islands exempted company formed to construct and own the harsh environment semisubmersible Transocean Norge. Certain
affiliates of Hayfin Capital Management LLP, own the remaining 67.0 percent ownership interest in Orion not owned by us.
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 filing that we make with the SEC. Furthermore,
references to our website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only. We make available on this website free of charge, our
annual reports on Form 10-K, 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.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
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.
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
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:
worldwide demand for oil and gas, including economic activity in the U.S. and other large energy-consuming markets, which has been
significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governmental, company and individual reactions thereto;
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;
inventory levels, and the cost and availability of storage and transportation of oil, gas and their related products;
the policies, laws and regulations of various governments regarding exploration and development of their oil and gas reserves, the
environment and climate change;
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 and 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, exploitation and market acceptance of alternative energy sources;
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, acts of terrorism, public health threats or other crises.
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
AR-8
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 have a greater impact on 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
often contributed to oil and gas price volatility and are likely to do so in the future.
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 is highly cyclical and is impacted by oil and natural gas price levels and volatility. Periods of high
customer demand, limited rig supply and high dayrates have been 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 responded to increased customer demand by increasing the supply of rigs through ordering the construction of new units. The
number of new units delivered without contracts, combined with an increased number of rigs in the global market completing contracts and
becoming idle, has increased and may continue to intensify price competition. 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. In an oversupplied market, we may have limited bargaining power to negotiate on more favorable
terms. Additionally, lower market dayrates and intense price competition may drive customers to seek to renegotiate existing contracts to
lower dayrates in exchange for longer contract terms. Lower dayrates and rig utilization rates could adversely affect our revenues and
profitability.
As of February 12, 2021, we have 16 uncontracted rigs, and these rigs may remain out of service for extended periods of time.
We also have two additional rigs under construction, and while both have secured contracts, one has a contract that is conditional upon a
final investment decision of the customer and its partners. If we are unable to obtain drilling contracts for our uncontracted rigs, whether due
to a prolonged offshore drilling market downturn, a delayed or muted recovery of such market or otherwise, it may have an adverse effect
on our results of operations and cash flows.
OUR CURRENT BACKLOG OF CONTRACT DRILLING REVENUES MAY NOT BE FULLY REALIZED.
At February 12, 2021, our contract backlog was approximately $7.8 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, contract preparation, other incentive provisions or reimbursement revenues, which are generally insignificant to our contract
drilling revenues. Our contract backlog includes amounts associated with our contracted newbuild unit that is currently under construction
but excludes amounts related to the conditional agreement we have for our second newbuild unit under construction. 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. The contractual operating dayrate may
also be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive due to 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, including some recently, 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
AR-9
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 financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RENEW OR OBTAIN NEW DRILLING CONTRACTS FOR RIGS WHOSE CONTRACTS ARE EXPIRING OR
OBTAIN DRILLING CONTRACTS FOR OUR STACKED AND IDLE RIGS OR OUR NEWBUILD WITH A CONDITIONAL AGREEMENT
IF THE CONDITIONS THEREOF ARE NOT SATISFIED.
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.
As of February 12, 2021, we have 16 stacked or idle rigs and one rig under construction that has a drilling contract that is subject to a final
investment decision by the customer and its partners. We also have seven existing drilling contracts for our rigs that are currently operating,
which are scheduled to expire before December 31, 2021. 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 a drilling contract for our newbuild unit with a conditional agreement
in the event the conditions thereof are not satisfied, 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 newbuild unit with a conditional agreement, 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 financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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 which are beyond our control. Certain
customers who seek to terminate our drilling contracts may attempt to defeat or circumvent our protections against certain liabilities. 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
on terms that are not as favorable as current terms, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
During periods of depressed market conditions, such as we are currently experiencing, we are subject to an increased counterparty
risk, as our customers may seek to repudiate their contracts, including through claims of non-performance in order to reduce their capital
expenditures. 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. We have experienced, and are at continued risk of experiencing, early contract terminations in a weak commodity
price environment as operators look to reduce their capital expenditures. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations
under a contract with us, including indemnity obligations, 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 expenditures necessary to maintain drilling activities.
Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under an agreement with us, we could sustain losses, which could have an adverse effect
on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
WE MUST MAKE SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL AND OPERATING EXPENDITURES TO MAINTAIN OUR ACTIVE FLEET OR TO
REACTIVATE OUR STACKED OR IDLE FLEET, AND WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL EXPENDITURES TO
MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVENESS, TO EXECUTE OUR GROWTH PLAN AND TO COMPLY WITH LAWS AND APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS.
We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our active fleet or to reactivate our stacked or idle 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. 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 and to execute our growth plan. Changes in governmental
regulations, including environmental requirements, and changes in safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with
standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations, may cause our capital expenditures to increase or require us to make additional
unforeseen capital expenditures. As a result of these factors, 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.
AR-10
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, or additional financing
arrangements with banks or other capital providers. Our ability to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the
time, perceptions of us or our industry, 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 or other securities that are convertible into 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 financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS, SUCH AS COVID-19, HAVE HAD, AND MAY CONTINUE TO HAVE, SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE
CONSEQUENCES FOR GENERAL ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS FOR OUR BUSINESS AND
OPERATIONS.
Public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of a novel strain of COVID-19, severe influenza, other
coronaviruses and other highly communicable viruses or diseases, have impacted and may continue to impact our operations directly or
indirectly, including by disrupting the operations of our business partners, suppliers and customers in ways that adversely impact our
operations. For instance, the outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic in March 2020 resulted in various actions by
governmental authorities around the world to prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as imposing mandatory closures of all
non-essential business facilities, seeking voluntary closures of such facilities and imposing restrictions on, or advisories with respect to,
travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. In addition, companies and individuals seeking to curtail the spread of
COVID-19 have taken certain cautionary measures, such as companies around the world requiring employees to work remotely, suspending
all non-essential travel worldwide for employees, and discouraging employee attendance at in-person work-related meetings, as well as
individuals voluntarily social distancing and self-quarantining. While many of these restrictions and measures have since been softened or
lifted in varying degrees in different locations around the world, and there have been several COVID-19 vaccines recently approved by many
governments that are expected to accelerate a recovery from the pandemic, the ultimate success of such vaccines is currently uncertain and
resurgences in the spread of COVID-19 and other rapid developments with respect to the virus have prompted and may in the future prompt,
the re-imposition of certain restrictions and measures.
These responses have significantly reduced global economic activity, as there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of
businesses open for operation and a substantial reduction in the number of people across the world that have been going to work or leaving
their house to purchase goods and services. This has also resulted in airlines dramatically cutting back on flights and has reduced the
number of cars on the road. As a result, there has also been a sharp reduction in the demand for oil and a decline in oil prices.
We have taken similar precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk to our business, employees, customers, suppliers
and the communities in which we operate. Our operational employees generally are currently still able to work on site and on our rigs. We
have taken comprehensive and global precautionary measures with respect to such operational employees, such as requiring them to verify
they have not either experienced any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone showing such symptoms
before they are permitted to travel to the work site or rig, quarantining any operational employee on a rig who has shown signs of COVID-19,
regardless of whether such employee has been confirmed to be infected, and imposing social distancing requirements in certain areas of
the rig, such as in the dining hall and sleeping quarters, and are incurring incremental costs. We are also actively assessing and planning
for various operational contingencies; however, we cannot guarantee that any actions taken by us, including the precautionary measures
noted above, will be effective in preventing either an outbreak of COVID-19 on one or more of our rigs or other adverse effects related to
COVID-19. To the extent an outbreak of COVID-19 develops on one or more of our rigs, we may have to temporarily shut down operations
of such rig or rigs, which could result in significant downtime or contract termination and have substantial adverse consequences for our
business and results of operations. In addition, most of our non-operational employees are now working remotely, which increases various
operational risks. For instance, working remotely may increase the risk of security breaches or other cyber incidents or attacks, loss of data,
fraud and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing sensitive and critical information from remote locations.
Many governmental authorities across the globe have implemented travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine measures to
prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19, and in complying with such governmental actions, we have experienced, and expect to continue
to experience, increased difficulties, delays and costs in moving our personnel in and out of, and to work in, the various jurisdictions in which
we operate. We may be unable to pass along these increased costs to our customers. Additionally, disruptions to or restrictions on the
ability of our suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to supply parts, equipment or services in the jurisdictions in which we operate
or to progress the construction of our newbuild projects, whether as a result of government actions, labor shortages, the inability to source
parts or equipment from affected locations, or other effects related to the COVID-19 outbreak, may have significant adverse consequences
on our ability to meet our commitments to customers, including by increasing our operating costs and increasing the risk of rig downtime and
could result in contract terminations.
Concerns over the prolonged negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on economic and business prospects across the world
have also contributed to increased market and oil price volatility and have diminished expectations for the performance of the global economy.
These factors, coupled with the prospect of decreased business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment resulting from the
COVID-19 outbreak and the decline in, and steep increase in the volatility of, oil prices, have precipitated an economic downturn and likely
a recession. The current downturn and period of depressed oil prices has had and may continue to have significant adverse consequences
AR-11
for the financial condition of our customers or suppliers. Such conditions have resulted in, and may continue to result in, reductions to our
customers’ drilling and production expenditures and delays or cancellations of projects, thus decreasing demand for our services, and an
increased risk that our customers may seek price reductions or more favorable economic terms for our services, terminate our contracts or
that we may be required to idle, stack or retire more of our rigs. Additionally, any early termination payment made in connection with an
early contract termination may not fully compensate us for the loss of the contract. Accordingly, the actual amount of revenues earned may
be substantially lower than the reported contract backlog. To the extent our suppliers experience a deterioration in financial condition or
operational capability as a result of such depressed market and industry conditions or we or other suppliers incur delays in moving personnel
to and from drilling rigs, we may experience disruptions in supply, which could increase our operating costs and increase rig downtime. The
occurrence of any such events with respect to our customers, contracts or suppliers in certain cases has had, and may continue to have,
significant adverse consequences for our business and financial position.
The magnitude and duration of potential social, economic and labor instability resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, including
how quickly national economies can recover once the pandemic subsides, or whether any recovery will ultimately experience a reversal or
other setbacks, are uncertain and cannot be estimated at this time as such effects depend on future events that are largely out of our control.
The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business and financial position will depend largely on future developments,
including the duration, spread or containment of the outbreak, particularly within the geographic locations where we operate, and the related
impact on overall economic activity, all of which are highly uncertain at this time. We are unable to predict the timing or impact of any such
restructurings, if completed, on the capital structure and competitive dynamics among offshore drilling companies.
PUBLIC AND INVESTOR SENTIMENT TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE, FOSSIL FUELS AND OTHER ESG MATTERS COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS, COST OF CAPITAL AND THE PRICE OF OUR STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES.
There have been efforts in recent years, based on changing public sentiment concerning fossil fuels, aimed at the investment
community, including investment advisors, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, universities and other groups, to promote the
divestment of shares of energy companies, as well as to pressure lenders and other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities
with energy companies. These efforts have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as seen by the State of New York’s December 2020
announcement that it will be divesting the state’s Common Retirement Fund from fossil fuels. If this or similar divestment efforts are
successful, our stock price and our ability to access capital markets may be negatively impacted.
Members of the investment community are also increasing their focus on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices
and disclosures, including practices and disclosures related to greenhouse gases and climate change, in the energy industry in particular,
and diversity and inclusion initiatives and governance standards among public companies more generally. As a result, we may face
increasing pressure regarding our ESG disclosures and practices. Additionally, members of the investment community may screen
companies such as ours for ESG sustainability performance before investing in our stock. Over the past few years there has also been an
acceleration in investor demand for ESG investing opportunities, and many large institutional investors have committed to increasing the
percentage of their portfolios that are allocated towards ESG investments. As a result, there has been a proliferation of ESG focused
investment funds seeking ESG oriented investment products. If we or our securities are unable to meet the sustainability ESG standards or
investment criteria set by these investors and funds, we may lose investors or investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us,
our cost of capital may increase, our stock price and the price of our publicly traded debt securities may be negatively impacted and our
reputation may also be negatively affected.
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 AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.
We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading integrated oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many
government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and other independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2020,
our most significant customers were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, accounting for approximately 28 percent, 27 percent and 14 percent,
respectively, of our total contract drilling revenues. As of February 12, 2021, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of
contract backlog were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, representing approximately 53 percent, 23 percent and 13 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 an adverse effect on our business.
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 reassigned 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. The amount of contract
AR-12
preparation and reactivation costs vary based on the scope and length of the contract preparation or reactivation project, and the recognition
of such costs varies depending on the duration of the firm contractual period and other contract terms.
Certain of our drilling contracts are partially payable in local currency. The amounts, if any, of local currency received under these
drilling contracts may exceed our local currency needs to pay local operating and maintenance costs, leading to an accumulation of excess
local currency balances, which, in certain instances, may be subject to either restrictions or other difficulties in converting to U.S. dollars, our
functional currency, or to other currencies of the locations where we operate. Excess amounts of local currency may also be exposed to the
risk of currency exchange losses.
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 or natural resource 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 or natural resources 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 or other third parties. Drilling
involves certain risks associated with the loss of control of a well, such as blowout, cratering, the cost to regain control of or redrill the well
and remediation of associated pollution. Our customers may be unable or unwilling to indemnify us against such risks. In addition, a court
may decide that certain indemnities in our current or future drilling contracts are not enforceable. The law generally considers contractual
indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy, and the enforceability of an indemnity as to other matters may be limited.
Our insurance policies and drilling contracts contain rights to indemnity that may not adequately cover our losses, and we do not
have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks. We have two main types of insurance coverage: (1) hull and machinery coverage
for physical damage to our property and equipment and (2) excess liability coverage, which generally covers 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 we self-insure $50 million of the $750 million excess liability
coverage through our wholly owned captive insurance company. We also retain the risk for any liability that exceeds our 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 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.
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
AR-13
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.
OUR LABOR COSTS AND THE OPERATING RESTRICTIONS UNDER WHICH WE OPERATE COULD INCREASE AS A RESULT OF
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS AND ADDITIONAL UNIONIZATION EFFORTS.
Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, primarily employed in Norway, Brazil 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.
Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or increased operational restrictions or
disruptions. The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees, not only the union members.
Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts, or other work stoppages. 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.
OUR SHIPYARD PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO DELAYS AND COST OVERRUNS.
As of February 12, 2021, we had under construction two ultra-deepwater drillships. 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:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
complications arising from pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of a novel strain of COVID-19, severe influenza, other
coronaviruses and other highly communicable viruses or diseases and associated government orders in the country where the rigs are
being constructed or serviced and elsewhere;
shipyard availability, failures and difficulties;
shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor;
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 materials or equipment for various reasons, including 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;
customer delays in providing customer-supplied engineering, approvals or equipment;
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. Cost variations may result in, among other things, disputes with the shipyards that construct or service our drilling units. In addition,
delayed delivery of our newbuild units or other rigs undergoing shipyard projects would impact contract commencement, resulting in a loss
of revenues we could earn, 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.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS
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, 2020 and 2019, our total debt was $7.8 billion and $9.3 billion, respectively, of which $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion,
respectively, was secured. We have a bank credit agreement, as amended, that established a $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility
AR-14
(the “Secured Credit Facility”), which is currently undrawn, the borrowings under which would be secured. This substantial level of debt and
other obligations could have significant adverse consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
we may be unable to obtain financing in the future to refinance our existing debt or 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 agreements governing certain of our debt and finance lease or satisfy certain other
covenants and conditions included in our debt agreements, which could result in our inability to meet requirements for borrowings under
our credit agreement or a default under these 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;
we may be unable to obtain new investment or financing given recent environmental, social and governance influenced trends among many
financial intermediaries, investors and other capital markets participants in reducing, or ceasing, lending to, or investing in, companies that
operate in industries with higher perceived environmental exposure; 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 Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
CREDIT RATING AGENCIES HAVE RATED OUR DEBT BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE, WHICH COULD LIMIT OUR ACCESS TO
CAPITAL AND HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
The ratings assigned to our debt securities by credit agencies (our “Debt Rating”) are below investment grade. Our Debt Ratings
could have adverse consequences for our business and future prospects and could cause the following:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
limitations on our ability to access debt markets, including for the purpose of refinancing our existing debt, replacing or extending our
Secured Credit Facility;
less favorable terms and conditions on any refinancing arrangements, debt issuances or bank credit agreements, some of which could
require collateral and restrict, among other things, our ability to pay distributions or repurchase shares;
increases to certain fees under our Secured Credit Facility and interest rates under indentures governing certain of our senior notes, which
in the case of the 6.375% senior notes due December 2021, the 3.80% senior notes due October 2022, and the 7.375% senior notes due
December 2041, have already reached the maximum rate increase of 2 percent pursuant to the related indenture due to the downgrades
of certain rating agencies;
reduced willingness of current and prospective customers, suppliers and creditors to transact business with us;
requirements from creditors, suppliers or customers for additional insurance, guarantees and collateral;
limitations on our access to bank and third-party guarantees, surety bonds and letters of credit; and
reductions to or eliminations of the level of credit suppliers and financial institutions may provide 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.
Our Debt Ratings have caused some of the effects listed above, and any further downgrades may cause or exacerbate, any of the
effects listed above and could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
WORLDWIDE FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS COULD RESTRICT OUR ABILITY TO ACCESS THE CAPITAL
MARKETS, REDUCE OUR FLEXIBILITY TO REACT TO CHANGING ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND REDUCE
DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES.
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 recovery from low oil and natural gas prices. These potential
developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our consolidated 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 present
incremental 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 financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.
AR-15
RISKS RELATED TO LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL COMPLIANCE
IMPACT OF INCREASINGLY STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY LAWS AND OUR COMPLIANCE WITH OR BREACH OF
SUCH LAWS CAN BE COSTLY, EXPOSE US TO LIABILITY AND COULD LIMIT OUR OPERATIONS.
Our business is affected by laws and regulations relating to the energy industry and the environment and safety, including
international conventions and treaties, and regional, national, state, and local laws and regulations. Our business also 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, delay or impose additional compliance costs and obligations
related to the exploration and development drilling for oil and gas. Offshore drilling in certain areas has been curtailed and, in certain cases,
prohibited because of environmental or safety concerns. In addition, compliance with environmental and safety laws, regulations and
standards, where applicable, may require us to make significant capital expenditures, such as the installation of costly equipment or
implementation of 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 or industry standards, 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 maintenance of insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents.
For instance, in the last decade, enhanced governmental safety and environmental requirements applicable to our operations were adopted
by U.S. federal agencies for drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have caused, and may in the future cause, operators to 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. 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. Additionally, our customers may elect to voluntarily comply with any non-mandatory laws, regulations or other standards.
Any such safety, environmental and other regulatory restrictions or standards, including voluntary customer compliance with
respect thereto, could decrease, disrupt or delay operations, decrease demand for offshore drilling services, increase operating costs and
compliance costs or penalties, increase out-of-service time, decrease dayrates, or reduce the area of operations for drilling rigs in the U.S.
and non-U.S. offshore areas. Any such effects could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
To the extent new laws are enacted, existing laws are changed or other governmental actions are taken that prohibit or restrict
offshore drilling or impose additional environmental protection and safety 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, some of which 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 governmental 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 or production of oil and gas and compliance with any such new or amended legislation
or regulations could have an adverse effect on our business or on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
As a contract driller with operations in certain offshore areas, we may be liable for damages and costs incurred in connection with
oil spills or disposal of wastes related to those operations, and we may also be subject to significant fines and other liabilities in connection
with spills. For example, an oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation,
restoration or compensation costs for environmental or 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 against 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. Environmental and safety laws and
regulations protecting the environment have become increasingly stringent and may in some cases impose strict liability on facility or vessel
owners or operators, 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 an adverse
effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
REGULATORY AND VARIOUS OTHER RISKS, INCLUDING LITIGATION, ASSOCIATED WITH GREENHOUSE GASES AND CLIMATE
CHANGE COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES.
Scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, including greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and
methane, contribute 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 the fossil fuel industry, has attracted considerable attention
worldwide. The attention to climate change has led, and we expect it to continue to lead, to additional regulations designed to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions domestically and internationally. Such attention could also result in other adverse impacts for the oil and gas
industry, including further restrictions or bans imposed by lawmakers, lawsuits by governments or third-parties seeking recoveries for
damages resulting from the combustion of fuels that may contribute to climate change effects, or reduced interest from investors if they elect
AR-16
in the future to shift some or all of their investments to non-fossil fuel related sectors. To the extent financial markets view climate change
and greenhouse emissions as a financial risk, this could negatively impact our cost of or access to capital. Because our business depends
on the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements related to
greenhouse gases and climate change, or related political, litigation or financial risks, 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 or related risks could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, which may have an adverse effect
on our business. Further, some experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather
conditions, the impacts of which could interfere with our operations, cause damage to our equipment as well as cause other financial and
operational impacts, including those that could result from any impact of such conditions on our customers.
We could also face increased climate-related litigation with respect to our operations both in the U.S. and around the world.
Governmental and other entities in various U.S. states, such as California and New York, have filed lawsuits against coal, gas oil and
petroleum companies. These suits allege damages as a result of climate change, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and
abatement under various tort theories. Similar lawsuits may be filed in other jurisdictions both in the U.S. and globally. Though we are not
currently a party to any such lawsuit, these suits present a high degree of uncertainty regarding the extent to which energy companies,
including offshore drillers, face an increased risk of liability stemming from climate change, which risk would also adversely impact the oil
and gas industry and impact demand for our services.
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:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
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. and non-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.
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.
AR-17
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.
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 conduct our operations 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
have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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 and of the current or former officers, directors or employees of any companies we have acquired, we could suffer
from civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or our consolidated financial
position 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 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, our business
and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of claims by customers, agents, shareholders, debt holders, other interest
holders, current or former employees or other constituents of our company who, in connection with alleged or actual noncompliance with
antibribery and related laws, may seek to impose penalties, seek remedies, terminate drilling contracts or take other actions adverse to our
interests. Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected if we are required to dedicate significant time and resources to
investigate and resolve allegations of misconduct, regardless of the merit of such allegations. Further, disclosure of the subject matter of
any investigation could adversely affect our reputation and our ability to obtain new business with potential customers, to retain existing
business with our current customers, to attract and retain employees and to access the capital markets.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTIGATIONS AND 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 and other constituents. Certain of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous
lawsuits alleging personal grievances or injury, including 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 investigations and cases involving the Company
or our 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 investigations or litigation matters is not
resolved in our favor and is not covered by insurance, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO CYBERSECURITY RISKS AND THREATS AS WELL AS INCREASING REGULATION OF DATA PRIVACY AND
SECURITY.
We depend on data and digital technologies to conduct our offshore and onshore operations, to collect payments from customers
and to pay vendors and employees. Our data protection measures and measures taken by our customers and vendors may not prevent
unauthorized access of information technology systems. Threats to our information technology systems, and the systems of our customers
and vendors, associated with cybersecurity risks and cyber-incidents or attacks continue to grow. Threats to our systems and our customers’
and vendors’ systems may derive from human error, fraud or malice, social engineering on the part of employees or third parties, or may
AR-18
result from accidental technological failure. In addition, breaches to our systems and systems of our customers and vendors 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 or ransom of intellectual property, proprietary information or customer and vendor data; disruption
of our customers’ and vendors’ operations; misappropriation of assets; loss or damage to our customer and vendor data delivery systems;
and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events. A breach could also originate from, or compromise, our
customers’ and vendors’ or other third-party networks outside of our control. A breach may also result in legal claims or proceedings against
us by our shareholders, employees, customers, vendors and governmental authorities, both U.S. and non-U.S. If such a cyber-incident were
to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business or on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In addition, laws and regulations governing data privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of personal data and confidential
information, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Law, as revised, of the Cayman Islands,
the General Data Protection Law of Brazil and the California Consumer Privacy Act, pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and
potential to elevate our costs. Any failure by us to comply with these laws and regulations, including as a result of a security or privacy
breach, could result in significant penalties, litigation and liabilities for us. Additionally, if we acquire a company that has violated or is not in
compliance with applicable data protection laws, we may incur significant liabilities and penalties as a result.
ACTS OF TERRORISM, PIRACY AND POLITICAL AND SOCIAL UNREST COULD AFFECT THE MARKETS FOR DRILLING SERVICES.
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 certain 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.
