UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2006

 

Commission file number: 001-32657

 

 

 

 

 

Nabors Industries Ltd.

 

Incorporated in Bermuda

Mintflower Place

8 Par-La-Ville Road

Hamilton, HM08

Bermuda

(441) 292-1510

 

98-0363970

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer þ     Accelerated Filer o     Non-accelerated Filer o

 

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

 

The number of common shares, par value $.001 per share, outstanding as of October 26, 2006 was 299,173,034. In addition, our subsidiary, Nabors Exchangeco (Canada) Inc., has 173,588 exchangeable shares outstanding as of October 26, 2006 that are exchangeable for Nabors common shares on a one-for-one basis, and have essentially identical rights as Nabors Industries Ltd. common shares, including but not limited to voting rights and the right to receive dividends, if any.

 

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

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

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

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

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited)

 

 

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

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES

IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

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

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Nabors is the largest land drilling contractor in the world, with approximately 600 land drilling rigs. We conduct oil, gas and geothermal land drilling operations in the U.S. Lower 48 states, Alaska, Canada, South and Central America, the Middle East, the Far East and Africa. We are also one of the largest land well-servicing and workover contractors in the United States and Canada. We own approximately 590 land workover and well-servicing rigs in the United States, primarily in the southwestern and western United States, and approximately 215 land workover and well-servicing rigs in Canada. Nabors is a leading provider of offshore platform workover and drilling rigs, and owns 46 platform, 19 jack-up units and five barge rigs in the United States and multiple international markets. These rigs provide well-servicing, workover and drilling services. We have a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, which owns 18 rigs. We also offer a wide range of ancillary well-site services, including engineering, transportation, construction, maintenance, well logging, directional drilling, rig instrumentation, data collection and other support services in selected domestic and international markets. We time charter a fleet of 29 marine transportation and supply vessels, which provide transportation of drilling materials, supplies and crews for offshore operations. During the first quarter of 2006 we began to offer logistics services for onshore drilling and well-servicing operations in Canada using helicopters and fixed-winged aircraft purchased from Airborne Energy Solutions Ltd. on January 3, 2006 (Note 4). We manufacture and lease or sell top drives for a broad range of drilling applications, directional drilling systems, rig instrumentation and data collection equipment, pipeline handling equipment and rig reporting software. We also have made selective investments in oil and gas exploration, development and production activities.

 

The majority of our business is conducted through our various Contract Drilling operating segments, which include our drilling, workover and well-servicing operations, on land and offshore. Our oil and gas exploration, development and production operations are included in a category labeled Oil and Gas for segment reporting purposes. Our operating segments engaged in marine transportation and supply services, drilling technology and top drive manufacturing, directional drilling, rig instrumentation and software, and construction and logistics operations are aggregated in a category labeled Other Operating Segments for segment reporting purposes.

 

As used in this Report, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Nabors” means Nabors Industries Ltd. and, where the context requires, includes our subsidiaries.

 

 

Interim Financial Information

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nabors are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period to conform to the current period presentation, with no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. In our management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2006 and the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, in accordance with GAAP. Interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2006.

 

On December 13, 2005, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of our common shares to be effectuated in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on April 17, 2006 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2006 (see Note 7). All common share, per share, stock option and restricted stock amounts

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock split.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm has performed a review of, and issued a report on, these consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should not be considered a part of any registration statement prepared or certified within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, all majority-owned subsidiaries, and all non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R, which are not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control their operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of the net income of these entities is recorded as Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income, and our investment in these entities is carried as a single amount in our consolidated balance sheets. Investments in net assets of unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method totaled $91.2 million and $71.2 million as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and are included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Similarly, investments in certain offshore funds classified as non-marketable are accounted for using the equity method of accounting based on our ownership interest in each fund. Our share of the gains and losses of these funds is recorded in investment income in our consolidated statements of income and our investments in these funds are included in long-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2006 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under FIN 48, the financial statements will reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts, but without considering time values. FIN 48 is likely to cause greater volatility in income statements as more items are recognized discretely within income tax expense. Application of FIN 48 is required in financial statements effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN 48 revises disclosure requirements and will require an annual tabular roll-forward of unrecognized tax benefits. We expect to adopt FIN 48 beginning January 1, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact that this interpretation may have on our consolidated financial statements. Any adjustment required as a result of the adoption of FIN 48 will be recorded to retained earnings.

 

In September 2006 the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement establishes a framework for measuring fair value within generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The provisions of SFAS 157 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS 157 is initially applied, except in limited circumstances. We expect to adopt SFAS 157 beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact that this interpretation may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006 the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Nos. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).” This statement requires companies to recognize a net liability or asset to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

postretirement benefit plans in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 is required to be applied in financial statements effected for periods ending after December 15, 2006. We will adopt SFAS 158 as of December 31, 2006. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 158 will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

The Company has several stock-based employee compensation plans, which are more fully described in Note 9 in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for awards granted under those plans following the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Bulletin (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (APB 25) and related interpretations. Under APB 25, no compensation expense was reflected in net income for the Company’s stock options, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of grant. The pro forma effects on income for stock options were instead disclosed in a footnote to the financial statements. Compensation expense was recorded in the income statement for restricted stock grants over the vesting period of the award.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payments,” (SFAS 123-R), using the modified prospective application method. Under this transition method, the Company will record compensation expense for all stock option awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted stock option awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. The amount of compensation cost recognized was based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123. Results for prior periods have not been restated.

 

As a result of adopting SFAS 123-R on January 1, 2006, Nabors’ income before income taxes and net income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $4.2 million and $3.3 million lower, respectively and $14.0 million and $10.8 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, than if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006 would have been $1.07 and $1.03, respectively and $2.69 and $2.60, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25, compared to reported basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.05 and $1.02, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and $2.65 and $2.57, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Compensation expense related to awards of restricted stock was recognized before the adoption of SFAS 123-R. Compensation expense for restricted stock totaled $3.2 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $8.6 million and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and is included in direct costs and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income. Total stock-based compensation expense, which includes both stock options and restricted stock totaled $7.5 million and $22.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense has been allocated to our various operating segments (Note 11).

 

Prior to adoption of SFAS 123-R, Nabors presented all tax benefits of deductions resulting from the exercise of options as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS 123-R requires the cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. The actual tax benefit realized from options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $4.3 million.

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Under the provisions of SFAS 123-R, the recognition of unearned compensation, a contra-equity account representing the amount of unrecognized restricted stock compensation expense, is no longer required. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2006 the Unearned Compensation amount that was included in our December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet in the amount of $15.6 million was reduced to zero with a corresponding decrease to Capital in Excess of Par Value.

 

Prior Period Pro Forma Presentation

 

Under the modified prospective application method, results for prior periods have not been restated to reflect the effects of implementing SFAS 123-R. The following pro forma information, as required by SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — an Amendment to FAS 123,” is presented for comparative purposes and illustrates the effect on our net income and earnings per share as if we had applied the provisions of SFAS 123-R beginning on January 1, 2005:

 

 

Stock Option Plans

 

Stock option awards under the Company’s various stock-based employee compensation plans are granted at prices equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. Options granted under the plan generally vest in varying periodic installments after one year. In the case of certain key executives, options granted under the plans may vest immediately on the grant date. Options granted under the plan expire ten years from the date of grant.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, volatility, dividend yield and the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a period equal to the expected term of the option. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Nabors’ common shares, historical volatility of Nabors’ common shares, and other factors. We do not assume any dividend yield, as the Company does not pay dividends. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of the options and employee terminations within the option-pricing model; separate groups of employees that have

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of the options represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding.

 

We also consider an estimated forfeiture rate when determining the fair value of each award, and we only recognize compensation cost for those shares that are expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of three to four years. The forfeiture rate is based on historical experience. Estimated forfeitures will be adjusted to reflect actual forfeitures in future periods.

 

There were no stock options granted, and as a result, no fair value determinations were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Stock option transactions under the Company’s various stock-based employee compensation plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, is presented below:

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $15.5 million and $330.3 million, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2006, there was $11.7 million of total future compensation cost related to nonvested options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year. We expect substantially all of the nonvested options to vest.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

 

Our stock compensation plans allow grants of restricted stock. Restricted stock is issued on the grant date, but is restricted as to transferability. Restricted stock vests in varying periodic installments ranging up to 3 to 4 years.

 

A summary of our restricted stock as of September 30, 2006, and the changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

 

The fair value of restricted stock vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is $4.8 million. There was not any restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

As of September 30, 2006, there is $30.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

 

 

On January 3, 2006, we completed an acquisition of 1183011 Alberta Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airborne Energy Solutions Ltd., through the purchase of all common shares outstanding for cash for a total purchase price of Cdn. $41.7 million (U.S. $35.8 million). In addition, we assumed debt, net of working capital, totaling approximately Cdn. $10.0 million (U.S. $8.6 million). Nabors Blue Sky Ltd. (formerly 1183011 Alberta Ltd.) owns 42 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and owns and operates a fleet of heliportable well-service equipment. The purchase price has been allocated based on preliminary estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and resulted in goodwill of approximately U.S. $18.8 million. The purchase price allocation is subject to adjustment as additional information becomes available and will be finalized by December 31, 2006.