RISKS RELATED TO TAXES
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 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ON OUR
CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS AND INCREASE OUR CASH TAX PAYMENTS.
We are subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income,
and such changes could include laws or policies directed toward companies organized in jurisdictions with low tax rates with the intent to
increase the tax burden. Switzerland, for example, enacted tax reform in response to certain guidance from and demands by the EU and
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”) effective January 2022. 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.
In addition, the EU issued its Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives in 2016 and 2017 that required its member states to adopt specific tax reform
measures starting in 2019. Other tax jurisdictions in which we operate may consider implementing similar legislation. Any material change
to tax laws, treaties, regulations or policies, their interpretation or application, or the adoption of new interpretations of existing laws and
rulings, in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate, are incorporated or resident, could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide
earnings and such change could have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ON OUR CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS AND INCREASE OUR CASH TAX PAYMENTS.
We are subject to tax laws, treaties and regulations in the countries in which we operate and earn income. Our income taxes are
based on 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. Our income tax returns are subject to review and examination in these jurisdictions, and 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, 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 believe that neither we nor our non-U.S. subsidiaries, other than
those that report a U.S. trade or business or a U.S. permanent establishment, were or are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. or, if
applicable, maintained or maintain a permanent establishment in the U.S. The determination of the aforementioned, among other things,
involves considerable uncertainty. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were to disagree, then we could be subject to additional
U.S. corporate income and branch profits taxes on the portion of our earnings effectively connected to such U.S. business or, if applicable,
AR-19
attributable to such U.S. permanent establishment during the period in which this was considered to have occurred. If this occurs, our
effective tax rate on worldwide earnings for that period could increase substantially, we could be subject to assessments in previously filed
returns that remain open to audit and our earnings and cash flows from operations for that period could be adversely affected.
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. SHAREHOLDERS.
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 performing 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. However, a prior case and an IRS pronouncement that relies on such case characterize income
from time chartering of vessels as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. The IRS has subsequently 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. However, 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 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, which elections
could themselves have adverse consequences for the shareholder, the shareholder could be required 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. Additionally, 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.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
AS A SWISS CORPORATION, OUR FLEXIBILITY MAY BE LIMITED WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT AND SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN INITIATIVES OR STRATEGIES.
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 within a period of up to two years and for up to a maximum of 50 percent of a company’s issued
share capital. The authorized share capital approved by our shareholders at the May 2020 annual general meeting will expire on May 7,
2022. Our currently available authorized share capital is limited to approximately 29 percent of our issued share capital as of February 16,
2021. Accordingly, shareholders at our annual general meeting in May 2021 may be requested to approve a renewal and an increase in
authorized 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 based on the difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and the related
amount of 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. If we repurchase shares, we expect to use an
alternative procedure pursuant to which we repurchase shares via a “virtual second trading line” from market players, such as banks and
AR-20
institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. The use of such “virtual second trading
line” with respect to share repurchase programs is subject to the 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.
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 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.
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. Actions taken under such provisions may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our
shares, and could, among other things:
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
(cid:131)(cid:3)
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 our current authorized share capital will expire on May 7, 2022, to issue a specified number of shares, which
under our current authorized share capital is approximately 29 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register as of
February 16, 2021, 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
22 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register as of February 16, 2021, 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 we are given advance notice;
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 cash-out or squeeze-out 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.
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, most of which we lease, including principal executive offices in Steinhausen, Switzerland, and corporate
offices in Houston, Texas, and the Cayman Islands. Our remaining offices and bases are located in various countries in North America,
Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.
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 13—Commitments and Contingencies” and “Part II. Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters—Regulatory Matters” in this annual
report. We are also involved in various tax matters as described in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes
AR-21
to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes” and in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters—Tax matters” in this annual report. All such actions, claims, tax and other matters
disclosed therein are incorporated herein by reference.
As of December 31, 2020, we were 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 consolidated 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 or in response to events arising generally within our industry and in the markets where we do business. We evaluate
matters on a case by case basis, investigate allegations in accordance with our policies and cooperate with applicable 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.
AR-22
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
We have included the following information, presented as of February 16, 2021, 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
Jeremy D. Thigpen (a)
Keelan Adamson (a)
Howard E. Davis
Brady K. Long
Mark L. Mey (a)
David Tonnel
President and Chief Executive Officer
Office
Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Age as of
February 16, 2021
46
51
62
48
57
51
(a)(cid:3) Member of our executive management team for purposes of Swiss law.
Jeremy D. Thigpen is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s board of directors. Before joining the
Company in this position 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.
Keelan Adamson is Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Company. Before being named to his current position
in August 2018, Mr. Adamson served as Senior Vice President, Operations from October 2017 to July 2018 and as Senior Vice President,
Operations Integrity and HSE, from June 2015 to October 2017. Since 2010, Mr. Adamson served in multiple executive positions with
responsibilities spanning Engineering and Technical Services, Major Capital Projects, Human Resources, and more recently, Operations Integrity
and HSE. Mr. Adamson started his career as a drilling engineer with BP Exploration in 1991 and joined Transocean in July 1995. In addition to
several management assignments in the U.K., Asia, and Africa, he also held leadership roles in Sales and Marketing, Well Construction and
Technology, and as Managing Director for operations in North America, Canada and Trinidad. Mr. Adamson earned a Bachelor's degree in
Aeronautical Engineering from The Queens University of Belfast and completed the Advanced Management program at Harvard Business School
in 2016. Mr. Adamson also currently serves on the board of the National Ocean Industries Association.
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 Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company. Before being named to his current position in
March 2018, Mr. Long served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel from November 2015 to March 2018. From 2011 to November 2015,
when Mr. Long joined the Company, 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. Mr. Long earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1996, a Juris Doctorate degree from the
University of Texas School of Law in 1999 and an Executive LLM in Taxation from New York University in 2019.
Mark L. Mey is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Before joining the Company in this position in
May 2015, Mr. Mey served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 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.
David Tonnel is Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. 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 in Paris, France in 1991.
AR-23
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PART II
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET FOR SHARES OF OUR COMMON EQUITY
Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIG.” On February 16, 2021, we had
616,025,144 shares outstanding and 5,266 holders of record of our shares.
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
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 is not 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 is not 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 is not 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 are
subject to cantonal, communal and federal income tax.
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, 2020, the aggregate amount of par value of our outstanding
shares was CHF 61.5 million, equivalent to approximately $69.5 million, and the aggregate amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital of
our outstanding shares was CHF 13.5 billion, equivalent to approximately $15.3 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 United States (“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.
AR-24
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
Shares repurchased for the purpose of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to a 35 percent Swiss withholding
tax based on the difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and 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. However, for such repurchased shares, the portions of the
repurchase price that are attributable to the par value and the qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory reporting purposes are
not subject to the Swiss withholding tax.
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. The use of such “virtual second trading line” with respect to share repurchase programs is subject to 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, are not generally subject to Swiss withholding tax.
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 if 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 16, 2021, Transocean Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, held as treasury shares four percent
of our issued and outstanding shares as of such date. 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 number of shares held as treasury shares
as of February 16, 2021, approximately six percent of our issued and outstanding 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 2020
November 2020
December 2020
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Total number
of shares
purchased
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
Average
price paid
per share
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Total number of shares
purchased as part
of publicly announced
plans or programs (a)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
—
—
—
—
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)$
(cid:3)$
Approximate dollar value
of shares that may yet
be purchased under the plans
or programs (in millions) (a)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
3,663 (cid:3)
3,663 (cid:3)
3,663 (cid:3)
3,663 (cid:3)
(a)(cid:3)
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 issued and outstanding shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion. At December 31, 2020, the
authorization remaining under the share repurchase program was for the repurchase of our issued and outstanding shares for an aggregate cost of up
to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to $3.7 billion. The share repurchase program may 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.”
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Part II, Item 6 is no longer required as we have adopted certain provisions within the amendments to Regulation S-K that eliminate
Item 301.
AR-25
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. The following discussion of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources
includes comparisons for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For a discussion, including comparisons, of our results of
operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2019, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2020.
BUSINESS
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. As of February 16, 2021, we owned or
had partial ownership interests in and operated 37 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh
environment floaters. As of February 16, 2021, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.
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. 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
Debt exchanges—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior guaranteed
exchangeable bonds due January 2027 (the “Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) in non-cash private exchanges for $397 million
aggregate principal amount of the 0.50% exchangeable senior bonds due January 2023 (the “Exchangeable Senior Bonds”) (collectively,
the “Private Exchange”). In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the Private Exchange, we recognized a gain of $72 million
associated with the restructuring of debt. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of 11.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2027
(the “11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes”) in non-cash exchange transactions with the respective holders for $1.5 billion aggregate principal
amount of several series of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase (the “Exchange Offers” and,
together with the Private Exchange, the “Exchange Transactions”), associated with the restructuring of debt. In the year ended December 31,
2020, as a result of the Exchange Offers, we recognized a gain of $355 million associated with the restructuring of debt. See “—Operating
Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.00% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds
due 2025 (the “New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million. See “—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Early debt retirement—On February 18, 2020, we made an aggregate cash payment of $767 million, including the make-whole
premium, to redeem the outstanding 9.00% senior notes due July 2023 (the “9.00% Senior Notes”). In the year ended December 31, 2020,
we recognized a loss of $65 million associated with the retirement of redeemed debt. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased in the open market $147 million aggregate principal amount of certain
of our debt securities and made an aggregate cash payment of $110 million. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an
aggregate net gain of $36 million, associated with the retirement of repurchased debt. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and
Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
On November 9, 2020, we completed cash tender offers (the “2020 Tender Offers”) to purchase (i) any and all of the outstanding
6.50% senior notes due November 2020 and (ii) up to $200 million in aggregate purchase price of the 6.375% senior notes due
December 2021, 3.80% senior notes due October 2022, the 5.375% senior secured notes due May 2023 (“5.375% Senior Secured Notes”)
and the 7.25% senior notes due November 2025 (the “7.25% Guaranteed Notes”), subject to certain conditions specified in the related offer
AR-26
to purchase. In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the 2020 Tender Offers, we made an aggregate cash payment of
$222 million and recognized a gain of $135 million associated with the retirement of such notes. See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity
and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Debt issuances—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% senior notes due
February 2027 (the “8.00% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs. See “—
Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—In September 2020, funds managed by, or affiliated with, Whitebox
Advisors LLC (“Whitebox”) as holders of certain series of our notes subject to the Exchange Offers, filed a claim (the “Claim”) in the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) related to certain internal reorganization transactions (the “Internal
Reorganization”) and the Exchange Offers. Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or affiliated
with, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) as debtholders, together with certain other advisors and debtholders,
provided purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively, the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the
7.25% Guaranteed Notes. Following our amendment of certain of our financing documents and certain internal reorganization transactions,
we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Customer settlement—In June 2020, we entered into a settlement and mutual release agreement with a customer, which
provided for the final settlement of disputes. In connection with the settlement, among other things, our customer agreed to pay us
$185 million in four equal installments through January 15, 2023. See “—Operating Results.”
Impairments—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $556 million primarily associated with
the impairment of one ultra-deepwater floater, two harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, which
we determined were impaired at the time we classified the assets as held for sale. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a
loss of $59 million, which had no tax effect, recorded in other, net, associated with the impairment of our investment in Orion Holdings
(Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”). In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $31 million
associated with the impairment of our midwater asset group. See “—Operating Results.”
Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the sale of one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh
environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received $20 million in aggregate net cash proceeds.
See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
OUTLOOK
Drilling market—Since 2014, the industry has experienced a severe cyclical downturn of considerably longer duration than those
previously observed. Multiple years of volatile and generally weak commodity prices, exacerbated in 2020 by the effects of the coronavirus
(“COVID-19”) pandemic and production disputes among major oil producing countries, have resulted in our customers repeatedly delaying
offshore investment decisions and postponing exploration and development programs. Some of our customers have also recently committed
to invest or increase investment in low carbon and renewable energy resources, potentially reducing their expenditures in the development
and production of hydrocarbons over the coming decades. However, even in the context of some diversion of investment away from
traditional sources of energy, the structural efficiency gains achieved by the offshore oil and gas segment in the past six years have materially
improved the economics of deepwater offshore development projects, making the segment a competitive source of new supply.
We anticipate that the subdued level of contract activity will continue for at least the first half of 2021, although we believe that by
the second half of 2021, our customers will again focus on favorable deepwater offshore economics and begin increasing their exploration,
production and reserve replacement activities by restarting delayed projects and commencing new campaigns. This depends on many
variables, including global amelioration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of actions by some governments and regulators intended
to curtail existing and future drilling activities, and other factors. Ultimately, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand balance improves, including
as the result of a post-pandemic global economic recovery, we expect a sustained improvement of oil prices, which will result in greater
demand for our high-specification fleet of assets, resulting in further improvement of dayrates.
In markets requiring harsh environment floating drilling rigs, the limited supply of these specialized high-specification rigs has
continued to result in strong utilization and dayrates. In the ultra-deepwater markets, we have seen accelerated retirement of idle rigs, and
with the anticipated consolidation of distressed drilling contractors, we expect additional retirements will reduce supply and improve utilization
and dayrate metrics for high-specification assets.
As of February 12, 2021, our contract backlog was $7.8 billion compared to $8.2 billion as of October 14, 2020. The risks of drilling
project delays, contract renegotiations and contract terminations and cancellations have diminished as oil prices have improved and
stabilized.
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 or is not committed to
AR-27
a shipyard. The uncommitted fleet rates exclude the effect of priced options. As of February 12, 2021, uncommitted fleet rates for each of
the five years in the period ending December 31, 2025 were as follows:
Uncommitted fleet rate
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
PERFORMANCE AND OTHER KEY INDICATORS
2021
2022
2023
2024
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
61 % (cid:3)
32 % (cid:3)
74 % (cid:3)
55 % (cid:3)
79 % (cid:3)
76 % (cid:3)
83 % (cid:3)
97 % (cid:3)
2025
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
83 % (cid:3)
100 % (cid:3)
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, contract preparation, other incentive provisions or
reimbursement revenues, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling revenues. 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.
The contract backlog for our fleet was as follows:
(cid:3) February 12,
(cid:3) October 14,
Contract backlog
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Midwater floaters
Total contract backlog
(cid:3)
$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3) February 14, (cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
2021
2020
(In millions)
5,911 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
1,931 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
7,842 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
6,061 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
2,156 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
8,217 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)
7,282 (cid:3)
2,836 (cid:3)
45 (cid:3)
10,163 (cid:3)
We believe our industry leading contract backlog sets us apart from the competition. 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. It does not include conditional agreements and options to extend firm commitments. Our contract backlog includes amounts
associated with our contracted newbuild unit that is currently under construction but excludes amounts related to the conditional agreement
we have for our second newbuild unit 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.
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 operations commence.
At February 12, 2021, the contract backlog and average contractual dayrates for our fleet were as follows:
Contract backlog
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Total contract backlog
Average contractual dayrates
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Total fleet average
Total
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
For the years ending December 31,
(In millions, except average dayrates)
$
$
5,911 $
1,931
7,842 $
1,306 $
794
2,100 $
1,047
714
1,761
$
$
948
384
1,332
$
$
861
39
900
$
$
1,749
—
1,749
$ 418,000 $ 380,000 $ 364,000
$ 406,000 $ 369,000 $ 439,000
$ 415,000 $ 375,000 $ 391,000
$ 419,000
$ 435,000
$ 424,000
$ 471,000
$ 423,000
$ 468,000
$ 471,000
$
—
$ 471,000
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 may be available to our
customers under certain circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices in the year ended December 31, 2020, which have included precipitous
drops in oil prices, could have significant adverse consequences for the financial condition of our customers. This could result in contract
cancellations, early terminations, customers seeking price reductions or more favorable economic terms, a reduced ability to ultimately collect
receivables, or entry into lower dayrate contracts or having to idle, stack or retire more of our rigs. See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks
related to our business—Our current backlog of contract drilling revenues may not be fully realized.”
Average daily revenue—Average daily revenue is defined as contract drilling revenues, excluding revenues for contract
terminations, reimbursements and contract intangible amortization, earned per operating day. An operating day is defined as a calendar day
AR-28
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
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
Years ended December 31,
2019
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
324,500 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
$
339,600 (cid:3)
$
—(cid:3)
111,400 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
$
—(cid:3)
327,500 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
337,900 (cid:3)
298,500 (cid:3)
—(cid:3)
118,400 (cid:3)
—(cid:3)
313,400 (cid:3)
$
$
$
$
$
$
2018
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
356,700 (cid:3)
296,400 (cid:3)
186,700 (cid:3)
99,900 (cid:3)
152,900 (cid:3)
296,200 (cid:3)
Our average daily revenue fluctuates relative to market conditions and our revenue efficiency. The average daily revenue may 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 no longer operate deepwater floaters,
midwater floaters or high-specification jackups. We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon
acceptance by the customer. We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal or classification as held for sale, unless we continue to
operate rigs subsequent to sale, in which case we remove the rigs at the time of completion or novation of the contract.
Revenue efficiency—Revenue efficiency is defined as actual contract drilling revenues, excluding revenues for contract
terminations and reimbursements, 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, excluding revenues for
contract terminations and reimbursements, 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:
Revenue efficiency
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average revenue efficiency
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
97 %
95 %
—%
86 %
—%
96 %
99 %
95 %
—%
99 %
—%
97 %
96 %
94 %
94 %
98 %
100 %
95 %
Revenue efficiency measures our ability to ultimately convert our contractual opportunities into revenues. 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. Our revenue efficiency rate is also affected by incentive performance
bonuses or penalties. 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:
Rig utilization
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total fleet average rig utilization
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
59 %
73 %
—%
37 %
—%
62 %
51 %
78 %
—%
37 %
—%
58 %
48 %
82 %
93 %
41 %
97 %
59 %
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. Accordingly, our rig utilization can increase
when idle or stacked units are removed from our drilling fleet.
AR-29
OPERATING RESULTS
Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019
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
Operating and maintenance expense
Depreciation and amortization expense
General and administrative expense
Loss on impairment
Loss on disposal of assets, net
Operating loss
Other income (expense), net
Interest income
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Gain (loss) on restructuring and retirement of debt
Other, net
Loss before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net loss
“nm” means not meaningful.
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2019
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Change
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)% Change
(In millions, except day amounts and percentages)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
9,872
(cid:3) $ 313,400
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2020
3,152
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
9,169
(cid:3) (cid:3) $ 327,500
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3) $
(2,000)
(781)
(183)
(597)
(84)
(493)
96 % (cid:3)
62 % (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
21
(575)
533
(27)
(541)
(27)
(568)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(703)(cid:3)
14,100 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
64 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
140 (cid:3)
74 (cid:3)
10 (cid:3)
12 (cid:3)
(72)(cid:3)
228 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(22)(cid:3)
85 (cid:3)
574 (cid:3)
(208)(cid:3)
657 (cid:3)
32 (cid:3)
689 (cid:3)
(7) %
4 %
2 %
7 %
9 %
5 %
2 %
nm
32 %
(51) %
13 %
nm
nm
55 %
54 %
55 %
3,088
(2,140)
(855)
(193)
(609)
(12)
(721)
97 % (cid:3)
58 % (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
43
(660)
(41)
181
(1,198)
(59)
(1,257)
Contract drilling revenues—Contract drilling revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year
ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) $177 million resulting from the settlement of disputes in the year ended
December 31, 2020, (b) approximately $110 million resulting from the reactivations of two ultra-deepwater floaters in Brazil in the year ended
December 31, 2019, (c) approximately $55 million resulting from higher dayrates on our comparable active fleet, (d) approximately
$50 million resulting from the operations of the harsh environment floater that we operate under a bareboat charter that commenced in
August 2019, (e) approximately $37 million resulting from reimbursement revenues related to COVID-19, (f) approximately $30 million
resulting from the early termination of a contract for the convenience of our customers and (g) approximately $25 million resulting from higher
revenue efficiency on the comparable active fleet. These increases were partially offset by the following decreases: (a) approximately
$170 million resulting from rigs stacked, (b) approximately $140 million resulting from decreased activity on the comparable active fleet,
(c) approximately $60 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and (d) approximately $45 million resulting from lower
reimbursement revenues unrelated to COVID-19.
Costs and expenses—Operating and maintenance costs and expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020,
compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $80 million resulting from rigs stacked,
(b) approximately $75 million resulting from reduced shipyard, personnel and in-service maintenance costs on the comparable active fleet,
(c) approximately $65 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale, (d) approximately $45 million resulting from resulting from
lower customer reimbursable costs unrelated to COVID-19 and (e) approximately $40 million resulting from optimized onshore personnel
costs. These decreases were partially offset by the following increases: (a) approximately $70 million resulting from the operations of the
harsh environment floater that we operate under a bareboat charter that commenced in August 2019, (b) approximately $65 million resulting
from personnel and related costs associated with mitigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and (c) approximately $30 million resulting
from the reactivations of two ultra-deepwater floaters in Brazil in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019, primarily due to approximately $65 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and approximately
$20 million resulting from assets that had reached the end of their useful lives or had been retired, partially offset by approximately $20 million
resulting from assets placed into service.
General and administrative expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31,
2019, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $7 million resulting from personnel and other costs related to the integration of Ocean
Rig UDW Inc. (“Ocean Rig”) in the year ended December 31, 2019, (b) approximately $5 million resulting from reduced legal and professional
fees and (c) approximately $5 million resulting from reduced office rent expense. These decreases were partially offset by the following
AR-30
increases: (a) approximately $5 million resulting from increased insurance costs and (b) approximately $3 million resulting from increased
software licensing and subscription arrangements.
Loss on impairment or disposal of assets—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss on the impairment of
assets, including an aggregate net loss of $556 million associated with assets that we determined were impaired at the time we classified
them as held for sale, a loss of $31 million associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group and a loss of $10 million
associated with the impairment of other assets . In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $583 million,
primarily associated with certain assets that we determined were impaired at the time we classified them as held for sale, and an aggregate
loss of $26 million associated with the impairment of right-of-use assets and leasehold improvements.
In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $61 million associated with the sale of
one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets. In the year ended
December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate gain of $4 million associated with the sale of six ultra-deepwater floaters, one harsh
environment floater, two deepwater floaters and two midwater floaters, along with related assets. In the years ended December 31, 2020
and 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $23 million and $16 million, respectively, associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to
rig sales.
Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2020,
compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decrease of $155 million resulting from the debt retired, repaid or
restructured, partially offset by an increase of $78 million primarily resulting from debt issued.
In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a net gain on restructuring and retirement of debt, primarily due to the
following: (a) an aggregate gain of $427 million associated with the restructuring of debt in the Exchange Transactions, (b) an aggregate
gain of $135 million associated with the retirement of $360 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities in the 2020 Tender
Offers, (c) an aggregate gain of $36 million associated with the retirement of $147 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities
repurchased in the open market, partially offset by (d) a loss of $65 million associated with the full redemption of the 9.00% Senior Notes
due July 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a net loss on retirement of debt, including a loss of $23 million resulting
from the retirement of $434 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities repurchased in the open market and a loss of $18 million
resulting from retirement of validly tendered notes (the “2019 Tendered Notes”).
Other expense, net, increased in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily
due to the following: (a) a gain of $132 million recognized in the prior year resulting from the termination of construction contracts, (b) a loss
of $59 million recognized in the year ended December 31, 2020, associated with the impairment of our equity-method investment in Orion,
(c) increased net periodic benefit costs of $14 million primarily from settlement of certain defined benefit plans in Norway, (d) increased loss
of $10 million resulting from net changes in currency exchange rates and (e) a gain of $11 million recognized in the prior year resulting from
the bargain purchase of Ocean Rig completed in the year ended December 31, 2018, partially offset by (f) increased income of $9 million
related to our investment in Orion and (g) increased income of $5 million related to our dual-activity patent.
Income tax expense—In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, our effective tax rate was (5.1) percent and (4.9) percent,
respectively, based on loss before income tax expense. In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, discrete period tax items
represented a net tax benefit of $91 million and $150 million, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we identified certain
discrete items, such as losses on impairment and disposal of assets, gain on restructuring and retirement of debt, revenues recognized for
the settlement of disputes, the loss on impairment of an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate, the carryback of net operating losses in
the U.S. as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included the release of valuation allowances previously
recorded, settlements and expirations of various uncertain tax positions and accruals for withholding taxes. In the year ended December 31,
2019, we identified certain discrete items, such as losses on impairment and disposal of assets, settlements and expirations of various
uncertain tax positions and adjustments to our deferred taxes for operating structural changes made in the U.S. In the years ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019, our effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, was (23.4) percent and (30.7) percent, respectively, based on
loss before income tax expense. Our effective tax rate increased in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decreased loss before income taxes, partially offset by tax benefits for the carryback of net operating
losses in the U.S. as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included the release of previously recorded
valuation allowances, settlements and expirations of uncertain tax positions, and adjustments to our deferred taxes for operating structural
changes in the U.S., offset by tax expense for an increase in the withholding tax rate in Angola and an increase in loss before income tax
expense.