 

On May 31, 2006, we completed an acquisition of Pragma Drilling Equipment Ltd.’s business, which manufactures catwalks, iron roughnecks and other related oilfield equipment, through an asset purchase consisting primarily of intellectual property for a total purchase price of Cdn. $36.4 million (U.S. $33.0 million). Additional cash purchase consideration, up to a maximum of Cdn. $12 million (U.S. $10.8 million), will be due if certain specified financial performance targets are achieved over a one-year period commencing on June 30, 2006. The purchase price has been allocated based on preliminary estimates of the fair market value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and resulted in goodwill of approximately U.S. $2.0 million. The purchase price allocation is subject to adjustments as additional information becomes available and will be finalized by December 31, 2006. Any contingent consideration payable in the future will be recorded as goodwill.

 

On September 21, 2006, we entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the Moncla Companies for an undisclosed amount. Moncla owns six barge rigs, 50 workover and well-servicing rigs, 13 truck-mounted swabbing and testing units, rental equipment, various auxiliary equipment and real estate. Moncla’s headquarters, central training and maintenance facility and principal operations are located in Lafayette, Louisiana with extended operating yards located in Mississippi and Southeast Texas. The transaction is expected to be completed during 2006.

 

 

On May 23, 2006, Nabors Industries, Inc. (“Nabors Delaware”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, completed a private placement of $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 0.94% senior exchangeable notes due 2011 that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. On June 8, 2006, the initial purchasers exercised their option to purchase an additional $250 million of the 0.94% senior exchangeable notes due 2011, increasing the aggregate issuance of such notes to $2.75 billion. Nabors Delaware sold the notes to the initial purchasers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes were reoffered by the initial purchasers of the notes to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act. Nabors and Nabors Delaware filed a registration statement on Form S-3 pursuant to the Securities Act with respect to resale of the notes and shares received in exchange for the notes on August 21, 2006. The notes bear interest at a rate of 0.94% per year payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2006. Debt issuance costs of $28.3 million were capitalized in connection with the issuance of the notes in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized through May 2011.

 

The notes are exchangeable into cash and, if applicable, Nabors’ common shares based on an exchange rate of the equivalent value of 21.8221 Nabors’ common shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equal to an initial exchange price of approximately $45.83 per share), subject to adjustment during the 30 calendar days ending at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date and prior thereto only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter), if the closing price of Nabors’ common shares for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the applicable exchange rate; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per note for each day of that period was less than 95% of the product of the closing sale price of Nabors’ common shares and the exchange rate of the note; and (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions set forth in the indenture.

 

The notes are unsecured and are effectively junior in right of payment to any of Nabors Delaware’s future secured debt. The notes will rank equally with any of Nabors Delaware’s other existing and future unsubordinated debt and will be senior in right of payment to any of Nabors Delaware’s future subordinated debt. Our guarantee of the note is unsecured and ranks equal in right of payments to all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness from time to time outstanding. Holders of the notes, who exchange their notes in connection with a change in control, as defined in the indenture, may be entitled to a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the exchange rate. Additionally, in the event of a change in control, the holders of the notes may require Nabors Delaware to purchase all or a portion of their notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Upon exchange of the notes, a holder will receive for each note exchanged an amount in cash equal to the lesser of (i) $1,000 or (ii) the exchange value, determined in the manner set forth in the indenture. In addition, if the exchange value exceeds $1,000 on the exchange date, a holder will also receive a number of Nabors’ common shares for the exchange value in excess of $1,000 equal to such excess divided by the exchange price.

 

In connection with the sale of the notes, Nabors Delaware entered into exchangeable note hedge transactions with respect to our common shares. The call options are designed to cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the net number of our common shares that would be deliverable to exchanging noteholders in the event of an exchange of the notes. Nabors Delaware paid an aggregate amount of approximately $583.6 million of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to acquire the call options.

 

Nabors also entered into separate warrant transactions at the time of the sale of the notes whereby we sold warrants which give the holders the right to acquire approximately 60.0 million of our common shares at a strike price of $54.64 per share. On exercise of the warrants, we have the option to deliver cash or our common shares equal to the difference between the then market price and strike price. All of the warrants will be exercisable and will expire on August 15, 2011. We received aggregate proceeds of approximately $421.2 million from the sale of the warrants and used $353.4 million of the proceeds to purchase 10.0 million of Nabors’ common shares.