Due 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, 2020, 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 the U.S., Switzerland, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Norway. Our rig operating structures further
AR-31
complicate our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the taxing jurisdiction and, thus,
more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig under the contract.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources and uses of cash
At December 31, 2020, we had $1.2 billion in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $406 million in restricted cash and cash
equivalents. In the year ended December 31, 2020, our primary sources of cash were net cash proceeds from the issuance of debt and net
cash provided by operating activities. Our primary uses of cash were repayments of debt and capital expenditures.
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
Non-cash items, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
Years ended
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
2019
(In millions)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(568)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
1,380 (cid:3)
(414)(cid:3)
398 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(1,257)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
1,898 (cid:3)
(301)(cid:3)
340 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
Change
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
689 (cid:3)
(518)(cid:3)
(113)(cid:3)
58 (cid:3)
Net cash provided by operating activities increased primarily due to reduced operating activities and reduced cash paid for interest
and taxes, partially offset by an aggregate cash payment of $125 million released from restricted cash accounts in June 2020 to satisfy our
remaining obligations under the Plaintiff Steering Committee settlement agreement (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”).
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Proceeds from maturities of unrestricted and restricted investments
Other, net
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
Years ended
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
2019
(In millions)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(265)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
24 (cid:3)
(19)(cid:3)
5 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(257)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(387)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
70 (cid:3)
(77)(cid:3)
123 (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
(268)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
Change
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
122 (cid:3)
(46)(cid:3)
58 (cid:3)
(118)(cid:3)
(5)(cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
Net cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to (a) reduced capital expenditures and (b) reduced investments in
unconsolidated affiliates, including Orion and certain companies involved in, among other things, researching and developing technology to
improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety, partially offset by (c) reduced proceeds from maturities
of restricted and unrestricted investments and (d) reduced proceeds from disposal of assets, net of costs to sell.
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issue costs
Repayments of debt
Other, net
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
Years ended
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
2019
(In millions)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
743 (cid:3) $
(1,637)(cid:3)
(36)(cid:3)
(930)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
$
(cid:3)
1,056 (cid:3)
(1,325)(cid:3)
(43)(cid:3)
(312)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(313)(cid:3)
(312)(cid:3)
7 (cid:3)
(618)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Change
Net cash used in financing activities increased primarily due to (a) reduced net cash proceeds from the issuance of the
8.00% Guaranteed Notes in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the net cash proceeds from the issuance of the 5.375% Senior
Secured Notes and the 6.875% senior secured notes due February 2027 (“6.875% Senior Secured Notes”) in the prior year and (b) increased
cash used to repay debt as a result of the full redemption of the 9.00% Senior Notes, the 2020 Tender Offers and our open market
repurchases in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the cash used to repay debt related to the 2019 Tendered Notes and our
open market repurchases in the prior year.
Sources and uses of liquidity
Overview—We expect to use existing unrestricted cash balances, internally generated cash flows, borrowings under the Secured
Credit Facility, proceeds from the disposal of assets or proceeds from the issuance of additional debt or equity to fulfill anticipated obligations,
which may include capital expenditures, working capital and other operational requirements, scheduled debt maturities or other payments.
We may consider establishing additional financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers or issuing shares from our authorized
share capital. Subject to market conditions and other factors, we may be required to provide collateral for any future financing arrangements.
AR-32
We continue to evaluate additional potential liability management transactions in connection with our ongoing efforts to prudently manage
our capital structure and improve our liquidity. In each case subject to then existing market conditions and our expected liquidity needs,
among other factors, we may continue to use existing unrestricted cash balances, internally generated cash flows and proceeds from asset
sales to pursue liability management transactions, including among others, purchasing or exchanging one or more existing series of our debt
securities in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through tender offers or exchange offers. Any future purchases,
exchanges or other transactions may be on the same terms or on terms that are more or less favorable to holders than the terms of any prior
transaction, including the Exchange Transactions. There can be no assurance as to which, if any, of these alternatives, or combinations
thereof, we may choose to pursue in the future, if at all, or as to the timing with respect to any future transactions.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices could have significant adverse consequences for general
economic, financial and business conditions, as well as for our business and financial position and the business and financial position of our
customers and suppliers and may, among other things, impact our ability to generate cash flows from operations, access the capital markets
on acceptable terms or at all, and affect our future need or ability to borrow under our Secured Credit Facility. In addition to our potential
sources of funding, the effects of such global events may impact our liquidity or need to alter our allocation or sources of capital, implement
further cost reduction measures and change our financial strategy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices could
have a broad range of effects on our sources and uses of liquidity, the ultimate effect thereon, if any, will depend on future developments,
which cannot be predicted at this time.
Our internally generated cash flows are directly related to our business and the market sectors in which we operate. We have
generated positive cash flows from operating activities over recent years and, although we cannot provide assurances, we currently expect
that such cash flows will continue to be positive over the next year. However, among other factors, if the drilling market deteriorates, or if we
experience poor operating results, or if we incur expenses to, for example, reactivate, stack or otherwise assure the marketability of our fleet,
cash flows from operations may be reduced or negative.
Our access to debt and equity markets is currently limited due to a variety of events, including, among others, general economic
conditions, industry conditions, market conditions and market perceptions of us and our industry and credit rating agencies’ views of our
debt. The rating of the majority of our long-term debt (“Debt Rating”) is below investment grade. The Debt Rating is causing us to experience
increased fees and interest rates under our Secured Credit Facility and agreements governing certain of our senior notes. Future
downgrades may further restrict our ability to access the debt market for sources of capital and may negatively impact the cost of such capital
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 like the one we are currently experiencing 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.
Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—Prior to the consummation of the Exchange Transactions, we
completed the Internal Reorganization. In September 2020, funds managed by, or affiliated with Whitebox as holders of certain series of our
notes subject to the Exchange Offers, filed the Claim in the Court related to the Internal Reorganization and the Exchange Offers.
Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or affiliated with, PIMCO as debtholders, together with
certain other advisors and debtholders, provided purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively,
the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.
On September 23, 2020, we filed an answer to the Claim with the Court and asserted counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment
that, among other matters, the Internal Reorganization did not cause a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.
Concurrently, with our answer and counterclaims, we also submitted a motion for summary judgment seeking an expedited judgment on our
request for declaratory judgment. Whitebox subsequently submitted a cross-motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of our
counterclaims. On November 30, 2020, while awaiting the Court’s ruling on our motion for summary judgment, we amended certain of our
financing documents and implemented certain internal reorganization transactions, which resolved the allegations contained in the purported
notices of default. On December 17, 2020, the Court issued its ruling granting our motion for summary judgment and denying the plaintiff’s
cross-motion for summary judgment, holding, among other matters, that the allegations contained in the purported notice of default did not
constitute a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes. Whitebox has appealed the Court’s ruling.
The facts alleged in the purported notice of default under the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes were the same as the facts underlying the
Claim and the purported notice of default under the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes. Accordingly, following the amendment and internal
reorganization transactions on November 30, 2020, and the subsequent ruling from the Court granting our motion for summary judgment,
we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Debt exchanges—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable
Bonds in the Private Exchange for $397 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds. The Senior Guaranteed
Exchangeable Bonds are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of
Transocean Inc. We may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds (i) on or after August 14, 2022, if certain
conditions related to the price of our shares have been satisfied, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount and (ii) on
or after August 14, 2023, at specified redemption prices. The indenture that governs the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds contains
covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens on our drilling units without equally and ratably securing the notes,
AR-33
engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our drilling units, allow our subsidiaries to incur certain additional debt,
and consolidate, merge or enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation. The indenture that governs the Senior
Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds also requires such bonds to be repurchased upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes and
events, at specified prices depending on the particular fundamental change or event, which include changes and events related to certain
(i) change of control events applicable to Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc., (ii) the failure of our shares to be listed or quoted on a national
securities exchange and (iii) specified tax matters. The Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the
close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date or the redemption date at a current exchange rate of
162.1626 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies an initial conversion price of $6.17 per share, subject to adjustment upon
the occurrence of certain events.
On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes in the
Exchange Offers, pursuant to an exchange offer memorandum, dated August 10, 2020, as supplemented, for an aggregate principal amount
of $1.5 billion of several series of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase. The 11.50% Senior
Guaranteed Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of
Transocean Inc. We may redeem all or a portion of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes prior to July 30, 2023 at a price equal to
100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices. We may also
use the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings by Transocean Ltd. to redeem, on one or more occasions prior to July 30, 2023, up to
a maximum of 40 percent of the original aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes, subject to certain adjustments,
at a redemption price equal to 111.50 percent of the aggregate principal amount. The indenture that governs the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed
Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens on our drilling units without equally and ratably
securing the notes, engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our drilling units, allow our subsidiaries to incur certain
additional debt, make certain internal transfers of our drilling units and consolidate, merge or enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying
as an amalgamation.
On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds
and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million. The New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and
the same subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. that guarantee the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and 11.50% Senior Guaranteed
Notes. In addition, the New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds have an initial exchange rate of 190.4762 Transocean Ltd. shares per
$1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of $5.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.
Secured Credit Facility—As of December 31, 2020, we have a bank credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that
established our $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility (“Secured Credit Facility”), which is scheduled to expire on June 22, 2023. The
Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain subsidiaries. The Secured Credit Facility is secured by, among other
things, a lien on the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Asgard, Deepwater Corcovado, Deepwater Invictus, Deepwater Mykonos,
Deepwater Orion, Deepwater Skyros, Development Driller III, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 and Discoverer Inspiration and the harsh
environment floaters Transocean Barents and Transocean Spitsbergen. The maximum borrowing capacity will be reduced to $1.0 billion if,
and so long as, our leverage ratio, measured as the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, exceeds 10.00 to 1.00. The Secured Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, include
maintenance of certain guarantee and collateral coverage ratios, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 0.60 to 1.00 and minimum liquidity
of $500 million. The Secured Credit Facility also restricts the ability of Transocean Ltd. and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things,
merge, consolidate or otherwise make changes to the corporate structure, incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, enter into transactions
with affiliates and pay dividends and other distributions. In order to borrow under the Secured Credit Facility, we must, at the time of the
borrowing request, not be in default under the Secured Credit Facility and make certain representations and warranties, including with respect
to compliance with laws and solvency, to the lenders. Repayment of borrowings under the Secured Credit Facility are subject to acceleration
upon the occurrence of an event of default. Under the agreements governing certain of our debt and finance lease, we are also subject to
various covenants, 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, the agreements governing our senior secured notes,
our finance lease contract or any other debt owed to unaffiliated entities that exceeds $125 million could trigger a default under the Secured
Credit Facility and, if not waived by the lenders, could cause us to lose access to the Secured Credit Facility. At February 16, 2021, we had
no borrowings outstanding, $24 million of letters of credit issued, and we had $1.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under the Secured
Credit Facility.
Debt issuances—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% Guaranteed Notes, and
we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs. We may redeem all or a portion of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes
on or prior to February 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and
subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
On February 1, 2019, we issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Secured Notes, and we received
aggregate cash proceeds of $539 million, net of discount and issue costs. The indenture that governs the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes
contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig Deepwater Poseidon to
declare or pay dividends to their affiliates. We may redeem all or a portion of the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to February 1,
AR-34
2022 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified
redemption prices.
On May 24, 2019, we issued $525 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate
cash proceeds of $517 million, net of discount and issue costs. The indenture that governs the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes contains
covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs Transocean Endurance and
Transocean Equinox to declare or pay dividends to their affiliates. We may redeem all or a portion of the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes on
or prior to May 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently,
at specified redemption prices.
Early debt retirement—On January 17, 2020, we provided a notice to redeem in full our outstanding 9.00% Senior Notes. On
February 18, 2020, we made a payment of $767 million, including the make-whole premium, to redeem the 9.00% Senior Notes, and in the
three months ending March 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $65 million associated with the retirement of redeemed debt. On November 9,
2020, we completed the 2020 Tender Offers. In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the 2020 Tender Offers, we made an
aggregate cash payment of $222 million to settle the validly tendered notes.
On February 5, 2019, we completed the cash tender offers (“2019 Tender Offers”) to purchase for cash up to $700 million
aggregate purchase price of the 2019 Tendered Notes, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the related offer to purchase. In the
year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of the 2019 Tender Offers, we made an aggregate cash payment of $522 million to settle the
validly tendered 2019 Tendered Notes. In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we repurchased in the open market $434 million
and $95 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities, respectively, for an aggregate cash payment of $449 million and
$95 million, respectively.
Equity investments—In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made an aggregate cash investment of $19 million
and $77 million, respectively, in noncontrolling ownership interests in certain unconsolidated affiliates. The most significant of our equity
investments is a 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion, the company that, through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns the harsh
environment floater Transocean Norge. We expect to make an additional $33 million cash contribution to Orion in the first half of 2021. We
also hold equity investments in certain companies that are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and
reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety in drilling and other activities.
Litigation settlements—On May 29, 2015, together with the Plaintiff Steering Committee, we filed the PSC Settlement Agreement
in which we agreed to deposit $212 million into an escrow account established to be allocated to two classes of plaintiffs in exchange for a
release from all claims against us for damages related to the Macondo well incident. On February 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) entered a final order and judgment approving the PSC Settlement Agreement, pursuant to
which we made the required cash deposits into escrow accounts established for settlement. In the years ended December 31, 2020 and
2019, the MDL Court released $125 million and $33 million, respectively, from the escrow account to satisfy our remaining obligations under
the PSC Settlement Agreement.
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,
2020, the authorization remaining under the share repurchase program was for the repurchase of up to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to
approximately $3.7 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 on 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 on
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-35
Contractual obligations—At December 31, 2020, our contractual obligations stated at face value, were as follows:
Debt
Interest on debt
Finance lease liability
Operating lease liabilities
Purchase obligations
Service agreement obligations
Total (a)
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $ 13,268 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
7,866 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
2,763 (cid:3)
611 (cid:3)
191 (cid:3)
934 (cid:3)
903 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(in millions)
For the years ending December 31,
2021
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)2022 - 2023 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)2024 - 2025 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Thereafter (cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
3,990 (cid:3)
1,058 (cid:3)
256 (cid:3)
125 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
307 (cid:3)
5,736 (cid:3)
1,655 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
730 (cid:3)
142 (cid:3)
27 (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
237 (cid:3)
2,792 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
1,705 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
561 (cid:3)
142 (cid:3)
26 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
256 (cid:3)
2,690 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
516 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
414 (cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
13 (cid:3)
933 (cid:3)
103 (cid:3)
2,050 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(a)(cid:3) As of December 31, 2020, our defined benefit pension and other postemployment plans represented an aggregate liability of $277 million, representing
the aggregate projected benefit obligation, net of the aggregate fair value of plan assets. The carrying amount of this liability is influenced by, among
others, significant current and future assumptions, funding contributions, returns on plan assets, participant demographics, and plan amendments. We
excluded this amount from our contractual obligations presented above due to the uncertainties resulting from these factors and because the amount
is not representative of future liquidity requirements. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
As of December 31, 2020, we have unrecognized tax benefits of $419 million, including interest and penalties, of which $261 million are netted against
net operating loss deferred tax assets resulting in net unrecognized tax benefits of $158 million, including interest and penalties, that upon reversal
would favorably impact our effective tax rate. Although a portion of these might settle or reverse in the coming year, there is a 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 excluded this amount from the contractual obligations
presented in the table above. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—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. The obligations
under these standby letters of credit and surety bonds are primarily geographically concentrated in Brazil. Such obligations are not normally
called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirement. Standby letters of credit are issued under various committed
and uncommitted credit lines, some of which require cash collateral. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate cash collateral held by banks for
letters of credit and surety bonds was $8 million.
At December 31, 2020, these obligations stated in U.S. dollar equivalents and their time to expiration were as follows:
Standby letters of credit
Surety bonds
Total
Total
For the years ended December 31,
2021
2022 - 2023 2024 - 2025 Thereafter
(in millions)
$
$
24 $
153
177 $
11 $
1
12 $
13 $
37
50 $
— $
115
115 $
—
—
—
We have established a wholly owned captive insurance company to insure various risks of our operating subsidiaries. Access to
the cash and cash equivalents of the captive insurance company may be limited due to local regulatory restrictions. At December 31, 2020,
the captive insurance company held cash and cash equivalents of $34 million, and such balance is expected to range from $30 million to
$55 million through December 31, 2021. The balance of the cash and cash equivalents held by the captive insurance company varies,
depending on (i) premiums received and (ii) the timing and magnitude of claims and dividends paid by the captive insurance company.
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.
AR-36
In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made capital expenditures of $265 million and $387 million, respectively,
including $143 million and $129 million, respectively, for our major construction projects. The historical and projected capital expenditures
and non-cash capital additions for our ongoing major construction projects were as follows:
Deepwater Atlas (a)
Deepwater Titan (b)
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3) Total costs
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
through
(cid:3) December 31, (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
369 (cid:3) $
412 (cid:3)
781 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2021
For the years ending December 31,
2022
(In millions)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2023
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
619 (cid:3) $
650 (cid:3)
1,269 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
97 $
108
205
(cid:3)$
10 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3)
10 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
1,095 (cid:3)
1,170 (cid:3)
2,265 (cid:3)
(a)(cid:3) Deepwater Atlas, an ultra-deepwater drillship under construction at the Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. in Singapore has received an agreement for drilling
services, subject to a final investment decision by the customer and its partners. If the conditions are satisfied, the newbuild unit is expected to
commence operations under the drilling contract in the first half of 2022. The projected capital additions include estimates for one 20,000 pounds per
square inch blowout preventer and other equipment required by the customer, some of which will be delivered and commissioned in the year ending
December 31, 2023, subsequent to placing the rig in service. We will only commit to these incremental capital expenditures with the backing of a firm
commitment by the customer.
(b)(cid:3) Deepwater Titan, an ultra-deepwater drillship under construction at the Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. in Singapore, is expected to commence operations
under its drilling contract in the first half of 2022. The projected capital additions include estimates for an upgrade for two 20,000 pounds per square
inch blowout preventers and other equipment required by our customer.
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, borrowings under our Secured
Credit Facility and financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers. Economic conditions and other factors could impact the
availability of these sources of funding. See “—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Dispositions—From time to time, we may also review the possible disposition of non-strategic drilling assets. Considering market
conditions, we have committed to plans to sell certain lower specification drilling units for scrap value. During the years ended December 31,
2020 and 2019, we identified seven and six such drilling units, respectively, that we have sold or intend to sell for scrap value or other
purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the sale of one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh environment
floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received net cash proceeds of $20 million. During the year ended
December 31, 2019, we completed the sale of six ultra-deepwater floaters, one harsh environment floater, two deepwater floaters and
two midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received net cash proceeds of $64 million. We continue to evaluate the drilling units
in our fleet and may identify additional lower-specification drilling units to be sold for scrap value.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2020.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We engage in certain related party transactions with our unconsolidated affiliates, the most significant of which are under
agreements with Orion. We have a management services agreement for the operation and maintenance of the harsh environment floater
Transocean Norge and a marketing services agreement for the marketing of the rig. We also lease the rig under a short-term bareboat
charter agreement, which is expected to expire in mid-2021. Prior to the rig’s placement into service, we also engaged in certain related
party transactions with Orion under a shipyard care agreement for the construction of the rig and other matters related to its completion and
delivery. In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million and $96 million,
respectively, primarily related to the commissioning, preparation and mobilization of Transocean Norge under the shipyard care agreement.
In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized rent expense of $22 million and $9 million, respectively, recorded in
operating and maintenance costs, and made an aggregate cash payment of $22 million and $6 million, respectively, to charter the rig and
equipment from Orion. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.
In the year ended December 31, 2020, Perestroika AS, an entity affiliated with one of our directors that beneficially owns
approximately 10 percent of our shares, exchanged $356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds for
$213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds. Perestroika AS has certain registration rights related
to its shares and shares that may be issued in connection with any exchange of its Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds. See Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.
AR-37
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Overview—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. These estimates require significant judgments and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our
estimates, including those related to our income taxes, property and equipment, equity investments, contingencies, assets held for sale,
intangibles, allowance for excess materials and supplies, allowance for credit losses, postemployment benefit plans, leases and share-based
compensation. 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.
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.
Income taxes—Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates, tax laws and tax planning
opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate or have a taxable presence. 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 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. Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income or loss before income
taxes. Variations also arise when income earned and taxed in a particular country or countries fluctuates from year to year.
Uncertain tax positions—We apply significant judgment to evaluate our tax positions based on the interpretation of tax laws in
various jurisdictions and with 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 or profitability of operations in each jurisdiction. The tax laws relating
to the offshore drilling industry in certain jurisdictions in which we operate are not well developed, requiring us to apply incremental judgment.
Although we employ the best information available at the time we prepare our annual tax provision, a number of years may elapse before
the tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are ultimately determined.
We are undergoing examinations of our tax returns in a number of taxing jurisdictions for various 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. Our tax liabilities are dependent on numerous factors that cannot be reasonably projected, including
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. Consequently, we cannot reasonably
estimate the future impact of changes to the assumptions and estimates related to our annual tax provision.
Unrecognized tax benefits—We establish liabilities for estimated tax exposures, and the provisions and benefits resulting from
changes to those liabilities are included in our annual tax provision along with related interest and penalties. 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,
2020 and 2019, our unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $419 million and $369 million, respectively.
Valuation allowance—We apply significant judgment to determine whether our deferred tax assets will be fully or partially realized.
Our evaluation requires us to consider all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income and the
existence of cumulative losses in recent years. We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred
tax assets. 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. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, in connection with our evaluation of the
projected realizability of our deferred tax assets, we determined that our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year
period has limited our ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected contract activity rather than contract backlog.
Unremitted earnings—We recognize deferred taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that we do not consider to be
indefinitely reinvested or do not expect to be indefinitely reinvested in the future. We do not provide for taxes on unremitted earnings of
subsidiaries when we consider such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of
subsidiaries with indefinitely reinvested earnings, we may be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. If we were to change our
expectations about distributing earnings of these subsidiaries, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a
material effect on our consolidated financial statements. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes.
Property and equipment—We apply significant judgment to account for our property and equipment, consisting primarily of
offshore drilling rigs and related equipment, related to estimates and assumptions for cost capitalization, useful lives and salvage values. At
AR-38
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of our property and equipment was $17.7 billion and $18.8 billion, respectively,
representing 81 percent and 78 percent, respectively, 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 of, and depreciation expense for, 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. We may also consider major capital upgrades required to perform certain contracts
and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability. At December 31, 2020, 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 $27 million and a hypothetical one-year
decrease would cause an increase in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $35 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. 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 mobilize rigs from an oversupplied region to a more lucrative and undersupplied region 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 and harsh environment 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 weigh 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, 2020, we recognized a loss
of $31 million, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the midwater floater asset group. See Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements—Note 6—Drilling Fleet.
Equity-method investments and impairment—We review our equity-method investments for potential impairment when events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable in the near term. Such
circumstances include the following: (a) evidence we are unable to recover the carrying amount of our investment, (b) evidence that the
investee is unable to sustain earnings that would justify the carrying amount or (c) the current fair value of the investment is less than the
carrying amount. If an evaluation of such circumstances results in the determination that an impairment that is other than temporary exists,
we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value.
To estimate the fair value of the investment, we apply valuation methods that rely primarily on the income and market approaches. 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 estimated discount rate and the investee’s long-term future operational performance factors, such as
projected revenues and costs and market factors, including demand for the investee’s industry, services and product lines. Such projections
involve significant uncertainties and require significant judgment. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $59 million
associated with an other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying amount of our equity-method investments. See Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements—Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.
AR-39
Contingencies—We assess 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. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.
OTHER MATTERS
Regulatory matters
We occasionally 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. See Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.
Tax matters
We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in 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 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 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 10—Income Taxes.
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, including current maturities.
The following table presents the nominal amounts, including the principal and other installments, and related weighted-average interest rates
of our long-term debt instruments by contractual maturity date (in millions, except interest rate percentages):
Debt
Fixed rate (USD)
Average interest rate
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
2021
Years ending December 31,
2023
2024
2022
2025
Thereafter
$
516
5.59 %
524
5.49 %
$ 1,131
$
3.42 %
$
930
6.00 %
775
6.27 %
$ 3,990
5.70 %
(cid:3)
Total
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)Fair value
(cid:3)
$ 7,866 (cid:3) $ 4,820
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of our outstanding debt was $4.8 billion and $8.9 billion, respectively. During the
year ended December 31, 2020, the fair value of our debt decreased by $4.1 billion due to the following: (a) a decrease of $1.7 billion due
to changes in market prices for our outstanding debt, (b) a decrease of $1.3 billion due to debt retired early as a result of the redemption of
the 9.00% Senior Notes and repurchases of certain notes in cash tender offers and open market repurchases, (c) a decrease of $929 million
due to debt restructured in exchange offers and private exchanges and (d) a decrease of $539 million due to debt repaid at scheduled
maturities, partially offset by (f) an increase of $297 million due to the issuance of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes. See Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.
The majority of our cash equivalents is subject to variable interest rates or short-term interest rates and such cash equivalents
would earn commensurately higher rates of return if interest rates increase.
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
apportioning payment for our services in U.S. dollars, which is our functional currency, and local currency. The 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. We may occasionally enter into forward exchange contracts to satisfy
anticipated local currency needs. 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. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 19—Risk Concentration.
AR-40
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, 2020. 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, 2020.
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.
(cid:3)
AR-41
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To 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, 2020, 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, 2020, 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, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 26, 2021, 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 26, 2021
(cid:3)
AR-42
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,
2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively
referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 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 26, 2021, 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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were
communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the
financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit
matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating
the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they
relate.
Description of the
Matter
Income Taxes
As discussed in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates in multiple
jurisdictions through a complex operating structure and is subject to applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in
each jurisdiction where it operates. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates
applicable in each jurisdiction. The Company recognizes tax benefits they believe are more likely than not to be
sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.
Auditing management’s provision for income taxes and related deferred taxes was complex because of the
Company’s multi-national operating structure. In addition, a higher degree of auditor judgment was required to
evaluate the Company’s deferred tax provision as a result of the Company’s interpretation of tax law in each
jurisdiction across its multiple subsidiaries.
AR-43
How We Addressed
the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s income tax provision process, including controls over management’s review of the identification and
valuation of deferred income taxes and changes in tax laws and regulations that may impact the Company’s
deferred income tax provision.
Our audit procedures also included, among others, (i) an understanding of the Company’s overall tax structure,
evaluating changes in the Company’s tax structure that occurred during the year as well as changes in tax law,
and assessing the interpretation of those changes under the relevant jurisdiction’s tax law; (ii) utilizing tax
resources with appropriate knowledge of local jurisdictional laws and regulations; (iii) evaluating the completeness
and accuracy of deferred income taxes, and (iv) assessing the reasonableness of the Company’s valuation
allowance on deferred tax assets, including projections of taxable income from the future reversal of existing
taxable temporary differences.
Equity-Method Investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited
Description of the
Matter
As discussed in Note 4, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $59 million associated with its equity-method
investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (Orion) upon determination that the carrying amount of its
investment exceeded the estimated fair value and that the impairment was other than temporary. At December 31,
2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion was $104 million.
Auditing management’s equity-method investment valuation was complex and judgmental due to the estimation
required in determining the fair value of the investment. In particular, the fair value estimate of the equity method
investment in Orion was sensitive to significant assumptions such as the discount rate, future demand and supply
of harsh environment floaters, rig utilization, revenue efficiency and dayrates.
How We Addressed
the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s process to determine the fair value of the investment in Orion. For example, we tested management’s
review controls over the significant assumptions described above as well as over the underlying data used in the
fair value determination.
To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion, we performed audit
procedures that included, among others, assessing the valuation methodologies utilized by management and
testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data
used by the Company in its analysis. We involved a valuation specialist to assist in our evaluation of the
Company's model, valuation methodology and significant assumptions. We reviewed for contrary evidence related
to the determination of the fair value of the equity-method investment, including reviewing relevant market data
and internal Company forecasts.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
Houston, Texas
February 26, 2021
AR-44
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:42)(cid:3)
(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:17)(cid:50)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:3)
(cid:1012)(cid:1004)(cid:1004)(cid:1009)(cid:3)(cid:127)(cid:437)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:856)(cid:286)(cid:455)(cid:856)(cid:272)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:876)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Report of the statutory auditor on the consolidated financial statements
Zurich, February 26, 2021
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Opinion
As statutory auditor, we have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and its
subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity, cash flows, and notes to the consolidated financial
statements for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020. In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31,
2020 and 2019, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2020, 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
accounting 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, 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
(cid:3)
Critical audit matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts
or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging,
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the
consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below,
providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Income Taxes
Description of the
Matter
As discussed in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates in multiple
jurisdictions through a complex operating structure and is subject to applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in
each jurisdiction where it operates. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates
applicable in each jurisdiction. The Company recognizes tax benefits they believe are more likely than not to be
sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.
AR-45
How We Addressed
the Matter in Our Audit
Description of the
Matter
How We Addressed
the Matter in Our Audit
Auditing management’s provision for income taxes and related deferred taxes was complex because of the
Company’s multi-national operating structure. In addition, a higher degree of auditor judgment was required to
evaluate the Company’s deferred tax provision as a result of the Company’s interpretation of tax law in each
jurisdiction across its multiple subsidiaries.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s income tax provision process, including controls over management’s review of the identification and
valuation of deferred income taxes and changes in tax laws and regulations that may impact the Company’s
deferred income tax provision.
Our audit procedures also included, among others, (i) an understanding of the Company’s overall tax structure,
evaluating changes in the Company’s tax structure that occurred during the year as well as changes in tax law,
and assessing the interpretation of those changes under the relevant jurisdiction’s tax law; (ii) utilizing tax
resources with appropriate knowledge of local jurisdictional laws and regulations; (iii) evaluating the completeness
and accuracy of deferred income taxes, and (iv) assessing the reasonableness of the Company’s valuation
allowance on deferred tax assets, including projections of taxable income from the future reversal of existing
taxable temporary differences.
Equity-Method Investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited
As discussed in Note 4, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $59 million associated with its equity-method
investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (Orion) upon determination that the carrying amount of its
investment exceeded the estimated fair value and that the impairment was other than temporary. At December 31,
2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion was $104 million.
Auditing management’s equity-method investment valuation was complex and judgmental due to the estimation
required in determining the fair value of the investment. In particular, the fair value estimate of the equity method
investment in Orion was sensitive to significant assumptions such as the discount rate, future demand and supply
of harsh environment floaters, rig utilization, revenue efficiency and dayrates.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the
Company’s process to determine the fair value of the investment in Orion. For example, we tested management’s
review controls over the significant assumptions described above as well as over the underlying data used in the
fair value determination.
To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion, we performed audit
procedures that included, among others, assessing the valuation methodologies utilized by management and
testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data
used by the Company in its analysis. We involved a valuation specialist to assist in our evaluation of the
Company's model, valuation methodology and significant assumptions. We reviewed for contrary evidence related
to the determination of the fair value of the equity-method investment, including reviewing relevant market data
and internal Company forecasts.
(cid:3)
Report on other legal and regulatory 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 Company 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/ Reto Hofer
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Ralph Petermann
Certified public accountant
AR-46
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2019
2020
2018
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
3,018 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
1,799 (cid:3)
818 (cid:3)
188 (cid:3)
2,805 (cid:3)
(1,464)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(1,251)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
53 (cid:3)
(620)(cid:3)
(3)(cid:3)
46 (cid:3)
(524)(cid:3)
(1,775)(cid:3)
228 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(2,003)(cid:3)
(7)(cid:3)
(1,996)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(4.27)(cid:3)
468 (cid:3)
3,152 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,000 (cid:3)
781 (cid:3)
183 (cid:3)
2,964 (cid:3)
(597)(cid:3)
(84)(cid:3)
(493)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
21 (cid:3)
(575)(cid:3)
533 (cid:3)
(27)(cid:3)
(48)(cid:3)
(541)(cid:3)
27 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(568)(cid:3)
(1)(cid:3)
(567)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(0.92)(cid:3) $
615 (cid:3)
3,088 (cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,140 (cid:3)
855 (cid:3)
193 (cid:3)
3,188 (cid:3)
(609)(cid:3)
(12)(cid:3)
(721)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
43 (cid:3)
(660)(cid:3)
(41)(cid:3)
181 (cid:3)
(477)(cid:3)
(1,198)(cid:3)
59 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(1,257)(cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(1,255)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(2.05)(cid:3)(cid:3) $
612 (cid:3)
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Contract drilling revenues
Costs and expenses
Operating and maintenance
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Loss on impairment
Loss on disposal of assets, net
Operating loss
Other income (expense), net
Interest income
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Gain (loss) on restructuring and retirement of debt
Other, net
Loss before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net loss
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net loss attributable to controlling interest
Loss per share, basic and diluted
Weighted average shares, basic and diluted
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
See accompanying notes.
AR-47
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In millions)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(2,003)(cid:3)
(7)(cid:3)
(1,996)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
6 (cid:3)
5 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(1,992)(cid:3)
(7)(cid:3)
(1,985)(cid:3)
(568)(cid:3) $
(1)(cid:3)
(567)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
38 (cid:3)
25 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
63 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
61 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
61 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(507)(cid:3)
(1)(cid:3)
(506)(cid:3) $
(1,257)(cid:3) $
(2)(cid:3)
(1,255)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(25)(cid:3)
4 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(21)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(21)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(21)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(1,278)(cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(1,276)(cid:3) $
Net loss
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net loss attributable to controlling interest
Components of net periodic benefit income (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 loss
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Total comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Total comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interest
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
See accompanying notes.
AR-48
2020
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2019
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
1,790 (cid:3)
654 (cid:3)
479 (cid:3)
558 (cid:3)
159 (cid:3)
3,640 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
24,281 (cid:3)
(5,434)(cid:3)
18,847 (cid:3)
608 (cid:3)
20 (cid:3)
990 (cid:3)
24,105 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
311 (cid:3)
64 (cid:3)
568 (cid:3)
781 (cid:3)
1,724 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
8,693 (cid:3)
266 (cid:3)
1,555 (cid:3)
10,514 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
59 (cid:3)
13,424 (cid:3)
(1,297)(cid:3)
(324)(cid:3)
11,862 (cid:3)
5 (cid:3)
11,867 (cid:3)
24,105 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
1,154 (cid:3)
583 (cid:3)
434 (cid:3)
406 (cid:3)
163 (cid:3)
2,740 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
23,040 (cid:3)
(5,373)(cid:3)
17,667 (cid:3)
393 (cid:3)
9 (cid:3)
995 (cid:3)
21,804 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
194 (cid:3)
28 (cid:3)
505 (cid:3)
659 (cid:3)
1,386 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
7,302 (cid:3)
315 (cid:3)
1,366 (cid:3)
8,983 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
60 (cid:3)
13,501 (cid:3)
(1,866)(cid:3)
(263)(cid:3)
11,432 (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
11,435 (cid:3)
21,804 (cid:3)
$
$
$
(cid:3) (cid:3)
$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Materials and supplies, net
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
Contract intangible assets
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
Shares, CHF 0.10 par value, 824,650,660 authorized, 142,363,647 conditionally authorized, 639,676,165 issued
and 615,140,276 outstanding at December 31, 2020, and 639,674,422 authorized, 142,365,398 conditionally
authorized, 617,970,525 issued and 611,871,374 outstanding at December 31, 2019
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
(cid:3)
See accompanying notes.
AR-49
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)Years ended December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3) 2020 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) 2019 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) 2018
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Quantity
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
610 (cid:3)
612 (cid:3)
2 (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
612 (cid:3)
615 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
391 (cid:3) $
3 (cid:3)
216 (cid:3)
610 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2018
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) 2019
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) 2020
Amount
(cid:3)
59 (cid:3) $
1 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
60 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
59 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
59 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
37 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
22 (cid:3)
59 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 13,424 (cid:3) $ 13,394 (cid:3) $ 11,031 (cid:3)
45 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,101 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
172 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
53 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(3) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(5) (cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 13,501 (cid:3) $ 13,424 (cid:3) $ 13,394 (cid:3)
31 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
46 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
(1)(cid:3)
37 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(7)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$ (1,297)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
25 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$ (1,866)(cid:3) $ (1,297)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(67)(cid:3) $ 1,929 (cid:3)
(567)(cid:3) (1,255)(cid:3) (1,996) (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(67) (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(324)(cid:3) $
61 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(263)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(279)(cid:3) $
(21)(cid:3)
(24)(cid:3)
(324)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(290) (cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(279) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 11,862 (cid:3) $ 13,107 (cid:3) $ 12,707 (cid:3)
(506)(cid:3) (1,276)(cid:3) (1,985) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
45 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,123 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
172 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
53 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(3) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(5) (cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 11,432 (cid:3) $ 11,862 (cid:3) $ 13,107 (cid:3)
31 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
46 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
37 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(6)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
5 (cid:3) $
(1)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(1)(cid:3)
3 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
7 (cid:3) $
(2)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
5 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
4 (cid:3)
(2) (cid:3)
33 (cid:3)
(31) (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
7 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 11,867 (cid:3) $ 13,114 (cid:3) $ 12,711 (cid:3)
(507)(cid:3) (1,278)(cid:3) (1,987) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
45 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,123 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
172 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
33 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
53 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(31) (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(5) (cid:3)
(cid:3)$ 11,435 (cid:3) $ 11,867 (cid:3) $ 13,114 (cid:3)
31 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
46 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
37 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(6)(cid:3)
Shares
Balance, beginning of period
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans
Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions
Balance, end of period
Additional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of period
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions
Equity component of convertible debt instruments
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Balance, end of period
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
Balance, beginning of period
Net loss attributable to controlling interest
Effect of adopting accounting standards updates
Balance, end of period
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance, beginning of period
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
Effect of adopting accounting standards update
Balance, end of period
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interest
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions
Equity component of convertible debt instruments
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Balance, end of period
Noncontrolling interest
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Recognition of noncontrolling interest in business combination
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest
Balance, end of period
Total equity
Balance, beginning of period
Total comprehensive loss
Share-based compensation
Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions
Equity component of convertible debt instruments
Recognition of noncontrolling interest in business combination
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
Other, net
Balance, end of period
See accompanying notes.
AR-50
Years ended December 31,
2019
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(568)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
215 (cid:3)
781 (cid:3)
31 (cid:3)
597 (cid:3)
62 (cid:3)
84 (cid:3)
(533)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
60 (cid:3)
83 (cid:3)
(73)(cid:3)
12 (cid:3)
(353)(cid:3)
398 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(265)(cid:3)
24 (cid:3)
(19)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
5 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(257)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
743 (cid:3)
(1,637)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(36)(cid:3)
(930)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(789)(cid:3)
2,349 (cid:3)
1,560 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(1,257)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
187 (cid:3)
855 (cid:3)
37 (cid:3)
609 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
12 (cid:3)
41 (cid:3)
(132)(cid:3)
248 (cid:3)
41 (cid:3)
43 (cid:3)
(33)(cid:3)
(311)(cid:3)
340 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(387)(cid:3)
70 (cid:3)
(77)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
123 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
(268)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
1,056 (cid:3)
(1,325)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(43)(cid:3)
(312)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(240)(cid:3)
2,589 (cid:3)
2,349 (cid:3) $
2018
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(2,003)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
112 (cid:3)
818 (cid:3)
45 (cid:3)
1,464 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(16)(cid:3)
6 (cid:3)
(139)(cid:3)
34 (cid:3)
234 (cid:3)
558 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(184)(cid:3)
43 (cid:3)
(107)(cid:3)
(883)(cid:3)
507 (cid:3)
(173)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(797)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2,054 (cid:3)
(2,105)(cid:3)
26 (cid:3)
(92)(cid:3)
(30)(cid:3)
(147)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(386)(cid:3)
2,975 (cid:3)
2,589 (cid:3)
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Contract intangible asset amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Share-based compensation expense
Loss on impairment
Loss on impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Loss on disposal of assets, net
(Gain) loss on restructuring and retirement of debt
Gain on termination of construction contracts
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
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Cash paid in business combinations, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from maturities of unrestricted and restricted investments
Deposits to unrestricted 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
Proceeds from investments restricted for financing activities
Payments to terminate derivative instruments
Other, net
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents
Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
See accompanying notes.
AR-51
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1—BUSINESS
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. As of December 31, 2020, we owned or had partial ownership interests in
and operated a fleet of 38 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 11 harsh environment floaters. As of
December 31, 2020, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.
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 income taxes, property and equipment, equity investments, contingencies, assets held for sale, intangibles,
allowance for excess materials and supplies, allowance for credit losses, postemployment benefit plans, leases and share-based
compensation. 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 a valuation requires multiple input levels, 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 equity investment in an unconsolidated 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 measure other equity investments at fair value if
the investment has a fair value that is readily determinable; otherwise, we measure the investment at cost, less any impairment. 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—Unconsolidated Affiliates and Note 14—Equity.
Business combinations—We apply the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, under which we record the
acquired assets and assumed liabilities at fair value and recognize goodwill to the extent the consideration transferred exceeds the fair value
of the net assets acquired. To the extent the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the consideration transferred, we recognize a
bargain purchase gain. We estimate the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of the acquisition, and our
estimates are subject to adjustment through completion, which is in each case within one year of the acquisition date, based on our
assessments of the fair values of property and equipment, intangible assets, other assets and liabilities and our evaluation of tax positions
and contingencies. See Note 3—Business Combinations.
Revenue recognition—We recognize revenues earned under our drilling contracts based on variable dayrates, which range from
a full operating dayrate to lower rates or zero rates for periods when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted, based on the specific
activities we perform during the contract on an hourly, or more frequent, basis. Such dayrate consideration is attributed to the distinct time
period to which it relates within the contract term, and therefore, is recognized as we perform the services. When the operating dayrate
declines over the contract term, we recognize revenues on a straight-line basis over the estimated contract period. We recognize
reimbursement revenues and the corresponding costs as we provide the customer-requested goods and services, when such reimbursable
costs are incurred while performing drilling operations. Prior to performing drilling operations, we may receive pre-operating revenues, on
either a fixed lump-sum or variable dayrate basis, for mobilization, contract preparation, customer-requested goods and services or capital
upgrades, which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the estimated contract period. We recognize losses for loss contracts as such
losses are incurred. We recognize revenues for demobilization over the contract period unless otherwise constrained. We recognize
revenues from contract terminations as we fulfill our obligations and all contingencies have been resolved. To obtain contracts with our
customers, we incur costs to prepare a rig for contract and mobilize a rig to the drilling location. We defer pre-operating costs, such as
contract preparation and mobilization costs, and recognize such costs on a straight-line basis, consistent with the general pace of activity, in
AR-52
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
operating and maintenance costs over the estimated contract period. We apply the optional exemption that permits us to exclude disclosure
of the estimated transaction price related to the variable portion of unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the reporting period, as
our transaction price is based on a single performance obligation consisting of a series of distinct hourly, or more frequent, periods, the
variability of which will be resolved at the time of the future services. See Note 5—Revenues.
Share-based compensation—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 stock options, we use
the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and apply assumptions for the expected life, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and
dividend yield. To measure the fair values of granted or modified performance-based restricted share units 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 use
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. We recognize such
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. See Note 15—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. In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
and 2018, we capitalized interest costs of $47 million, $38 million and $37 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized a net loss of
$8 million, a net gain of $2 million and a net loss of $38 million, respectively, related to currency exchange rates.
Income taxes—We provide for income taxes based on the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which we operate and
earn income. We recognize the effect of changes in tax laws as of the date of enactment. We recognize potential global intangible low-taxed
income inclusions as a period cost. 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 the
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.
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. Income 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 10—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.
Accounts receivable—We earn our revenues by providing our drilling services to three major categories of customers:
(a) integrated oil companies, (b) government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and (c) other independent oil companies.
Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the accounting standards update that requires entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on
financial assets ranging from short-term trade accounts receivable to long-term financings without retrospective application. Accordingly, we
establish an allowance for credit losses based on the loss rate method, considering forecasted future conditions in addition to past events
and current conditions for our customers in each of the major categories and on an individual basis when the risk characteristics of an
account are no longer representative of the category to which it otherwise belongs. At December 31, 2020, our allowance for credit losses
was $2 million.
AR-53
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Materials and supplies—We record materials and supplies at their average cost less an allowance for excess items. We estimate
the allowance for excess items based on historical experience and expectations for future use of the materials and supplies. At December 31,
2020 and 2019, our allowance for excess items was $143 million and $127 million, respectively.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents—We maintain restricted cash and cash equivalents 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 and cash equivalents in current assets if the restriction is
expected to expire or otherwise be resolved within one year or if such funds are considered to offset liabilities that are properly classified as
current liabilities. See Note 9—Debt and Note 13—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, 2020 and 2019, we had no assets classified as held for sale.
Property and equipment—We apply judgment to account for our property and equipment, consisting primarily of offshore drilling
rigs and related equipment, related to estimates and assumptions for cost capitalization, useful lives and salvage values. We base our
estimates and assumptions on historical experience and expectations regarding future industry conditions and operations. At December 31,
2020, the aggregate carrying amount of our property and equipment represented approximately 81 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 life of our drilling units is 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, 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, including property and equipment and
right-of-use assets, 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 and harsh environment 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 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. See Note 6—Drilling Fleet.
Equity investments and impairment—We review our equity-method investments, and other equity investments for which a
readily determinable fair value is not available, for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of the investment might not be recoverable in the near term. If we determine that an impairment that is other than temporary exists,
we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value.
To estimate the fair value of the investment, we apply valuation methods that rely primarily on the income and market approaches. In the
year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $62 million associated with the other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying
amount of our equity investments. See Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Goodwill—We conduct impairment testing for goodwill annually as of October 1 and more frequently, on an interim basis, when
an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of our reporting unit may have declined below its carrying amount.
In the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of an interim goodwill test, we recognized an aggregate loss of $462 million, which had
no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the full balance of our goodwill. See Note 3—Business Combinations and Note 7—Goodwill
and Other Intangibles.
Contract intangibles—We recognize contract intangible assets related to acquired executory contracts, such as drilling contracts.
The drilling contract intangible assets represent the amount by which the fixed dayrates of the acquired contracts were above the market
dayrates that were available or expected to be available during the term of the contract for similar contracts, measured as of the acquisition
date. We amortize the carrying amount of the drilling contract intangible assets using the straight-line method as a reduction of contract
AR-54
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
drilling revenues over the expected remaining contract period. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our drilling
contract intangible assets was $393 million and $608 million, respectively. See Note 3—Business Combinations and Note 7—Goodwill and
Other Intangibles.
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. We calculate investment gains or losses for this purpose 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, the most significant of which include long-term rate of
return on plan assets, discount rates and mortality rates. For the long-term rate of return, we develop our assumptions regarding the expected
rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, and we weight the assumptions
based on each plan’s asset allocation. For the discount rate, we base our assumptions on a yield curve approach using Aa-rated corporate
bonds and the expected timing of future benefit payments.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our pension and other postemployment benefit plan obligations represented an aggregate liability
of $277 million and $351 million, respectively, and an aggregate asset of $37 million and $42 million, respectively, representing the funded
status of the plans. See Note 12—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
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.
NOTE 3—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Overview
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed the acquisitions of Songa Offshore SE (“Songa”), a European public
company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus, and Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (“Ocean Rig”), a Cayman
Islands exempted company with limited liability. On January 30, 2018, we acquired an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in
Songa. On December 5, 2018, we acquired Ocean Rig in a merger transaction. We believe both acquisitions further strengthen our position
as a leader in providing ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services by adding additional high-value assets, and we believe the
Songa acquisition, supported by significant contract backlog, also strengthens our footprint in harsh environment operating areas. In the
year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with these acquisitions, we incurred acquisition costs of $24 million, recorded in general and
administrative costs and expenses.
We included the operating results of Songa and Ocean Rig in our consolidated results of operations, commencing on the acquisition
date, January 30, 2018 and December 5, 2018, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2018, our consolidated statement of
operations includes revenues of $497 million and net income of $87 million associated with the operations of Songa and revenues of
$15 million and net loss of $8 million associated with the operations of Ocean Rig.
Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
To complete the acquisition, we transferred consideration with an aggregate fair value of $2.55 billion, including (a) 147.7 million
shares issued at an aggregate fair value of $1.38 billion, equivalent to $9.32 per share, based on the market value of our shares on the
acquisition date and (b) an aggregate cash payment of $1.17 billion. The fair value of net assets acquired, measured as of December 5,
2018, was $2.57 billion, comprised of: (a) total assets of $2.82 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $152 million, property and
equipment of $2.20 billion and other assets of $466 million, net of (b) liabilities assumed of $257 million. In the year ended December 31,
2019, we completed our estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities. In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we
recognized a gain of $11 million and $10 million, respectively, recorded in other, net, for a cumulative gain of $21 million associated with the
bargain purchase, primarily due to the decline in the market value of our shares between the announcement date and the closing date.
We estimated the fair value of the rigs and related equipment 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 acquisition date. We estimated the fair value
AR-55
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
of the drilling contracts by comparing the contractual dayrates over the remaining firm contract term and option periods relative to the
projected market dayrates as of the acquisition date. We estimated the fair value of the construction contracts by comparing the contractual
future payments and terms relative to the market payments and terms as of the acquisition date. Our estimates of fair value for the drilling
units and contract intangibles required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement,
including assumptions related to the future performance of the assets, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services,
rig availability, rig utilization, dayrates, remaining useful lives of the rigs and discount rates.
In connection with the Ocean Rig acquisition, we acquired contracts with Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (“SHI”) for the
construction of two ultra-deepwater drillships for which we recognized liabilities that represented the amount by which the remaining
payments due under the acquired contracts were above market construction rates for similar drilling units, measured as of the acquisition
date. In October 2019, we agreed with SHI to cancel the construction contracts for the drillships in exchange for the parties terminating their
respective obligations and liabilities under the construction contracts and our subsidiaries releasing to SHI their respective interests in the
rigs. As a result, in the three months ended December 31, 2019, we eliminated the construction contract liabilities and recognized income
of $132 million, recorded in other income, net.
Songa Offshore SE
To complete the acquisition, we transferred consideration with an aggregate fair value of $1.76 billion, including (a) 66.9 million
shares issued at an aggregate fair value of $735 million, equivalent to $10.99 per share, based on the market value of our shares on the
acquisition date and (b) $854 million aggregate principal amount of 0.50% exchangeable senior bonds due January 30, 2023 (the
“Exchangeable Senior Bonds”) issued at an aggregate fair value of $1.03 billion as partial consideration to Songa shareholders and
settlement for certain Songa indebtedness. The fair value of net assets acquired, measured as of January 30, 2018, was $1.76 billion,
comprised of: (a) total assets of $3.82 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $113 million, property and equipment of $2.41 billion,
goodwill of $462 million, contract intangible assets of $632 million and other assets of $195 million, net of (b) total liabilities of $2.02 billion,
including total debt of $1.77 billion and other liabilities of $254 million and (c) noncontrolling interest of $33 million.
In the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed our estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities. We estimated
the fair value of the rigs and related equipment 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 acquisition date. We estimated the fair value of the drilling contracts by
comparing the contractual dayrates over the remaining firm contract term and option periods relative to the projected market dayrates as of
the acquisition date. The goodwill resulting from the business combination was attributed to synergies and intangible assets that did not
qualify for separate recognition. Our estimates of fair value for these assets required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative
of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the assets, such as future commodity prices,
projected demand for our services, rig availability, dayrates and discount rates. We estimated the fair value of the debt using significant
other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.
On March 28, 2018, we acquired the remaining Songa shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition under Cyprus
law, and as a result, Songa became our wholly owned subsidiary. As consideration for the remaining Songa shares, we issued 1.1 million
shares and $9 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior Bonds and we made an aggregate cash payment of $8 million to
Songa shareholders who elected to receive a cash payment or failed to make an election, for an aggregate fair value of $30 million.
In connection with the Songa acquisition, we acquired undesignated currency swaps and interest rate swaps that we subsequently
settled and terminated. In the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the settlement of the currency swaps and the interest rate
swaps, we made an aggregate cash payment of $92 million and received aggregate cash proceeds of $18 million, respectively.
NOTE 4—UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
Equity investments—We hold noncontrolling equity investments in various unconsolidated companies, including (a) our
33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”), a Cayman Islands company that,
through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge, and (b) our interests in certain companies that
are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and
safety for drilling and other activities. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our equity investments was
$138 million and $191 million, respectively, recorded in other assets.
Our equity-method investment in Orion is the most significant of our equity investments. In the years ended December 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate cash contribution of $8 million, $74 million and $91 million, respectively, to Orion, and we expect to
make an additional $33 million cash contribution in the six months ending June 30, 2021. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we
recognized a loss of $59 million, which had no tax effect, recorded in other, net, associated with the impairment of our equity-method
investment in Orion upon determination that the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value and that the impairment was other than
temporary. We estimated the fair value of our investment using the income method, which required us to use significant unobservable inputs,
representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including applying an assumed discount rate of 12 percent and making assumptions
AR-56
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
about the future performance of the investment, including future demand and supply for harsh environment floaters, rig utilization, revenue
efficiency and dayrates. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our investment in Orion was $104 million and
$164 million, respectively.
Related party transactions—We engage in certain related party transactions with our unconsolidated affiliates, the most
significant of which are under agreements with Orion. We have a management services agreement for the operation and maintenance of
the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge and a marketing services agreement for the marketing of the rig. We also lease the rig
under a short-term bareboat charter agreement, which is expected to expire in mid-2021. Prior to the rig’s placement into service, we also
engaged in certain related party transactions with Orion under a shipyard care agreement for the construction of the rig and other matters
related to its completion and delivery. Additionally, we procure services and equipment from other unconsolidated affiliates for technological
innovation.
In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million and $96 million,
respectively, primarily related to the commissioning, preparation and mobilization of Transocean Norge under the shipyard care agreement
with Orion. In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized rent expense of $22 million and $9 million, respectively,
recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and made an aggregate cash payment of $22 million and $6 million, respectively, to charter
the rig and other equipment from Orion. In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made an aggregate cash payment of
$15 million and $11 million, respectively, to other unconsolidated affiliates for research and development and for equipment to reduce
emissions and improve reliability.
NOTE 5—REVENUES
Overview—We earn revenues primarily by performing the following activities: (i) providing our drilling rig, work crews, related
equipment and services necessary to operate the rig (ii) delivering the drilling rig by mobilizing to and demobilizing from the drill location, and
(iii) performing certain pre-operating activities, including rig preparation activities or equipment modifications required for the contract. These
services represent a single performance obligation under our drilling contracts with customers that is satisfied over time, the duration of which
varies by contract. At December 31, 2020, the drilling contract with the longest expected remaining duration, excluding unexercised options,
extends through February 2028.
In June 2020, we entered into a settlement and mutual release agreement with a customer, which provided for the final settlement
of disputes related to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods. In connection with the settlement, among other things, our customer
agreed to pay us $185 million in four equal installments through January 15, 2023. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized
revenues of $177 million, representing the discounted value of the future payments, and recorded corresponding accounts receivable, net
of imputed interest. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million in scheduled installments
under the arrangement. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the related receivable was $133 million, net of imputed
interest, including $45 million and $88 million recorded in accounts receivable and other assets, respectively.
In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized revenues of $10 million for other performance obligations satisfied in
previous periods due to certain revenues recognized on a cash basis. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized revenues of
$174 million for yet other performance obligations satisfied in previous periods, primarily related to revenues for a customer’s contract
termination and certain revenues recognized on a cash basis.
To obtain contracts with our customers, we incur pre-operating costs to prepare a rig for contract and deliver or mobilize the rig to
the drilling location. We recognize such pre-operating costs in operating and maintenance costs on a straight-line basis, consistent with the
general pace of activity, over the estimated contract period. In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized
pre-operating costs of $60 million, $18 million and $45 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unrecognized
pre-operating costs to obtain contracts was $20 million and $34 million, respectively, recorded in other assets.
Disaggregation—Our contract drilling revenues, disaggregated by asset group and by country in which they were earned, were
as follows (in millions):
Ultra-deepwater floaters
Harsh environment floaters
Deepwater floaters
Midwater floaters
High-specification jackups
Total revenues
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) U.S.
(cid:3)(cid:3)Norway (cid:3)(cid:3)Other (a) (cid:3)(cid:3) Total
(cid:3)(cid:3)Norway (cid:3)(cid:3) Other (a) (cid:3)(cid:3) Total
Year ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2019
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) U.S.
693 (cid:3) $ 1,957 (cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,496 (cid:3) $ — (cid:3) $ 292 (cid:3) $ 1,788 (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,302 (cid:3) $ — (cid:3) $ 792 (cid:3) $ 2,094 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,264 (cid:3) $ — (cid:3) $
974 (cid:3)
294 (cid:3) 1,069 (cid:3)(cid:3)
— (cid:3) 775 (cid:3)
170 (cid:3) 1,046 (cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
124 (cid:3)
7 (cid:3)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3)(cid:3)
74 (cid:3)
55 (cid:3)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
12 (cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
58 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,302 (cid:3) $ 876 (cid:3) $ 974 (cid:3) $ 3,152 (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,264 (cid:3) $ 775 (cid:3) $ 1,049 (cid:3) $ 3,088 (cid:3)(cid:3)$ 1,496 (cid:3) $ 651 (cid:3) $ 871 (cid:3) $ 3,018 (cid:3)
— (cid:3) 876 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3) 651 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
323 (cid:3)
124 (cid:3)
74 (cid:3)
58 (cid:3)
Year ended December 31, 2018
(cid:3)(cid:3)Norway (cid:3)(cid:3)Other (a) (cid:3)(cid:3) Total
7 (cid:3)
55 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
12 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) U.S.
(a)(cid:3) Other represents the aggregate value for countries in which we operate that individually had attributable operating revenues representing less than 10 percent of
consolidated operating revenues earned.
AR-57
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Contract liabilities—We recognize contract liabilities, recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, for
mobilization, contract preparation, capital upgrades and deferred revenues for declining dayrate contracts using the straight-line method over
the estimated contract period. Contract liabilities for our contracts with customers were as follows (in millions):
Deferred contract revenues, recorded in other current liabilities
Deferred contract revenues, recorded in other long-term liabilities
Total contract liabilities
Significant changes in contract liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Total contract liabilities, beginning of period
Decrease due to recognition of revenues for goods and services
Increase due to goods and services transferred over time
Total contract liabilities, end of period
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
2020
2019
December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
133 (cid:3) $
323 (cid:3)
456 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
100 (cid:3)
429 (cid:3)
529 (cid:3)
2019
2020
(cid:3) Years ended December 31,
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
486 (cid:3)
(114) (cid:3)
157 (cid:3)
529 (cid:3)
529 (cid:3) $
(184)(cid:3)
111 (cid:3)
456 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
NOTE 6—DRILLING FLEET
Construction work in progress—The changes in our construction work in progress were as follows (in millions):
Construction work in progress, beginning of period
Capital expenditures
Newbuild construction program
Other equipment and construction projects
Total capital expenditures
Changes in accrued capital additions
Construction work in progress impaired
Construction work in progress acquired in business combination
Property and equipment placed into service
Newbuild construction program
Other equipment and construction projects
Construction work in progress, end of period
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
Years ended December 31,
2019
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
753
$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
143 (cid:3)
122 (cid:3)
265 (cid:3)
(33) (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(157) (cid:3)
828 (cid:3) $
632
$
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
129 (cid:3)
258 (cid:3)
387 (cid:3)
20 (cid:3)
(5) (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(281) (cid:3)
753 (cid:3) $
2018
1,392
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
75 (cid:3)
109 (cid:3)
184 (cid:3)
4 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
28 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(903)(cid:3)
(73)(cid:3)
632 (cid:3)
Impairments of assets held and used—During the year ended December 31, 2020, we identified indicators that the carrying
amounts of our asset groups may not be recoverable. Such indicators included significant declines in commodity prices and the market
value of our stock, a reduction of expected demand for our drilling services as our customers announced reductions of capital investments
in response to commodity prices and a reduction of projected dayrates. As a result of our testing, we determined that the carrying amount
of our midwater floater asset group was impaired. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $31 million ($0.05 per
diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group. We measured the fair value of
the drilling unit and related assets in this asset group by applying the market approach, using 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 estimate of fair value required us to use significant other observable inputs, representative of Level 2 fair value
measurements, including the marketability of the rig and prices of comparable rigs that may be sold for scrap value.
Impairments of assets held for sale—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $556 million
($0.90 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floater GSF Development Driller II,
the harsh environment floaters Polar Pioneer and Songa Dee and the midwater floaters Sedco 711, Sedco 714 and Transocean 712, along
with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time that we classified the assets as held for sale. In the year ended
December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $578 million ($0.94 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the
impairment of the ultra-deepwater floaters Discoverer Deep Seas, Discoverer Enterprise and Discoverer Spirit, along with related assets,
which we determined were impaired at the time we classified the assets as held for sale. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we
recognized an aggregate loss of $999 million ($2.13 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the
ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Discovery, Deepwater Frontier, Deepwater Millennium and GSF C.R. Luigs, the deepwater floaters
Jack Bates and Transocean 706 and the midwater floaters Songa Delta and Songa Trym, along with related assets, which we determined
were impaired at the time that we classified the assets as held for sale.
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
AR-58
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Level 2 fair value measurements, including indicative market values for the drilling units and related assets to be sold for scrap value or
binding contracts to sell such assets for alternative purposes. If we commit to plans to sell additional rigs for values below the respective
carrying amounts, we will be required to recognize additional losses in future periods associated with the impairment of such assets.
Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2020, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we
completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floater GSF Development Driller II, the harsh environment floaters Polar Pioneer, Songa Dee and
Transocean Arctic and the midwater floaters Sedco 711, Sedco 714 and Transocean 712, along with related assets. In the year ended
December 31, 2020, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $20 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $61 million ($0.10 per
diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we received
aggregate net cash proceeds of $4 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $23 million associated with the disposal of assets
unrelated to rig sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Frontier,
Deepwater Millennium, Discoverer Deep Seas, Discoverer Enterprise, Discoverer Spirit and Ocean Rig Paros, the harsh environment floater
Eirik Raude, the deepwater floaters Jack Bates and Transocean 706 and the midwater floaters Actinia and Songa Delta, along with related
assets. In the year ended December 31, 2019, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $64 million and recognized an aggregate net
gain of $4 million ($0.01 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets. In the year ended
December 31, 2019, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $6 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $16 million associated
with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floaters Cajun Express,
Deepwater Discovery, Deepwater Pathfinder, GSF C.R. Luigs, Sedco Energy and Sedco Express,
floater
Transocean Marianas and the midwater floater Songa Trym, along with related assets. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we received
aggregate net cash proceeds of $36 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $7 million ($0.01 per diluted share), which had no tax
effect, associated with the disposal of these assets. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of
$7 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $7 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.
the deepwater
NOTE 7—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Finite-lived intangible assets—The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our drilling contract intangible assets
were as follows (in millions):
Drilling contract intangible assets
Balance, beginning of period
Amortization
Balance, end of period
Year ended December 31, 2020
Net
Gross
carrying
carrying
amount
amount
Accumulated
amortization
Year ended December 31, 2019
Net
Gross
Accumulated
carrying
carrying
amortization amount
amount
$
$
907 $
—
907 $
(299) $
(215)
(514) $
608 $
(215)
393 $
907 $
—
907 $
(112) $
(187)
(299) $
795
(187)
608
We amortize the drilling contract intangible assets over the remaining contract periods, the longest of which is currently expected
to extend through March 2024. As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future amortization was as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total carrying amount of contract intangible assets
Total
$
$
220
117
52
4
393
Goodwill—During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we classified as held for sale and impaired three ultra-deepwater
floaters (see Note 6—Drilling Fleet). We identified the impairment of these assets as an indicator that our goodwill may be impaired. In the
year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of our interim goodwill impairment test, we recognized a loss of $462 million ($0.99 per diluted
share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the full balance of our goodwill. We estimated the fair value of the contract
drilling services reporting unit using the income approach. Our estimate 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 the reporting unit, such as
future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability and dayrates.
NOTE 8—LEASES
Our operating leases are principally for office space, storage facilities, operating equipment and land. At December 31, 2020, our
operating leases had a weighted-average discount rate of 6.4 percent and a weighted-average remaining lease term of 14.0 years.
AR-59
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Our finance lease for the ultra-deepwater drillship Petrobras 10000 has an implicit interest rate of 7.8 percent and requires
scheduled monthly installments through the lease expiration in August 2029, after which we are obligated to acquire the drillship from the
lessor for one dollar. We recognize expense for the amortization of the right-of-use asset in depreciation and amortization.
The components of our lease costs were as follows (in millions):
Lease costs
Operating lease costs
Short-term lease costs
Finance lease costs, amortization of right-of-use asset
Finance lease costs, interest on lease liability
Total lease costs
2020
2019
(cid:3) Years ended December 31, (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
25 (cid:3)
13 (cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
13 (cid:3)
27 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
21 (cid:3)
21 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
39 (cid:3)
36 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
98 (cid:3)
97 (cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a loss of $26 million, with no tax effect, associated with the impairment of
right-of-use assets and leasehold improvements for certain office facilities that we had vacated or had committed to sublease.
Supplemental cash flow information for our leases was as follows (in millions):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
Operating cash flows from finance lease
Financing cash flows from finance lease
2019
2020
(cid:3) Years ended December 31, (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
19 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
39 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
32 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
17 (cid:3) $
36 (cid:3)
35 (cid:3)
At December 31, 2020, the aggregate future minimum rental payments for our leases were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total future minimum rental payment
Less amount representing imputed interest
Present value of future minimum rental payments
Less current portion, recorded in other current liabilities
Long-term lease liabilities, recorded in other long-term liabilities
(cid:3) Operating
(cid:3)
leases
(cid:3)(cid:3) Finance
(cid:3)
lease
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
13 (cid:3) $
14 (cid:3)
13 (cid:3)
13 (cid:3)
13 (cid:3)
125 (cid:3)
191 (cid:3)
(69)(cid:3)
122 (cid:3)
(8)(cid:3)
114 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
71 (cid:3)
256 (cid:3)
611 (cid:3)
(167)(cid:3)
444 (cid:3)
(37)(cid:3)
407 (cid:3)
AR-60
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
NOTE 9—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):
Principal amount
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3) (cid:3)
(cid:3) December 31, (cid:3) December 31, (cid:3)(cid:3) (cid:3) December 31, (cid:3) December 31, (cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Carrying amount
2019
2019
2020
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021
5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022
3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022
0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023
9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023
5.875% Senior Secured Notes due January 2024
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024
6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024
6.125% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025
7.25% Senior Notes due November 2025
7.50% Senior Notes due January 2026
2.50% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due January 2027
11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes due January 2027
6.875% Senior Secured Notes due February 2027
8.00% Senior Notes due February 2027
7.45% Notes due April 2027
8.00% Debentures due April 2027
7.00% Notes due June 2028
7.50% Notes due April 2031
6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038
7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041
Total debt
Less debt due within one year
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021
5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023
5.875% Senior Secured Notes due January 2024
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024
6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024
6.125% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025
2.50% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due January 2027
11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes due January 2027
Total debt due within one year
Total long-term debt
(a)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(e)
(e)
(cid:3)$
$
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(a)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(a)
(c)
(d)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(d)
(d)
(e)
(e)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(a)
(f)
(a)
(a)
(a)
—
38
111
27
463
364
—
585
360
375
468
411
569
238
687
550
612
52
22
261
396
610
177
7,376
—
38
93
47
83
60
62
66
—
—
449
6,927
$
$
206
222
200
190
863
525
714
667
420
437
534
750
750
—
—
550
—
88
57
300
588
1,000
300
9,361
206
—
88
16
83
60
62
66
—
—
581
8,780
$
(cid:3)$
—
38
111
27
462
360
—
577
354
369
461
405
565
277
1,139
542
606
51
22
266
394
605
176
7,807
—
38
92
46
80
58
60
64
6
61
505
7,302
$
$
206
221
198
189
862
518
701
656
412
430
525
737
743
—
—
541
—
86
57
306
585
991
297
9,261
206
—
87
14
79
58
60
64
—
—
568
8,693
(a)(cid:3) Transocean Inc., a 100 percent owned direct subsidiary of Transocean Ltd., is the issuer of the notes and debentures (the “Legacy Guaranteed Notes”). The
Legacy Guaranteed Notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd.
(b)(cid:3) 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.
(c)(cid:3) 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
or rigs.
(d)(cid:3) Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the unregistered notes (collectively, the “Priority Guaranteed Notes”). The guaranteed senior unsecured notes are fully and
unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. and rank equal in right
of payment of all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated obligations. Such notes are structurally senior to the Legacy Guaranteed Notes and the
7.00% notes due June 2028 and are structurally subordinate to the Senior Priority Guaranteed Notes, as defined below, to the extent of the value of the assets
of the subsidiaries guaranteeing the notes.
(e)(cid:3) Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the unregistered notes (together, the “Senior Priority Guaranteed Notes”). The priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes are
fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. and rank equal
in right of payment of all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated obligations. Such notes are structurally senior to the Priority Guaranteed Notes
to the extent of the value of the assets of the subsidiaries guaranteeing the notes.
The subsidiary issuer of the registered notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
Transocean Inc.
(f)(cid:3)
AR-61
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Transocean Ltd. has no independent assets or operations, and its other subsidiaries not owned indirectly through Transocean Inc.
are 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. 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 (see “—Indentures”).
Scheduled maturities—At December 31, 2020, the scheduled maturities of our debt, including the principal installments and other
installments, representing the undiscounted projected interest payments of debt exchanged, were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total installments of debt
Total debt-related balances, net
Total carrying amount of debt
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Other
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Principal
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) installments (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)installments (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
449 (cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
448 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
1,055 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
853 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
698 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
3,873 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
7,376 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
67 (cid:3) $
76 (cid:3)
76 (cid:3)
77 (cid:3)
77 (cid:3)
117 (cid:3)
490 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
Total
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
516 (cid:3)
524 (cid:3)
1,131 (cid:3)
930 (cid:3)
775 (cid:3)
3,990 (cid:3)
7,866 (cid:3)
(59)(cid:3)
7,807 (cid:3)
Indentures—The indentures that govern our debt generally 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 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due
May 2023 (the “5.375% Senior Secured Notes”), the 5.875% senior secured notes due January 2024 (the “5.875% Senior Secured Notes”),
the 7.75% senior secured notes due October 2024, the 6.25% senior secured notes due December 2024, the 6.125% senior secured notes
due August 2025 (the “6.125% Senior Secured Notes”) and the 6.875% senior secured notes due February 2027 (the “6.875% 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 indentures that govern the 2.50% senior guaranteed exchangeable bonds due January 2027 (the “Senior Guaranteed
Exchangeable Bonds”) and the Exchangeable Senior Bonds require such bonds to be repurchased upon the occurrence of certain
fundamental changes and events, at specified prices depending on the particular fundamental change or event, which include changes and
events related to certain (i) change of control events applicable to Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc., (ii) the failure of our shares to be
listed or quoted on a national securities exchange and (iii) specified tax matters.
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. At December 31, 2020, the interest rate in effect for the
6.375% senior notes due December 2021, 3.80% senior notes due October 2022 and the 7.35% senior notes due December 2041 was
8.375 percent, 5.80 percent and 9.35 percent, respectively.
lien on
things, a
the ultra-deepwater
Secured Credit Facility—As of December 31, 2020, we have a bank credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that
established a $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility (the “Secured Credit Facility”), which is scheduled to expire on June 22, 2023. The
Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned subsidiaries. The Secured Credit Facility is secured by,
floaters Deepwater Asgard, Deepwater Corcovado, Deepwater Invictus,
among other
Deepwater Mykonos, Deepwater Orion, Deepwater Skyros, Development Driller III, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 and Discoverer Inspiration
and the harsh environment floaters Transocean Barents and Transocean Spitsbergen, the aggregate carrying amount of which was
$5.2 billion at December 31, 2020. The maximum borrowing capacity will be reduced to $1.0 billion if, and so long as, our leverage ratio,
measured as the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, exceeds
10.00 to 1.00. The Secured Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, include maintenance of certain guarantee and
collateral coverage ratios, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 0.60 to 1.00 and minimum liquidity of $500 million. The Secured Credit
Facility also restricts the ability of Transocean Ltd. and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, merge, consolidate or otherwise
make changes to the corporate structure, incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates and pay dividends
and other distributions.
We may borrow under the Secured Credit Facility at either (1) the reserve adjusted London interbank offered rate plus a margin
(the “Secured Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 2.625 percent to 3.375 percent based on the credit rating of the Secured Credit
Facility, or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Secured Credit Facility Margin, minus one percent per annum.
Throughout the term of the Secured Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from
AR-62
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
0.375 percent to 1.00 percent based on the credit rating of the Secured Credit Facility. At December 31, 2020, based on the credit rating of
the Secured Credit Facility on that date, the Secured Credit Facility Margin was 3.375 percent and the facility fee was 0.875 percent. At
December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding, $22 million of letters of credit issued, and we had $1.3 billion of available borrowing
capacity under the Secured Credit Facility.
Debt issuances
Guaranteed senior unsecured notes—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% senior
notes due February 2027 (the “8.00% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs.
We may redeem all or a portion of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes on or prior to February 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the
aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
On October 25, 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due November 2025 (the
“7.25% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $735 million, net of issue costs. We may redeem all or a portion
of the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes on or prior to November 1, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a
make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
Priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes—On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of
11.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2027 (the “11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes”) in non-cash exchange offers, pursuant to an
exchange offer memorandum, dated August 10, 2020, as supplemented, for an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of several series
of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase (the “Exchange Offers”). In the year ended December 31,
2020, as a result of the Exchange Offers, we recognized a gain of $355 million ($0.58 per diluted share), with no tax effect, associated with
the restructuring of debt (see “—Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement”). We may redeem all or a portion of the 11.50% Senior
Guaranteed Notes prior to July 30, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and
subsequently, at specified redemption prices. We may also use the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings by Transocean Ltd. to
redeem, on one or more occasions prior to July 30, 2023, up to a maximum of 40 percent of the original aggregate principal amount of the
11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes, subject to certain adjustments, at a redemption price equal to 111.50 percent of the aggregate principal
amount.
Senior guaranteed exchangeable bonds—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of Senior
Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds in non-cash private exchanges for $397 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior
Bonds (collectively, the “Private Exchange” and, together with the Exchange Offers, the “Exchange Transactions”). In the year ended
December 31, 2020, as a result of the Private Exchange, we recognized a gain of $72 million ($0.12 per diluted share), with no tax effect,
associated with the restructuring of debt (see “—Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement”). The Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable
Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date or
redemption date at the current exchange rate of 162.1626 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of
$6.17 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. We may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Guaranteed
Exchangeable Bonds (i) on or after August 14, 2022, if certain conditions related to the price of our shares have been satisfied, at a price
equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount and (ii) on or after August 14, 2023, at specified redemption prices.
We recorded the conversion feature of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, measured at its estimated fair value of
$46 million, to additional paid-in capital. We estimated the fair value by employing a binomial lattice model and by using significant other
observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the expected volatility of the market price for our shares.
Perestroika AS, an entity affiliated with one of our directors that beneficially owns approximately 10 percent of our shares, exchanged
$356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior
Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds. Perestroika AS has certain registration rights related to its shares and shares that may be issued in
connection with any exchange of its Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds. At December 31, 2020, Perestroika AS held $213 million
aggregate principal amount of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.
Exchangeable senior bonds—In the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the Songa acquisition transactions, we
issued $863 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior Bonds, as partial consideration for the Songa shares and as
consideration for refinancing certain Songa indebtedness. The Exchangeable Senior Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the close
of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date at the current exchange rate of 97.29756 shares per $1,000 note,
which implies a conversion price of $10.28 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. We estimated the
aggregate fair value of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds, measured as of the issuance date, to be $1.0 billion, which represented a substantial
premium of $172 million above par, and we recorded such premium to additional paid-in capital. We estimated the fair value using significant
other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments. At
December 31, 2019, Perestroika AS held $356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds, which were
exchanged for $213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds. See Note 21—Subsequent Event.
Senior secured notes—On February 1, 2019, we issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Secured
Notes, and we received $539 million aggregate cash proceeds, net of discount and issue costs. The 6.875% Senior Secured Notes are
AR-63
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Poseidon and the equity of the wholly owned
subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig. Additionally, we are required to maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to
satisfy debt service requirements. We are required to pay semiannual installments of (a) interest only through August 2021 and (b) principal
and interest thereafter. We may redeem all or a portion of the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to February 1, 2022 at a price equal
to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
On May 24, 2019, we issued $525 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, and we received
$517 million aggregate cash proceeds, net of discount and issue costs. The 5.375% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and
earnings associated with the harsh environment floaters Transocean Endurance and Transocean Equinox and the equity of the wholly owned
subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs. Additionally, we are required to maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to
satisfy debt service requirements. We are required to pay semiannual installments of principal and interest. We may redeem all or a portion
of the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to May 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a
make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
In July 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Secured Notes and $600 million aggregate
principal amount of 6.125% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $733 million and $586 million, respectively,
net of discount and issue costs. The 5.875% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the harsh
environment floaters Transocean Enabler and Transocean Encourage and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate
the collateral rigs. The 6.125% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater
Deepwater Pontus and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig. Additionally, we are required to
maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to satisfy debt service and reserve requirements. We are required to pay semiannual
installments of principal and interest. We may redeem all or a portion of the 5.875% Senior Secured Notes or the 6.125% Senior Secured
Notes on or prior to July 15, 2021 or August 1, 2021, respectively, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a
make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.
Encumbered assets—At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $365 million and
$386 million, respectively, deposited in restricted accounts to satisfy debt service and reserve requirements for the senior secured notes. At
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the rigs encumbered for the senior secured notes, including Deepwater Conqueror, Deepwater Pontus,
Deepwater Proteus, Deepwater Thalassa, Deepwater Poseidon, Transocean Enabler, Transocean Encourage, Transocean Endurance and
Transocean Equinox, had an aggregate carrying amount of $6.1 billion and $6.3 billion, respectively. We will be required to redeem the
senior secured notes at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount without a make-whole premium, upon the occurrence
of certain events related to the respective collateral rigs and the related drilling contracts.
Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement
Restructuring and early retirement—During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we restructured or retired
certain notes as a result of exchange offers, private exchanges, redemption, tender offers and open market repurchases. We recorded the
Exchange Transactions completed in August 2020 and September 2020 under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructuring by Debtors. The
aggregate principal amounts, cash payments and recognized gain or loss for such transactions were as follows (in millions):
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021
3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022
0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023
9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023
7.25% Senior Notes due November 2025
7.50% Senior Notes due January 2026
8.00% Senior Notes due February 2027
7.45% Notes due April 2027
8.00% Debentures due April 2027
7.00% Notes due June 2028
7.50% Notes due April 2031
6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038
7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041
Aggregate principal amount restructured or retired
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)Exchanged (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Redeemed (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Tendered
— (cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
37 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
136 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
397 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(cid:3)
207 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
181 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
138 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
35 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
35 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
39 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
192 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
390 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
123 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $ 1,910 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
714 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
714 (cid:3) $
38 (cid:3) $
77 (cid:3)
10 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
103 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
132 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
360 (cid:3) $
Years ended December 31,
(cid:3) Repurchased (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Total
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Tendered
2019
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)Repurchased (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
2018
Repurchased (cid:3)
15 (cid:3) $
69 (cid:3)
16 (cid:3)
4 (cid:3)
43 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
53 (cid:3) $
183 (cid:3)
162 (cid:3)
401 (cid:3)
146 (cid:3)
714 (cid:3)
339 (cid:3)
181 (cid:3)
138 (cid:3)
35 (cid:3)
35 (cid:3)
39 (cid:3)
192 (cid:3)
390 (cid:3)
123 (cid:3)
147 (cid:3) $ 3,131 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
110 (cid:3) $ 1,109 (cid:3) $
925 (cid:3) $
533 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
36 (cid:3) $
57 (cid:3) $
63 (cid:3)
190 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
200 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
510 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
522 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
(18)(cid:3) $
23 (cid:3) $
43 (cid:3)
32 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
336 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
434 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
449 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
(23) (cid:3) $
80 $
106
222
—
—
536
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
944 $
971 $
— $
(41) $
—
—
95
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
95
95
—
—
Aggregate cash payment
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued in exchanges
Aggregate net gain (loss)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
10 (cid:3) $
925 (cid:3) $
427 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
767 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
(65)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
222 (cid:3) $
— (cid:3) $
135 (cid:3) $
AR-64
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Debt assumption and repayment—In connection with the Songa acquisition, we assumed the rights and obligations under certain
credit agreements, a subscription agreement and bond loan agreements. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we made an aggregate
cash payment equivalent to $1.65 billion to repay the outstanding debt obligations and terminate these agreements, and as a result, we
recognized a loss of $3 million associated with the repayment of debt.
Scheduled maturities and installments—On the scheduled maturity date of November 16, 2020, we made a cash payment of
$153 million to repay the outstanding 6.50% senior notes due November 2020, at a price equal to the aggregate principal amount. In the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate cash payment of $375 million, $354 million and $257 million,
respectively, to repay other indebtedness in scheduled installments.
NOTE 10—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. In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our effective tax rate was (5.1) percent, (4.9) percent
and (12.8) percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax expense. 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 income tax provision (benefit) were as follows (in millions):
Current tax expense (benefit)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense
2020
$
Years ended December 31,
2018
2019
(33) $
60
27 $
(189) $
248
59 $
244
(16)
228
$
A reconciliation of the income tax benefit computed at the Swiss holding company federal statutory rate of 7.83% and our reported
consolidated income tax expense was as follows (in millions):
Income tax benefit at Swiss federal statutory rate
Earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate
Losses on impairment
Deemed profits taxes
Withholding taxes
Base erosion and anti-abuse tax
Benefit from foreign tax credits
Currency revaluation
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, net
Effect of U.S. CARES Act
Changes in valuation allowance
Effect of operating structural changes
Effect of U.S. tax reform
Other, net
2020
$
2019
Years ended December 31,
2018
(139)
(86)
114
8
8
33
(5)
11
117
—
67
—
104
(4)
228
(94) $
189
35
22
11
21
(8)
5
(268)
—
37
98
—
11
59 $
(42) $
82
52
19
6
5
(2)
(4)
(15)
(28)
(31)
—
—
(15)
27 $
Income tax expense
$
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), enacted in March 2020, included certain changes to U.S.
tax law, including, among others, extending up to five years the carryback period for net operating losses generated in tax years between
December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2021. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an income tax benefit of $28 million related
to the carryback of our net operating losses under this provision.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. introduced certain changes to tax law (“U.S. tax reform”), such as, among others,
a transition tax and a base erosion and anti-abuse tax. In the year ended December 31, 2018, to calculate the one-time transition tax, we
completed the evaluation of our unremitted earnings and profits of certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that owned by U.S. subsidiaries for
which the necessary information was not previously available, and we recorded income tax expense of $120 million for transition taxes,
partially offset by $16 million for the utilization of estimated foreign tax credits. In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we
AR-65
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
recognized income tax expense of $21 million and $33 million, respectively, related to the bareboat charter structure of our U.S. operations,
a significant portion of which is contractually reimbursable by our customers due to a change-in-law provision in certain drilling contracts.
Deferred taxes—The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carryforwards
Interest expense limitation
Accrued payroll costs not currently deductible
United Kingdom charter limitation
Tax credit carryforwards
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Loss contingencies
Other
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation
Contract intangible amortization
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
$
December 31,
2020
2019
809 $
72
46
40
21
18
14
3
27
(685)
365
(658)
(6)
(7)
(671)
571
77
45
36
22
16
41
38
24
(716)
154
(361)
(23)
(16)
(400)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net
$
(306) $
(246)
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our deferred tax assets included U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards of $21 million and
$22 million, respectively, which will expire between 2024 and 2030. Deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses were generated
in various worldwide tax jurisdictions. At December 31, 2020, our net deferred tax assets related to our net operating loss carryforwards
included $572 million, which do not expire, and $237 million, which will expire between 2021 and 2037.
As of December 31, 2020, our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year period represented significant
objective negative evidence for the evaluation of the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Although such evidence has limited our ability
to consider other subjective evidence, we evaluate each jurisdiction separately. We consider objective evidence, such as contract backlog
activity, in jurisdictions in which we have profitable contracts, and the ability to carryback losses or utilize losses against potential exposures.
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. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, due to uncertainty of realization, we had a
valuation allowance of $685 million and $716 million, respectively, on net operating losses and other deferred tax assets.
Our deferred tax liabilities include taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that are not indefinitely reinvested. As of
December 31, 2020, we consider the earnings of certain of our subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested, and we have not provided for
deferred taxes on earnings of such subsidiaries. If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries with indefinitely
reinvested earnings, we may be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. However, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of
tax that would ultimately be due if remitted. If we were to change our expectations about distributing earnings of these subsidiaries, 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.
Unrecognized tax benefits—The changes to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties that we recognize as a
component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
Balance, beginning of period
Additions for current year tax positions
Additions for prior year tax positions
Reductions related to statute of limitation expirations and changes in law
Reductions for prior year tax positions
Reductions due to settlements
Balance, end of period
AR-66
2020
$
2019
2018
335 $
90
11
(7)
(51)
—
378 $
408 $
144
6
(138)
(66)
(19)
335 $
222
29
172
(8)
(7)
—
408
$
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
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,
2020
2019
$
$
378 $
41
419 $
335
34
369
In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized, as a component of our income tax provision, expense of
$7 million, benefit of $72 million and expense of $13 million, respectively, related to interest and penalties associated with our unrecognized
tax benefits. As of December 31, 2020, we have unrecognized benefits of $419 million, including interest and penalties, of which $261 million
are netted against net operating loss deferred tax assets resulting in net unrecognized tax benefits of $158 million, including interest and
penalties, that upon reversal would favorably impact our effective tax rate. During the year ending December 31, 2021, it is reasonably
possible that our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease, 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.
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 2014. Our tax returns in the significant jurisdictions in
which we operate, other than Brazil, as mentioned below, are generally subject to examination for periods ranging from three to six 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 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 began issuing tax assessments with respect to our tax
returns for the years 2000 through 2004. In May 19, 2014, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an additional tax assessment for the years 2009
and 2010. We filed protests with the Brazilian tax authorities for the assessments and are currently engaged in the appeals process. During
the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, a portion of two cases were favorably closed. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining
aggregate tax assessment, including interest and penalties, was for corporate income tax of BRL 640 million, equivalent to approximately
$123 million, and indirect tax of BRL 95 million, equivalent to $18 million. We believe our returns are materially correct as filed, and we are
vigorously contesting these assessments. An unfavorable outcome on these proposed assessments could have 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 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.
NOTE 11—LOSS PER SHARE
The computation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows (in millions, except per share data):
Numerator for loss per share, basic and diluted
Net loss attributable to controlling interest
Denominator for loss per share, basic and diluted
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Effect of share-based awards
Weighted-average shares for per share calculation
Loss per share, basic and diluted
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Years ended December 31,
2018
2019
2020
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $ (567)(cid:3) $ (1,255)(cid:3) $ (1,996)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
467 (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
468 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(4.27)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $ (0.92)(cid:3) $ (2.05)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
614 (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
615 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
611 (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
612 (cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we excluded from the calculation 10.8 million, 12.0 million and 10.6 million
share-based awards, respectively, since the effect would have been anti-dilutive. In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018,
we excluded from the calculation 84.0 million, 84.0 million and 77.2 million shares, respectively, issuable upon conversion of the Senior
Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and the Exchangeable Senior Bonds since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
AR-67
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
NOTE 12—POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Defined contribution plans
We sponsor defined contribution plans for our employees in most markets in which we operate worldwide, the most significant of
which were as follows: (1) a qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working in the U.S., (2) various savings plans covering
eligible employees working in Norway, (3) a non-qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working outside the U.S., the
U.K. and Norway and (4) a qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working in the U.K. In the years ended December 31,
2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized expense of $56 million, $52 million and $50 million, respectively, related to our defined contribution
plans globally.
Defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit plans
Overview—As of December 31, 2020, we had defined benefit plans in the U.S., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), and Norway, all of
which have ceased accruing benefits. As of December 31, 2020, in the U.S., we had three funded and three unfunded defined benefit plans
(the “U.S. Plans”); in the U.K., we had one funded defined benefit plan (the “U.K. Plan”); and after terminating the majority of our plans in
Norway as required by local authorities, we had two remaining defined benefit plans, one funded and one unfunded (the “Norway Plans”
and, together with the U.K. Plan, the “Non-U.S. 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.
We maintain the benefit obligations under our plans until they are fully satisfied.
Net periodic benefit costs—We estimated our net periodic benefit costs using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate
Expected rate of return
“na” means not applicable.
3.27 %
5.90 %
Year ended December 31, 2020
U.S.
OPEB
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
2.10 %
3.10 %
Plans
2.39 %
na
Year ended December 31, 2019
OPEB
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Year ended December 31, 2018
OPEB
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Plans
4.32 %
6.20 %
Plans
2.86 %
4.39 %
Plans
3.56 %
na
Plans
3.68 %
6.21 %
Plans
2.49 %
4.72 %
Plans
2.93 %
na
Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2019
Year ended December 31, 2018
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Net periodic benefit costs (income) (cid:3) $
Net periodic benefit costs
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Special termination benefits
Settlements and curtailments
Actuarial loss, net
Prior service gain, net
U.S.
Plans
(cid:3) Non-U.S.
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
55 (cid:3)
(67)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
9 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3) $
(cid:3) OPEB
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
1 (cid:3) $
8 (cid:3)
(14)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
12 (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
8 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(1)(cid:3) $
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
1 (cid:3) $
63 (cid:3)
(81)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
13 (cid:3)
11 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
5 (cid:3) $
U.S.
Plans
(cid:3) Non-U.S.
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
63 (cid:3)
(71)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(4)(cid:3) $
(cid:3) OPEB
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
7 (cid:3) $
10 (cid:3)
(17)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
2 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
2 (cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
1 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(1)(cid:3) $
Total
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
7 (cid:3) $
74 (cid:3)
(88)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
3 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(3)(cid:3) $
U.S.
Plans
(cid:3) Non-U.S.
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
61 (cid:3)
(72)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
8 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3) OPEB
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) Plans
(cid:3)
7 (cid:3) $
10 (cid:3)
(19)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(1)(cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
— (cid:3) $
1 (cid:3)
— (cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
(4)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(4)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Total
7 (cid:3)
72 (cid:3)
(91)(cid:3)
1 (cid:3)
(5)(cid:3)
9 (cid:3)
(2)(cid:3)
(9)(cid:3)
Funded status—We estimated our benefit obligations using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return
“na” means not applicable.
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Non-U.S.
OPEB
U.S.
Non-U.S.
OPEB
Plans
2.60 %
5.51 %
Plans
1.50 %
3.20 %
Plans
1.21 %
na
Plans
3.27 %
5.91 %
Plans
2.13 %
3.18 %
Plans
2.39 %
na
AR-68
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
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):
Year ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2019
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period
Actuarial (gains) losses, net
Service cost
Interest cost
Currency exchange rate changes
Benefits paid
Settlements
Plan amendment
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
Benefits paid
Settlements
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
$ 1,696 $
148
—
55
—
(72)
(2)
—
1,825
395 $
46
1
8
9
(24)
(52)
1
384
17 $ 2,108 $ 1,527 $
1
—
—
—
(2)
—
—
16
195
1
63
9
(98)
(54)
1
2,225
202
—
63
—
(72)
(24)
—
1,696
1,369
267
—
3
(72)
(2)
1,565
430
50
6
9
(24)
(51)
420
—
—
—
2
(2)
—
—
1,799
317
6
14
(98)
(53)
1,985
1,189
272
—
4
(72)
(24)
1,369
338 $
45
7
10
14
(19)
—
—
395
378
39
16
16
(19)
—
430
17 $
1
—
1
—
(2)
—
—
17
1,882
248
7
74
14
(93)
(24)
—
2,108
—
—
—
2
(2)
—
—
1,567
311
16
22
(93)
(24)
1,799
Funded status, end of period
$
(260) $
36 $
(16) $
(240) $
(327) $
35 $
(17) $
(309)
Balance sheet classification, end of period:
Pension asset, non-current
Pension liability, current
Pension liability, non-current
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes
$
— $
(1)
(259)
242
37 $
(1)
—
80
— $
(3)
(13)
(10)
37 $
(5)
(272)
312
— $
(1)
(326)
304
42 $
(1)
(6)
84
— $
(3)
(14)
(12)
42
(5)
(346)
376
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of period
$ 1,825 $
384 $
16 $ 2,225 $ 1,696 $
385 $
17 $
2,098
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):
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
$
U.S.
Plans
1,825 $
1,565
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
2 $
1
16 $
—
Total
1,843 $
1,566
U.S.
Plans
1,696 $
1,369
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
56 $
49
17 $
—
Total
1,769
1,418
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):
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
$
U.S.
Plans
1,825 $
1,565
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
2 $
1
16 $
—
Total
1,843 $
1,566
U.S.
Plans
1,696 $
1,369
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
1 $
—
17 $
—
Total
1,714
1,369
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) that have not been recognized were as follows (in millions):
Actuarial loss, net
Prior service cost, net
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
$
$
242 $
—
242 $
78 $
2
80 $
2 $
(12)
(10) $
322 $
(10)
312 $
304 $
—
304 $
84 $
—
84 $
2 $
(14)
(12) $
Total
390
(14)
376
Plan assets—The weighted-average target and actual allocations of assets for the funded defined benefit plans were as follows:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Target allocation
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Actual allocation
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Target allocation
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Actual allocation
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Other investments
Total
50 %
50 %
— %
100 %
27 %
73 %
— %
27 %
56 %
17 %
100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
24 %
60 %
16 % —
25 %
74 %
1 % —
55 %
45 %
— %
51 %
49 %
50 %
50 %
AR-69
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
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, which are group pension schemes with life insurance
companies, we establish minimum rates of return under the terms of the investment contracts.
The investments for the funded defined benefit plans were categorized as follows (in millions):
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
Significant observable inputs
Non-U.S.
U.S.
December 31, 2020
Significant other observable inputs
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Plans
Total
Plans
Plans
Total
Total
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
$
586 $
263
699
1,548
— $
—
—
—
586 $
263
699
1,548
— $
7
4
11
6
—
—
6
6
—
—
6
12
—
—
12
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
103
310
413
—
—
1
1
110
314
424
—
—
1
1
586 $
270
703
1,559
— $
103
310
413
6
—
—
6
6
—
1
7
Total
586
373
1,013
1,972
12
—
1
13
Total investments
$ 1,554 $
6 $ 1,560 $
11 $
414 $
425 $ 1,565 $
420 $ 1,985
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
Significant observable inputs
Non-U.S.
U.S.
December 31, 2019
Significant other observable inputs
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Plans
Plans
Total
Plans
Plans
Total
Total
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S.
Plans
$
480 $
216
656
1,352
— $
—
—
—
480 $
216
656
1,352
1 $
5
6
12
5
—
—
5
4
—
—
4
9
—
—
9
—
—
—
—
— $
1 $
115
240
355
—
20
51
71
120
246
367
—
20
51
71
481 $
221
662
1,364
— $
115
240
355
5
—
—
5
4
20
51
75
Total
481
336
902
1,719
9
20
51
80
Total investments
$ 1,357 $
4 $ 1,361 $
12 $
426 $
438 $ 1,369 $
430 $ 1,799
The U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan invest primarily in passively managed funds that reference market indices. The funded
Norway Plan is subject to contractual terms under selected insurance programs. The plan 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate contribution of
$14 million, $22 million and $17 million, respectively, to the defined benefit pension plans and the OPEB Plans using our cash flows from
operations. In the year ending December 31, 2021, we expect to make an aggregate contribution of $11 million, including $8 million and
$3 million to the defined benefit pension plans and the OPEB Plans, respectively.
Benefit payments—The projected benefits payments were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026 - 2030
U.S.
Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
OPEB
Plans
Total
$
80 $
81
82
83
83
422
7 $
7
8
8
10
59
3 $
3
3
3
3
1
90
91
93
94
96
482
AR-70
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
NOTE 13—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Purchase and service agreement obligations
We have purchase obligations with shipyards and other contractors primarily related to our newbuild construction programs. We
also have long-term service agreements with original equipment manufacturers to provide services and parts, primarily 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 subject to actual operating activity. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate future payments required under our purchase obligations
and our service agreement obligations were as follows (in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Purchase
obligations
Service
agreement
obligations
$
$
933 $
1
—
—
—
—
934 $
103
116
121
126
130
307
903
Letters of credit and surety bonds
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $24 million and $19 million, respectively, issued
under various committed and uncommitted credit lines provided by banks to guarantee various contract bidding, performance activities and
customs obligations. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we also had outstanding surety bonds totaling $153 million and $113 million,
respectively, to secure customs obligations related to the importation of our rigs and certain performance and other obligations. At
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate cash collateral held by institutions to secure our letters of credit and surety bonds was $8 million
and $10 million, respectively.
Legal proceedings
Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—Prior to the consummation of the Exchange Transactions (see
Note 9—Debt), we completed certain internal reorganization transactions (the “Internal Reorganization”). In September 2020, funds
managed by, or affiliated with, Whitebox Advisors LLC (“Whitebox”) as holders of certain series of our notes subject to the Exchange Offers,
filed a claim (the “Claim”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) related to such certain internal
reorganization transactions and the Exchange Offers. Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or
affiliated with, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, as debtholders, together with certain other advisors and debtholders, provided
purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively, the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the
7.25% Guaranteed Notes.
On September 23, 2020, we filed an answer to the Claim with the Court and asserted counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment
that, among other matters, the Internal Reorganization did not cause a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.
Concurrently, with our answer and counterclaims, we also submitted a motion for summary judgment seeking an expedited judgment on our
request for declaratory judgment. Whitebox subsequently submitted a cross-motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of our
counterclaims. On November 30, 2020, while awaiting the Court’s ruling on our motion for summary judgment, we amended certain of our
financing documents and implemented certain internal reorganization transactions, which resolved the allegations contained in the purported
notices of default. On December 17, 2020, the Court issued its ruling granting our motion for summary judgment and denying the plaintiff’s
cross-motion for summary judgment, holding, among other matters, that the allegations contained in the purported notice of default did not
constitute a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes. Whitebox has appealed the Court’s ruling.
The facts alleged in the purported notice of default under the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes were the same as the facts underlying the
Claim and the purported notice of default under the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes. Accordingly, following the amendment and internal
reorganization transactions on November 30, 2020, and the subsequent ruling from the Court granting our motion for summary judgment,
we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Macondo well incident—As of December 31, 2020, all significant litigation, including civil and criminal claims, resulting from the
blowout of the Macondo well that caused a fire and explosion on the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Horizon off the coast of Louisiana
had been resolved. At December 31, 2019, the remaining liability for estimated loss contingencies that were probable and for which a
reasonable estimate could be made was $124 million, recorded in other current liabilities, the majority of which was related to the settlement
agreement that we and the Plaintiff Steering Committee filed in May 2015 (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”) with the U.S. District Court for
AR-71
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”), the court in which most claims against us were consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel
on Multidistrict Litigation. In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the MDL Court released $33 million and $58 million, respectively,
from and escrow account established by the MDL Court to satisfy our obligations under the PSC Settlement Agreement. At December 31,
2019, the remaining cash balance in the escrow account was $125 million, recorded in restricted cash accounts and investments. In
June 2020, the MDL Court released the remaining assets held in the escrow account to satisfy our remaining obligations under the
PSC Settlement Agreement.
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, 2020, 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, 2020, the subsidiary was a defendant in
approximately 255 lawsuits with a corresponding number of plaintiffs. For many of these lawsuits, we have not been provided 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 in 1989. In September 2018, the subsidiary
and certain insurers agreed to a settlement of outstanding disputes that provided the subsidiary with cash and an annuity. Together with a
coverage-in-place agreement with certain insurers and additional coverage issued by other insurers, we believe the subsidiary has sufficient
resources to respond to both the current lawsuits as well as future lawsuits of a similar nature. 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.
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.
Environmental matters
We have certain potential liabilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(“CERCLA”) and similar state acts regulating cleanup of hazardous substances at various 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. It
is difficult to quantify the potential cost of environmental matters and remediation obligations. Liability is strict and can be joint and several.
One of our subsidiaries was 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 agreed, under a participation agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”)
and the U.S. Department of Justice, to settle our potential liabilities by remediating the site. The remedial action for the site was completed
in 2006. Our share of the ongoing operating and maintenance costs has been insignificant, and we do not expect any additional potential
liabilities to be material. Resolutions of other claims by the EPA, the involved state agency or PRPs are at various stages of investigation.
Nevertheless, based on available information, we do not expect the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all environmental matters, including
the liability for all related pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims, the potential claims in Alhambra, California, for which tests
detected no contaminants, and known potential legal claims that are likely to be asserted, to have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 14—EQUITY
Shares held by subsidiaries—One of our subsidiaries holds 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, 2020 and 2019, our
subsidiary held 24.5 million and 6.1 million shares, respectively.
AR-72
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
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 income (loss) before reclassifications
Reclassifications to net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
Effect of adopting accounting standards update
Balance, end of period
2019
2020
(cid:3) Years ended December 31, (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(279)(cid:3)
(324)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(25)(cid:3)
38 (cid:3)
4 (cid:3)
23 (cid:3)
(21)(cid:3)
61 (cid:3)
(24)(cid:3)
— (cid:3)
(324)(cid:3)
(263)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
Redeemable noncontrolling interest—Until June 11, 2018, we owned a 65 percent interest in Angola Deepwater Drilling
Company Ltd. (“ADDCL”), a Cayman Islands company and variable interest entity for which we concluded that we were the primary
beneficiary. Angco Cayman Limited (“Angco Cayman”) owned the remaining a 35 percent interest in ADDCL. Under the terms of ADDCL’s
governing documents, Angco Cayman had the right to require us to purchase its interest in ADDCL for cash, and accordingly, we presented
the carrying amount of Angco Cayman’s ownership interest as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets. We
also had the right under ADDCL’s governing documents to require Angco Cayman to sell us its interest, and we exercised that right. On
June 11, 2018, pursuant to a settlement requiring no cash payment, we acquired the interests in ADDCL not previously owned by us, and
ADDCL became our wholly owned subsidiary. In connection with the acquisition, we reallocated the $53 million aggregate carrying amount
of the redeemable noncontrolling interest to additional paid-in capital.
NOTE 15—SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Overview
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. At December 31, 2020, we had 62.9 million shares authorized and 22.0 million shares available to be
granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. At December 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to our unvested
share-based awards was $24 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 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 until the end of the measurement period, at which time 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 are subject to a stated vesting period and, once vested, typically have a seven-year term
during which they are exercisable.
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, 2020:
Unvested at January 1, 2020
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2020
Number
of
units
4,719,578 $
7,093,421
(2,817,155)
(92,874)
8,902,970 $
Weighted-average
grant-date fair value
per unit
9.11
1.41
8.63
7.25
3.14
In the year ended December 31, 2020, the vested service-based units had an aggregate grant-date fair value of $24 million. During
the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted 3,044,494 and 2,521,939 service-based units, respectively, with a per unit
weighted-average grant-date fair value of $8.33 and $9.67, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had
2,224,030 and 2,087,141 service-based units, respectively, that vested with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $23 million and $27 million,
respectively.
AR-73
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
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, 2020:
Outstanding at January 1, 2020
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
Number
of shares
under option
4,864,425 $
(358,414)
(120,864)
4,385,147 $
Weighted-average
exercise price
per share
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual term
(years)
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(in millions)
14.48
18.53
81.32
12.31
7.34 $
—
—
6.62 $
—
—
—
—
—
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2020
3,029,699 $
13.98
6.08 $
In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the vested stock options had an aggregate grant-date fair value of
$12 million, $10 million and $6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were outstanding unvested stock options to
purchase 1,355,448 and 2,651,514 shares, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted stock options
to purchase 1,594,528 and 1,249,266 shares, respectively, with a per option weighted-average grant-date fair value of $8.35 and $9.18,
respectively.
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 market factors. 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, 2020:
Unvested at January 1, 2020
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2020
Number
of
units
2,081,619 $
2,530,460
(999,332)
(51,863)
3,560,884 $
Weighted-average
grant-date fair value
per unit
10.78
1.80
10.79
10.78
4.40
In each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the vested performance-based units had an aggregate grant-date
fair value of $11 million. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted 1,067,316 and 1,074,054 performance-based
units, respectively, with a per unit weighted-average grant-date fair value of $10.77 and $10.79, respectively.
NOTE 16—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
Finance lease liability
Operating lease liabilities
Deferred revenues
Contingent liabilities
Other
Total other current liabilities
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
224 $
128
66
37
8
133
60
3
659 $
207
169
73
35
13
100
180
4
781
AR-74
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
Other long-term liabilities
Postemployment benefit plan obligations
Finance lease liability
Operating lease liabilities
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenues
Other
Total other long-term liabilities
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
272 $
407
114
202
323
48
1,366 $
346
444
116
179
429
41
1,555
NOTE 17—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The reconciling adjustments of our net cash provided by operating activities that were attributable to the net change in other
operating assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities
Decrease in accounts receivable
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
Change in income taxes receivable / payable, net
Change in receivables from / payables to affiliates, 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 debt in exchange transactions (b)
Equity component of exchangeable debt (c)
Issuance of shares in business combinations (d)
Issuance of debt in business combination (e)
$
$
$
$
67 $
(113)
(254)
2
(69)
14
(353) $
87 $
(30)
(21)
(34)
(303)
(10)
(311) $
180
3
(154)
80
125
—
234
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
593 $
70
648 $
121
570
151
15 $
925
46
—
—
48 $
—
—
—
—
30
—
—
2,112
1,026
(a)(cid:3) Additions to property and equipment for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable at the end of
(b)(cid:3)
(c)(cid:3)
(d)(cid:3)
(e)(cid:3)
the period. See Note 6—Drilling Fleet.
In connection with the Exchange Transactions, we issued $687 million and $238 million aggregate principal amount of the
11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes and the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, respectively. See Note 9—Debt.
In connection with the issuance of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, we recorded the conversion feature,
measured at its estimated fair value, to additional paid-in capital. See Note 9—Debt.
In connection with our acquisition of Songa and Ocean Rig, we issued 66.9 million and 147.7 million shares, respectively,
with an aggregate fair value of $735 million and $1.4 billion, respectively. See Note 3—Business Combinations.
In connection with our acquisition of Songa, we issued $854 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior
Bonds as partial consideration to Songa shareholders and settlement for certain Songa indebtedness. See Note 3—
Business Combinations.
AR-75
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
NOTE 18—FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Overview—The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Long-term debt, including current maturities
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3) Carrying
amount
1,154 (cid:3) $
406 (cid:3)
7,807 (cid:3)
December 31, 2020
Fair
(cid:3)
value
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
1,154 (cid:3) $
406 (cid:3)
4,820 (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)
December 31, 2019
(cid:3)(cid:3)
Fair
(cid:3)
Carrying
value
(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3) amount
1,790 (cid:3)
558 (cid:3)
8,976 (cid:3)
1,790 (cid:3) $
558 (cid:3)
9,261 (cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:3) $
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
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—Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in demand deposits, short-term time deposits
and money market funds. The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued interest, which
approximates fair value because of the short maturities of the instruments.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents—Our restricted cash and cash equivalents, which are subject to restrictions due to
collateral requirements, legislation, regulation or court order, are primarily invested in demand deposits, short-term time deposits and money
market funds. The carrying amount of our restricted cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued interest, which
approximates fair value because of the short maturities of the instruments.
Debt—The carrying amount of our debt represents the principal amount, net of unamortized discounts, premiums, debt issue costs
and fair value adjustments. We measured the estimated fair value of our debt using significant other observable inputs, representative of a
Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.
NOTE 19—RISK CONCENTRATION
Interest rate risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of interest rate risk include our restricted and
unrestricted cash equivalents and debt. We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our restricted and unrestricted cash equivalents, 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 or retire debt in open market repurchases or other market transactions.
Currency exchange rate risk—We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk related to our international operations. 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 and occasional use of forward exchange contracts. Our primary strategy for currency
exchange rate risk management 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 restricted and unrestricted
cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables, both current and long-term. We generally maintain our restricted and unrestricted cash
and cash equivalents 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 integrated oil companies, government-owned or government-controlled
oil companies and other independent oil companies. Our receivables are dispersed in various countries. We establish an allowance for
credit losses by applying an expected loss rate based on current and forecasted future and historical experience. 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—At December 31, 2020, we had a global workforce of approximately 5,350 individuals, including
approximately 530 contractors. Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Norway, Brazil 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. Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or
increased operational restrictions or disruptions. The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees,
AR-76
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued(cid:3)
not only union members. Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts or other work
stoppages.
NOTE 20—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—The aggregate carrying amount of our long-lived assets, including our property and equipment and our
right-of-use assets, disaggregated by country in which they were located, was as follows (in millions):
Long-lived assets
U.S.
Norway
Greece
Other countries (a)
Total long-lived assets
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
6,007 $
3,560
3,294
5,347
18,208 $
6,259
3,203
2,760
7,194
19,416
(a)(cid:3) Other countries represents the aggregate value for countries in which we operate that individually had attributable long-lived
assets representing less than 10 percent of consolidated long-lived assets.
For a geographic disaggregation of our contract drilling revenues, see Note 5—Revenues. Because 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 presented. 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. Although we are organized
under the laws of Switzerland, we have minimal assets in Switzerland, and we do not conduct any operations or have operating revenues in
Switzerland.
Major customers—For the year ended December 31, 2020, Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”),
Equinor ASA (together with its affiliates, “Equinor”) and Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”) accounted for
approximately 28 percent, 27 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues. For the year ended
December 31, 2019, Shell, Equinor and Chevron accounted for approximately 26 percent, 21 percent and 17 percent, respectively, of our
consolidated operating revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Shell, Chevron and Equinor accounted for approximately
26 percent, 21 percent and 18 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues.
NOTE 21—SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Private exchanges—On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.00% Senior Guaranteed
Exchangeable Bonds due 2025 (the “New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million. The
New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and the same subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. that
guarantee the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes. In addition, the New Senior Guaranteed
Exchangeable Bonds have an initial exchange rate of 190.4762 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price
of $5.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.
AR-77
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, who is our principal executive officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, who is our
principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the 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,
2020.
Internal control over financial reporting—There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the
quarter ended December 31, 2020 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.
(cid:3)
AR-78
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(cid:3)
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 ACCOUNTANT 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 2021 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, 2020. Certain information with respect to our
executive officers is set forth at the end of Part I of this annual report under the caption “Information About our Executive Officers.”
(cid:3)
AR-79
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(A)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS
PART IV
(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
Report of Statutory Auditor on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
AR-41
AR-42
AR-45
AR-47
AR-48
AR-49
AR-50
AR-51
AR-52
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, 2018
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for excess materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Year ended December 31, 2019
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for excess materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Year ended December 31, 2020
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for excess materials and supplies
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Additions
Charge to
Balance at
beginning of
period
Charge to cost
and
expenses
other
accounts
-describe
Deductions
-describe
Balance at
end of
period
141
574
134
681
—
127
716
12
67
3
37
—
25
(31)
—
40 (b)
19 (a)
—
134
681
—
—
10 (a)
2 (c)
127
716
2 (d)
—
—
—
9 (a)
—
2
143
685
(a)(cid:3) Amount related to materials and supplies on rigs and related assets sold or classified as held for sale.
(b)(cid:3) Amount related to the following: (i) adjustments of $26 million to the valuation allowance and related deferred tax assets with a corresponding entry to
accumulated deficit associated with our adoption of the accounting standards update that requires an entity to recognize in the period in which it occurs
the income tax consequences of an intra entity transfer of an asset other than inventory and (ii) an adjustment of $14 million to the valuation allowance
related to deferred tax assets acquired in business combinations.
(c)(cid:3) Amount related to adjustments to other deferred tax assets with valuation allowances.
(d)(cid:3) Amount related to an adjustment to the allowance for credit losses with a corresponding entry to accumulated deficit associated with our adoption of
the accounting standards update that requires an entity to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets ranging from short-term trade
accounts receivable to long-term financings without retrospective application.
(cid:3)
AR-80
(3) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed or furnished, as indicated, or incorporated by reference to the location indicated:
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 3, 2018, by and among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Oceanus Holdings Limited, Transocean
Oceanus Limited and Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
3.1
Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd.
3.2
Organizational Regulations of Transocean Ltd., adopted November 18,
2016
4.1
Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the
LOCATION
Exhibit 2.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018
Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 11, 2020
Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on November 23, 2016
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
December 31, 2020
Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2018, among Transocean Inc., the
lenders parties thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and
collateral agent.
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on June 27, 2018
Increase of Commitments and First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated
May 13, 2019, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing banks
parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited
purposes set forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries
Increase of Commitments, Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and
to Guaranties, dated July 15, 2019, among
First Amendment
Transocean Inc.,
thereto,
Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set
forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries
issuing banks parties
lenders and
the
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’ s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 13, 2019
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’ s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 15, 2019
Curative Agreement, dated September 24, 2019, between Transocean Inc.
and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders under the Credit
Agreement dated June 22, 2018, as amended
Exhibit 10.2
to Transocean Ltd.’ s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2019
Increase of Commitments and Third Amendment to Credit Agreement,
dated December 23, 2019, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing
banks parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the
limited purposes set forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its
subsidiaries
Exhibit 4.6 to Transocean Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 18, 2020
4.7
Indenture, dated July 13, 2018, by and among Transocean Guardian
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K
Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 17, 2018
4.8
Indenture, dated July 20, 2018, by and among Transocean Pontus Limited,
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 24, 2018
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.9
First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among
Transocean Pontus Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties, supplementing the
Indenture dated as of July 20, 2018
4.10
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
Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
the quarter ended
(Commission File No. 001-38373)
March 31, 2019
for
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
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
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 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8(cid:486)K
(Commission File No. 333(cid:486)75899) filed on December 19, 2008
4.14
Form of 7.45% Notes due April 15, 2027
4.15
Form of 8.00% Debentures due April 15, 2027
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
AR-81
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
4.16
Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.50% Notes due April 15,
2031
4.17
Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.375% Notes due
April 15, 2018
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.
LOCATION
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
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.
Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2000
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.
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
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2019, among Global
Marine Inc, Transocean Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee,
relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 29, 2019
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
Form of 7% Note Due 2028
4.23
Terms of 7% Notes Due 2028
Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-05471) filed on May 22, 1998
Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-05471) filed on May 22, 1998
4.24
Senior
Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between
Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
4.25
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between
Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Exhibit 4.36 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 333-75899)
December 31, 2007
for
Exhibit 4.37 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 333-75899)
December 31, 2007
for
4.26
4.27
4.28
4.29
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2010, among
Bank,
Transocean Inc.
and Wells
Fargo
Transocean Ltd.,
National Association, as trustee
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
the quarter ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
September 30, 2010
for
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2011, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 5, 2011
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2012, among
Bank,
Transocean Ltd.
and Wells
Fargo
Transocean Inc.,
National Association, as trustee
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 13, 2012
4.30
Indenture, dated as of July 21, 2016, by and among Transocean Inc., the
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 22, 2016
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
Indenture, dated as of October 19, 2016, by and among Transocean
Triton
Phoenix 2 Limited,
Capital II GmbH and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Transocean Ltd.,
Transocean Inc.,
First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties supplementing the
Indenture dated as of October 19, 2016
Indenture, dated December 8, 2016, by and among Transocean
the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Proteus Limited,
Association
First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among
Transocean Proteus Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties, supplementing the
Indenture dated as of December 8, 2016
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 20, 2016
Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
the quarter ended
(Commission File No. 001-38373)
March 31, 2019
for
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 8, 2016
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
the quarter ended
(Commission File No. 001-38373)
March 31, 2019
for
4.35
Indenture dated as of October 17, 2017, by and among Transocean Inc.,
the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 17, 2017
AR-82
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
4.36
Indenture,
dated
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,
4.37
Form of 0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2018, among
Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc., and the security holders named therein
Indenture, dated October 25, 2018, among Transocean Inc., the guarantors
party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee
Indenture, dated February 1, 2019, by and among Transocean Poseidon
Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
trustee and collateral agent
Indenture, dated May 24, 2019, by and among Transocean Sentry Limited,
the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and
collateral agent
LOCATION
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30, 2018
Exhibit A of Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30,
2018
Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30, 2018
Exhibit 4.32 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 19, 2019
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 1, 2019
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 29, 2019
4.42
Indenture, dated January 17, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., the
guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
4.43
Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., the
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 17, 2020
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2020
4.44
4.45
4.46
4.47
4.48
Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 14,
2020, by and among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Perestroika
(Cyprus) Ltd.
Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2020
Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc.,
the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Supplemental Indenture, dated November 30, 2020, by and among
Transocean Inc.’s
Transocean Inc.,
subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee,
supplementing the Indenture dated as of September 11, 2020.
Transocean Ltd.,
certain
of
Supplemental Indenture, dated November 30, 2020, by and among
Transocean Inc.’s
Transocean Inc.,
subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee,
supplementing the Indenture dated as of August 14, 2020.
Transocean Ltd.,
certain
of
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated November 30, 2020, among
Transocean Inc.,
thereto,
Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set
forth therein, certain of Transocean Inc.’s subsidiaries.
issuing banks parties
lenders and
the
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 11, 2020
Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020
Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020.
* 10.1
Amended and Restated 2015 Transocean Ltd. Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.2
Form of Voting and Support Agreement, by and among Transocean Ltd.
and certain shareholders of Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
10.3
Form of Voting and Support Agreement, by and among Ocean Rig
UDW Inc. and certain shareholders of Transocean Ltd.
* 10.4
Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as
of February 12, 2009)
* 10.5
First Amendment to Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as
amended and restated as of February 12, 2009)
* 10.6
Deferred Compensation Plan of Transocean Offshore Inc., as amended
and restated effective January 1, 2000
* 10.7
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
* 10.8
Amendment to Transocean Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 11, 2020
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018
Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018.
Exhibit 10.5 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
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
for
* 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
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005
AR-83
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
* 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
Terms and Conditions of 2014 Executive Equity Award
* 10.17
Terms and Conditions of 2015 Executive Equity Award
LOCATION
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
for
Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2009
for
Exhibit 10.14 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
for
Exhibit 10.15 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
for
Exhibit 10.16 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
for
Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
for
Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2015
for
10.18
Terms and Conditions of the July 2008 Nonqualified Share Option Award
Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q
(Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30,
2008
* 10.19
Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Nonqualified Share Option
Award
* 10.20
Terms and Conditions of the February 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan
Award
* 10.21
Transocean Ltd. Incentive Recoupment Policy
10.22
Form of Novation Agreement dated as of November 27, 2007 by and among
GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
and certain executives
* 10.23
Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
* 10.24
First Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan
* 10.25
Second Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan
* 10.26
1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
* 10.27
Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan
* 10.28
Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan, dated December 1, 1999
* 10.29
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
AR-84
Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2008
for
Exhibit 10.28 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2011
for
Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2012
for
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007
Exhibit 10.18 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the year ended
December 31, 1991
Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter
ended June 30, 1995
Exhibit 10.37 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the year ended
December 31, 1996
GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement
on
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. 001-05471) for the quarter
ended March 31, 1998
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
* 10.30
First Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan
* 10.31
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option and
Incentive Plan
* 10.32
GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan
* 10.33
GlobalSantaFe 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated
Effective June 7, 2005)
* 10.34
Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January 1, 2009
* 10.35
Transocean U.S. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended and
restated, effective as of November 27, 2007
* 10.36
GlobalSantaFe Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
* 10.37
Transocean U.S. Supplemental Savings Plan
LOCATION
Exhibit 10.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) 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
Exhibit A
to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s definitive proxy
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
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2008
for
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
the year ended
(Commission File No. 000-53533)
December 31, 2008
for
10.38
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Transocean Ltd.
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
and each of its Directors and Executive Officers
(Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on October 10, 2008
* 10.39
Form of Assignment Memorandum for Executive Officers
Exhibit 10.6 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 19, 2008
10.40
Drilling Contract between Vastar Resources, Inc. and R&B Falcon
Drilling Co. dated December 9, 1998 with respect to Deepwater Horizon, as
amended
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
* 10.41
Executive Severance Benefit Policy
10.42
10.43
10.44
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.
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
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on February 23, 2012
Exhibit 10.3
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
Exhibit 10.6
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
Exhibit 10.7
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2015
* 10.45
Employment Agreement with Keelan Adamson dated August 10, 2018
Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K
* 10.46
Employment Agreement with Jeremy D. Thigpen effective September 1,
2016
* 10.47
Employment Agreement with Mark L. Mey effective September 1, 2016
* 10.48
Amended and Restated Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of
Transocean Ltd.
(Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2018.
Exhibit 10.1
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2016
Exhibit 10.2
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter
ended September 30, 2016
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
AR-85
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
* 10.49
Terms and Conditions of 2020 Executive Equity Awards
* 10.50
Terms and Conditions of 2020 Director Restricted Share Unit Award
21
Subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
104
Powers of Attorney
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 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
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in
Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) our consolidated
balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; (ii) our
consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2019 and 2018; (iii) our consolidated statements of comprehensive
loss for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (iv) our
consolidated statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018; (v) our consolidated statements of cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; and (vi) the notes to
consolidated financial statements
The cover page from our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting
Language
*
Compensatory plan or arrangement
LOCATION
Exhibit 10.2
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2020
Exhibit 10.3
to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter
ended June 30, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Furnished with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2020
Furnished with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
Filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020
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
herewith.
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.
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.
(cid:3)
AR-86
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 26, 2021.
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
By:
/s/ Mark L. Mey
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By:
/s/ David Tonnel
David Tonnel
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
AR-87
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 26, 2021.
Signature
*
Chadwick C. Deaton
/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
*
Tan Ek Kia
*
Vincent J. Intrieri
*
Samuel Merksamer
*
Frederick W. Mohn
*
Edward R. Muller
*
Diane de Saint Victor
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 and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
AR-88
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:42)(cid:3)
(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:17)(cid:50)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:3)
(cid:1012)(cid:1004)(cid:1004)(cid:1009)(cid:3)(cid:127)(cid:437)(cid:396)(cid:349)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:3)
(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:449)(cid:856)(cid:286)(cid:455)(cid:856)(cid:272)(cid:381)(cid:373)(cid:876)(cid:272)(cid:346)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
To the General Meeting of
Transocean Ltd., Steinhausen
Report of the statutory auditor on the financial statements
Zurich, February 26, 2021
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
As statutory auditor, we have audited the accompanying financial statements of Transocean Ltd., which comprise the
statement of operations, balance sheets and notes, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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, 2020 comply with Swiss law and the company’s
articles of incorporation.
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
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 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 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 financial statements.
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
SR-1
Area of emphasis
Impairment assessment of investments in subsidiaries
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.
Our audit procedures did not lead to any reservations regarding the impairment assessment of investments in
subsidiaries.
(cid:3)
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 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 financial statements according to the instructions of the Board
of Directors.
We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.
Furthermore, we draw attention to the fact that half of the share capital and legal reserves is no longer covered (article 725
paragraph 1 CO).
Ernst & Young Ltd
/s/ Reto Hofer
Licensed audit expert
(Auditor in charge)
/s/ Ralph Petermann
Certified public accountant
SR-2
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31,
2019
2020
CHF
CHF
1,411
2
147,653
149,066
14,380
—
—
861
33,275
48,516
1,450
86
—
1,536
13,193
2
(6 )
(560 )
42,698
55,327
(3,940,489 )
(270)
(1,325,013)
191
CHF
(3,840,209 ) CHF
(1,378,613)
Income
Guarantee fee income
Financial income
Dividend income
Total income
Costs and expenses
General and administrative
Depreciation
Gain on disposal of assets
(Gain) loss on currency exchange
Financial expense
Total costs and expenses
Loss on impairment
Direct taxes
Net loss for the year
See accompanying notes.
SR-3
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 notes payable to subsidiary
Long-term lease liabilities
Deferred gains on foreign exchange translation
Total non-current liabilities
Share capital
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution
Statutory capital reserves from capital contribution for shares held by subsidiaries
Free capital reserves from capital contribution
Accumulated loss
Accumulated loss brought forward from previous years
Net loss for the year
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
December 31,
2020
2019
CHF
1,071 CHF
17,590
3,670
22,331
2,107
6,026
1,090
9,223
CHF
CHF
4,473,374
8,413,863
1,092
1,092
—
1,193
1,193
—
862
1,000
8,414,863
4,474,236
4,496,567 CHF 8,424,086
2,363 CHF
41,482
1,247
45,092
—
12,670
221
12,891
1,763,798
511
204,801
1,969,110
63,967
11,953,457
79,976
1,500,000
2,060,923
590
29,294
2,090,807
61,797
11,953,444
79,973
1,500,000
(7,274,826 )
(5,896,213 )
(3,840,209 )
(1,378,613 )
6,320,388
2,482,365
4,496,567 CHF 8,424,086
CHF
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
Services GmbH., and Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited, our direct 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, 2020 and 2019, we
had fewer 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 / EUR
Average exchange rates
for the years ended
December 31,
Exchange rates
at December 31,
2020
2019
2020
2019
0.95
1.21
1.07
0.99
1.27
1.12
0.89
1.21
1.08
0.97
1.28
1.09
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.
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.
NOTE 3—INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
Direct Investments—Our direct investments in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
Company name
Purpose
Domicile
Ownership
and voting
interest
Share
capital
2020
Carrying amount as of December 31,
Transocean Inc.
Holding
Cayman Islands
100% USD 3,192 CHF 4,473,266
Transocean Management Services GmbH
Management and administration Switzerland
Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited
Holding
Cayman Islands
90% CHF
20 CHF
100% USD (cid:178) CHF
108
(cid:178)(cid:3)
SR-5
2019
CHF 8,413,755
108
(cid:178)
CHF
CHF
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
On July 16, 2020, we contributed USD 1 to Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited (TQHL), a Cayman Islands company limited
by shares, formed to own and hold other entities.
Impairments—In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 3.9 billion and
CHF 1.3 billion, respectively, associated with the impairment of our investment in Transocean Inc.
Principal indirect investments—Our principal indirect investments in subsidiaries were as follows:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Domicile
British Virgin Islands
United States
Switzerland
Ownership
and voting
interest
100%
100%
100%
Company name
Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc.
Global Marine Inc.
GSF Leasing Services GmbH
Sedco Forex International Inc.
Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Conqueror Limited
Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited
Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l
Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited
Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH
Transocean Financing GmbH
Transocean Guardian Limited
Transocean Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Luxembourg
Scotland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Hungary
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited
Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited
Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited
United States
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited
Transocean Pontus Limited
Transocean Poseidon Limited
Transocean Proteus Limited
Transocean Quantum Management Limited
Transocean Sentry Limited
Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Worldwide Inc.
Triton Asset Leasing GmbH
Triton Hungary Investments 1 LLC
Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH
Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Hungary
Switzerland
Switzerland
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%
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.
Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Conqueror Limited
Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited
Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l
Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited
Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH
Transocean Financing GmbH
Transocean Guardian Limited
Transocean Holdings 1 Limited
Transocean Holdings 2 Limited
Transocean Holdings 3 Limited
Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC
Transocean Norway Drilling AS
Transocean Oceanus Holdings Limited
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited
Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited
Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited
Transocean Partners Holdings Limited
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited
Transocean Pontus Limited
Transocean Poseidon Limited
Transocean Proteus Limited
Domicile
British Virgin Islands
United States
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Luxembourg
Scotland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Hungary
Norway
Cayman Islands
United States
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
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%
100%
100%
100%
Transocean Sentry Limited
Cayman Islands
100%
Transocean Worldwide Inc.
Triton Asset Leasing GmbH
Triton Hungary Investments 1 LLC
Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH
Cayman Islands
Switzerland
Hungary
Switzerland
100%
100%
100%
100%
In the year ended December 31, 2020, we formed Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings
2 Limited and Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited to own and hold other entities. Additionally, we formed Transocean Quantum
Management Limited to manage the operations of certain of our drilling rigs. We also declared Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH a
principal indirect investment, as it acquired certain of our drilling rigs in the year ended December 31, 2020. In the year ended December 31,
2020, we also removed from the schedule of principal indirect investments certain entities that were liquidated or merged into other
subsidiaries within our organization.
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)
Free capital
reserves
from capital
contribution
Accumulated
loss
Own shares
against capital
reserve from
capital
contribution
Total
shareholders’
equity
61,058 CHF 11,903,340 CHF
72,995 CHF 1,500,000 CHF
(5,896,213 ) CHF
Balance at December 31, 2018
Share issuance to Transocean Inc.
Own share transactions
Net loss for the year
Balance at December 31, 2019
Share issuance to Transocean Inc.
Share issuance for debt conversions
Own share transactions
Net loss for the year
Balance at December 31, 2020
610,582 CHF
7,389
—
—
617,971
21,703
2
—
—
639,676 CHF
739
—
—
61,797
2,170
—
—
—
57,082
(6,978 )
—
11,953,444
—
16
(3 )
—
63,967 CHF 11,953,457 CHF
—
6,978
—
79,973
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,378,613 )
1,500,000
(7,274,826 )
—
—
—
—
—
79,976 CHF 1,500,000 CHF (11,115,035 ) CHF
—
—
(3,840,209 )
—
6,320,388
(1,378,613)
— CHF 7,641,180
—
57,821
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3,840,209 )
— CHF 2,482,365
2,170
16
—
a)(cid:3)
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, 2020 and 2019, Transocean Inc. withheld 1,784 and 864,716 own shares, respectively, through a broker
arrangement in satisfaction of withholding taxes due by our employees upon the vesting of equity awards granted under our Long-Term Incentive Plan. See Note 5—
Own Shares.
Authorized share capital—In May 2020, our board of directors approved the issuance of 21.7 million of our shares, par value
CHF 0.10 each, out of authorized share capital at an issue price of USD 0.10 each, and an aggregate value of USD 2 million, equivalent to
CHF 2 million. We issued the shares to Transocean Inc. to be held to satisfy obligations under our share-based compensation plans. At
December 31, 2020, the board of directors’ remaining authority to issue shares out of authorized share capital based on shareholder approval
dated May 7, 2020, is limited to a maximum of 184.9 million shares. Our board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the subscription
rights of shareholders under certain circumstances with respect to a maximum of 61.7 million shares and to allot them to individual
shareholders or other parties.
In May 2019, our board of directors approved the issuance of 6.0 million of our shares, par value CHF 0.10 each, out of authorized
share capital at an issue price of USD 7.59 each, equivalent to CHF 7.68 each, and an aggregate value of USD 46 million, equivalent to
CHF 46 million. We issued the shares to Transocean Inc. to be held to satisfy obligations under our share-based compensation plans. At
December 31, 2019, the board of directors’ remaining authority to issue shares out of authorized share capital is limited to a maximum of
21.7 million shares.
Conditional share capital—Our articles of association provide for a conditional share capital that permits us to issue up to
142.4 million additional shares, under the following circumstances, without obtaining additional shareholder approval:
(1)(cid:3) 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)(cid:3) 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. In the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued 1,751 shares out of
conditional share capital to holders that exercised their options to convert the 0.50% exchangeable senior bonds due 2023 into our shares.
In March 2019, we and Transocean Inc. entered into an option agreement, pursuant to which we granted Transocean Inc. the right
to acquire 12.0 million shares from us to satisfy obligations under our share-based compensation plans. On March 7, 2019, Transocean Inc.
partially exercised its right under the option agreement and paid to us USD 12 million, equivalent to CHF 12 million, and we issued to
Transocean Inc. 1.4 million of our shares out of conditional share capital. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the board of directors’ remaining
authority to issue shares out of conditional share capital is limited to a maximum of 142.4 million shares.
SR-7
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Qualified capital loss—As of December 31, 2020, our balance sheet presents a qualified loss since our net assets cover less
than 50 percent of our statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves. Under Swiss law, if assets cover less than 50 percent of our
statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves, the board of directors must propose measures to address such a capital loss. The
board of directors proposes to the shareholders at our 2021 annual general meeting that CHF 8.0 billion 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. If our
shareholders approve the proposal, the qualified capital loss will be considered remediated.
NOTE 5—OWN SHARES
Overview—The following is a summary of changes in the registered shares held by Transocean Inc. to satisfy obligations under
our share-based compensation plans (in thousands, except percentages):
Balance at December 31, 2018
Transfers under share-based compensation plans
Issuance of shares to Transocean Inc.
Balance at December 31, 2019
Transfers under share-based compensation plans
Issuance of shares to Transocean Inc.
Balance at December 31, 2020
Own
shares
923
(2,245 )
7,389
6,067
(3,267 )
21,703
24,503
Total shares
issued
610,582
Percentage of
shares issued
0.15%
617,971
0.98%
639,676
3.83%
Shares held by subsidiaries—Transocean Inc. holds 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 years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we
transferred 3.3 million and 2.2 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, 2020 and 2019, we received cash proceeds of
less than CHF 1 million and CHF 7 million, respectively, for own shares transferred in exchange for equity awards exercised or withheld for
taxes under our share-based compensation plans. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, Transocean Inc. held 24.5 million and 6.1 million of our
shares, respectively.
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.
At December 31, 2020, 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. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors
or company management, as applicable, at any time.
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):
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Percentage
of
issued share
capital
9.13%
8.72%
8.27%
5.42%
Number of
shares
55,848
53,335
50,622
33,163
Name
The Vanguard Group
PRIMECAP Management Company
BlackRock, Inc
Frederik W. Mohn / Perestroika AS
Percentage
of
issued share
capital
Number of
shares
Name
55,619
48,543
43,406
33,237
9.04%
BlackRock, Inc.
7.89% The Vanguard Group
7.04% PRIMECAP Management Company
Frederik W. Mohn / Perestroika AS
5.40%
SR-8
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
Shares held by members of our board of directors—The members of our board of directors held shares, including shares held
privately, as follows:
Name
Chadwick C. Deaton
Glyn A. Barker
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Frederico F. Curado
Diane de Saint Victor
Tan Ek Kia
Vincent J. Intrieri
Samuel J. Merksamer
Frederick W. Mohn (a)
Edward R. Muller
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Total
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Vested
shares and
unvested
share units
Stock options
and
conversion
rights
—
311,991
—
200,521
—
351,244
—
200,521
—
98,182
—
210,031
—
215,761
—
206,497
34,619,801
33,236,859
—
231,687
3,617,211
1,212,621
38,880,505 35,832,357
Vested
shares and
unvested
share units
Stock options
and
conversion
rights
—
148,420
—
109,611
—
129,581
—
102,339
—
—
—
111,849
—
107,579
—
108,315
34,619,736
33,162,879
—
127,465
1,847,934
1,212,621
35,955,972 35,832,357
a)(cid:3) Mr. Mohn and his affiliates hold conversion rights associated with the Exchangeable Bonds.
Shares held by members of our 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 Operations
Officer. The members of our executive management team held shares, including shares held privately, and conditional rights to receive
shares under our share-based compensation plans as follows:
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
John B. Stobart (a)
Total
Number of
granted share
units vesting
Number of
in 2021
shares held
810,284
886,710
411,772
312,539
176,911 220,364
—
—
1,475,393
1,343,187
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2023
December 31, 2020
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2022
1,249,023 363,637
481,766 140,259
371,827 109,091
—
—
2,102,616 612,987
Total
shares and
share units
Number of
shares held
3,309,654
1,346,336
878,193
—
679,983
326,877
133,255
—
December 31, 2019
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2020
466,860
181,816
94,651
59,318
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2021
446,648
172,279
111,273
Number of
granted share
units vesting
in 2022
67,205
25,922
17,281
—
730,200
—
110,408
Total
shares and
share units
1,660,696
706,894
356,460
59,318
2,783,368
5,534,183 1,140,115
802,645
a)(cid:3)
Effective June 1, 2018, Mr. Stobart was no longer designated as a member of the executive management team. On July 1, 2019, on his date of termination, a prorated
portion of restricted share units were released. On December 31, 2020, a prorated portion of his 2018 performance share units vested based on actual performance and
will be released in early 2021.
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. Total shares exclude vested but unissued shares for share units granted from 2018 to 2020,
which are expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2021.
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
814,906
332,191
197,506
—
1,344,603
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2021
253,682
97,850
58,027
—
December 31, 2020
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2022
144,033
55,556
37,037
—
236,626
409,559
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2023
Total vested
and unvested
stock options
Number of
granted
stock options
vested and
outstanding
—
—
—
—
—
1,212,621
485,597
292,570
—
488,684
203,006
123,926
203,841
1,990,788 1,019,457
December 31, 2019
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2020
326,222
129,185
73,580
—
528,987
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2021
253,682
97,850
58,027
—
409,559
Number of
granted
stock options
vesting
in 2022
144,033
55,556
37,037
—
236,626
Total vested
and unvested
stock options
1,212,621
485,597
292,570
203,841
2,194,629
Name
Jeremy D. Thigpen
Mark L. Mey
Keelan I. Adamson
John B. Stobart (a)
Total
a)(cid:3)
Effective June 1, 2018, Mr. Stobart was no longer designated as a member of the executive management team. On July 1, 2019, on the date of termination, his unvested
options were forfeited. On August 29, 2019, his vested options granted in 2013 were forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. On June 29,
2020, the remaining vested options were forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions of the awards.
SR-9
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
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, 2020
Value
of
share units
Number of
share units
granted
1,012,209 CHF 1,331,979
4,774,105
3,218,182
30,869
23,458
4,253,849 CHF 6,136,953
December 31, 2019
Value
of
share units
Number of
share units
granted
2,143,354
16,558
250,004 CHF 1,897,230
15,446,372
137,513
2,409,916 CHF 17,481,115
NOTE 7—GUARANTEES, CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
Transocean Inc. and certain indirect subsidiaries’ debt obligations—Transocean Inc., Transocean Guardian Limited,
Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Pontus Limited, Transocean Poseidon Limited, Transocean Proteus Limited and Transocean
Sentry Limited have each issued certain debt securities or entered into other credit arrangements, including notes, bank credit agreements,
debentures, surety bonds and letters of credit. We agreed to guarantee certain of these debt securities or other credit arrangements in
exchange for a guarantee fee from our subsidiaries. With certain exceptions under the indentures of the debt securities issued by our
subsidiaries, we are not subject to significant restrictions on our ability to obtain funds from our consolidated subsidiaries by dividends, loans
or return of capital distributions. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of debt that we have guaranteed was
USD 7.4 billion and USD 8.8 billion, respectively, equivalent to approximately CHF 6.6 billion and CHF 8.5 billion, respectively. In the years
ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized guarantee fee income of CHF 1 million.
Transocean Management Services GmbH office
lease obligation—On June 26, 2018, Transocean Management
Services GmbH assumed responsibility for a lease obligation, originally entered into by its predecessor, Transocean Management Ltd., 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, 2019, our guarantee for the lease obligation was less than USD 1 million. On March 05,
2020, our guarantee for the lease obligation was cancelled.
Surety bond performance obligations—On August 18, 2020, we provided a guarantee in favor of our subsidiaries issuing or
reinsuring or procuring the issue or reinsurance of surety bonds in Brazil.
Swiss group value added tax obligations—We are one of a group of Swiss entities that are jointly and severally liable for the
entire Swiss value added tax amount due to the Swiss tax authorities by this group.
NOTE 8—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Credit agreements—On June 1, 2011, we and Transocean Inc., as the borrower and lender, respectively, entered into a credit
agreement establishing a USD 2.0 billion revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, interest is incurred on
outstanding borrowings at a variable rate based on the Swiss Safe Harbor Rate and payable at maturity. At December 31, 2020 and 2019,
we had borrowings of USD 92 million and USD 67 million, respectively, equivalent to approximately CHF 81 million and CHF 65 million,
respectively, outstanding under the revolving credit facility at a rate of 2.25 percent.
On November 30, 2018, we and Transocean Inc., as the borrower and lender, respectively, entered into a credit agreement
establishing a USD 1.2 billion revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire on December 5, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement,
as amended, interest is incurred on outstanding borrowings at a variable rate based on the Swiss Safe Harbor Rate and payable at maturity.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had borrowings of USD 1.2 billion, equivalent to CHF 1.1 billion, outstanding under the credit facility at
an interest rate of 2.25 percent.
Exchangeable notes—On August 14, 2020, we issued to Transocean Inc. USD 238 million aggregate principal amount of an
exchangeable loan note (the “2.5% note”) with interest payable semiannually at a rate of 2.5 percent per annum in a non-cash exchanges
for USD 397 million aggregate principal amount of the 0.5 percent loan note. The 2.5% note may be converted at any time prior to the
maturity date at an exchange rate of 162.1626 shares per USD 1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of USD 6.17 per share, subject
to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Transocean Inc. may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the 2.5% note upon
the occurrence of certain events. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal amount of the 2.5% note was USD 238 million, equivalent
to approximately CHF 210 million.
In the year ended December 31, 2018, we issued to Transocean Inc. USD 863 million aggregate principal amount of an
exchangeable loan note, as amended (the “0.5% note”), with interest payable at maturity at a rate of 0.50 percent per annum. The 0.5% note
may be converted at any time prior to the maturity date at an exchange rate of 97.29756 shares per USD 1,000 note, which implies a
conversion price of USD 10.28 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Transocean Inc. may require us to
SR-10
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued
repurchase all or a portion of the 0.5% note upon the occurrence of certain events. In the year ended December 31, 2020, Transocean Inc.
made a distribution for USD 162 million, equivalent to approximately CHF 148 million, in satisfaction of amounts due under the 0.5% note.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding principal amount of the 0.5% note was USD 463 million and USD 863 million, respectively,
equivalent to approximately CHF 409 million and CHF 835 million, respectively.
General and administrative services—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, 2020 and 2019, we recognized such costs of less than CHF 1 million, recorded
in general and administrative costs and expenses.
NOTE 9—SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Private exchanges—On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions in which Transocean Inc. exchanged
$323 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of new
4.0% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due 2025 (the “New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and an aggregate cash
payment of $11 million. The New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are guaranteed by us and the same subsidiaries of
Transocean Inc. that guarantee the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes. In addition, the New
Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds will have an initial exchange rate of 190.4762 our shares per $1,000 note, which implies a
conversion price of $5.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.
SR-11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Chadwick C. Deaton
Chair, Transocean Ltd.
Glyn A. Barker
Former Vice Chair, U.K. PwC
Vanessa C.L. Chang
Former Director and Shareholder,
EL & EL Investments
Frederico F. Curado
Chief Executive Officer, Ultrapar S.A.
Diane de Saint Victor
Former General Counsel and
Company Secretary, ABB Ltd.
Vincent J. Intrieri
Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
VDA Capital Management LLC
Tan Ek Kia
Former Chair, Shell Northeast Asia
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Transocean Ltd.
Samuel J. Merksamer
Partner, Caligan Partners, L.P.
Frederik W. Mohn
Former Director and Chair,
Songa Offshore SE
Owner and Managing Director,
Perestroika AS
Edward R. Muller
Former Chair, Chief Executive Officer
and President, GenOn Energy
Former Vice Chair, NRG Energy Inc.
Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Keelan Adamson
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operations Officer
Howard E. Davis
Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Information Officer
Brady Long
Executive Vice President and
General Counsel
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
Georgeson LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10104
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 2020 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)
2020
2019
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
HIGH
7.28
3.82
2.62
2.70
LOW
1.01
0.76
0.79
0.65
HIGH
9.69
9.79
6.77
7.09
LOW
6.54
5.28
3.76
3.98
Performance Graph1
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return of our shares,
the Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index (“OSX”), and the Russell 1000 Index
over our last five fiscal years. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our
shares, the OSX, and the Russell 1000 Index on December 31, 2015, and that all
dividends were reinvested on the date of payment.
Indexed Cumulative Total Shareholder Return
December 31, 2015 - December 31, 2020
200
150
100
50
0
Russell 1000 Index
OSX Index
RIG
31-Dec-15
31-Dec-16
31-Dec-17
31-Dec-18
31-Dec-19
31-Dec-20
DATE
DEC-15
DEC-16
DEC-17
DEC-18
DEC-19
DEC-20
Russell 1000 Index
$100.00
$112.04
$136.33
$129.80
$170.58
$206.33
OSX Index
RIG
$100.00
$118.98
$100.00
$119.06
$98.51
$86.27
$53.97
$56.06
$53.67
$55.57
$31.09
$18.66
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.
www.deepwater.com
T
r
a
n
s
o
c
e
a
n
L
t
d
.
•
2
0
2
1
A
N
N
U
A
L
G
E
N
E
R
A
L
M
E
E
T
I
N
G
A
N
D
P
R
O
X
Y
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
•
2
0
2
0
A
N
N
U
A
L
R
E
P
O
R
T