 

The purchased call options and sold warrants are separate contracts entered into by Nabors and Nabors Delaware with two financial institutions, and are not part of the terms of the notes and will not affect the holders’ rights under the notes. The purchased call options are expected to offset the potential dilution upon exchange of the notes in the event that the market value per share of our common shares at the time of exercise is greater than the strike price of the purchased call options, which corresponds to the initial exchange price of the notes and is simultaneously subject to certain customary adjustments. The warrants will effectively increase the exchange price of the notes to $54.64 per share of our common shares, from the perspective of Nabors, representing a 55% premium based on the last reported bid price of $35.25 per share on May 17, 2006. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-19, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed To and Potentially Settled In, a Company’s Own Stock” and SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” we recorded the exchangeable note hedge and warrants in capital in excess of par value as of the transaction date, and will not recognize subsequent changes in fair value. We also recognized a deferred tax asset of $215.9 million in the second quarter of 2006 for the effect of the future tax benefits related to the exchangeable note hedge.

 

We intend to use the remaining proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, acquisitions, retirement of other indebtedness and additional repurchases of Nabors’ common shares.

 

NABORS INDUSTRIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

On May 23, 2006, Nabors International Management Ltd. (“NIML”), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Nabors borrowed from affiliates of the initial purchasers $650 million pursuant to a 90-day senior unsecured loan. The proceeds of the loan were used to purchase 18.4 million of Nabors’ common shares, which are held in treasury. The unsecured loan was paid in full on June 30, 2006.

 

On February 6, 2006, we redeemed 93% of our $1.2 billion zero coupon senior convertible debentures due 2021 for a total redemption price of $769.8 million; an amount equal to the issue price of $679.9 million plus accrued original issue discount of $89.9 million to the date of repurchase. We treat the redemption price, including accrued original discount, on our convertible debt instruments as a financing activity for purposes of reporting cash flows in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The principal amount of these debentures outstanding subsequent to this redemption totaled $57.0 million. The original principal amount of these debentures upon issuance was $1.381 billion, of which $180.8 million had been redeemed prior to 2005.

 

 

Our effective income tax rate was 26.8% and 30.2% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively, compared to 26.2% and 25.1% during the three and nine months prior year periods. The increase in our effective income tax rate resulted from a higher proportion of our taxable income being generated in the U.S. during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year periods. Income generated in the U.S. is generally taxed at a higher rate than in international jurisdictions in which we operate. Additionally, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, we recorded a $36.2 million current tax expense relating to the redemption of common shares held by a foreign parent of a U.S. based Nabors’ subsidiary. This income tax expense was partially offset by an approximate $20.5 million deferred tax benefit recorded as a result of changes in Canadian laws that incrementally reduce statutory tax rates for both federal and provincial taxes over the next four years.

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we repurchased 40.2 million of our common shares in the open market for $1.4 billion. We retired 17.9 million shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and held 22.2 million of these shares in treasury. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we repurchased and retired 3.0 million of our common shares in the open market for $80.6 million.

 

On December 13, 2005, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of our common shares to be effectuated in the form of a stock dividend. The stock split was subject to the approval by our shareholders of a proposal to amend our Amended and Restated Bye-Laws to increase the authorized share capital of Nabors by the creation of additional common shares. This proposal was approved by our shareholders in a Special Meeting of Shareholders on March 30, 2006. The stock dividend was distributed on April 17, 2006 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2006. For all balance sheets presented, capital in excess of par value was reduced by $.2 million and common shares were increased by $.2 million.

 

 

Commitments

 

Employment Contracts

 

Nabors’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene M. Isenberg, and its Deputy Chairman, President and Chief Operating Officer, Anthony G. Petrello, have employment agreements which were amended and restated effective October 1, 1996 and which currently are due to expire on September 30, 2010.

 

Mr. Isenberg’s employment agreement was originally negotiated with a creditors committee in 1987 in connection with the reorganization proceedings of Anglo Energy, Inc., which subsequently changed its name to

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Nabors. These contractual arrangements subsequently were approved by the various constituencies in those reorganization proceedings, including equity and debt holders, and confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court.

 

Mr. Petrello’s employment agreement was first entered into effective October 1, 1991. Mr. Petrello’s employment agreement was agreed upon as part of arm’s length negotiations with the Board before he joined Nabors in October 1991, and was reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board and the full Board of Directors at that time.

 

The employment agreements for Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello were amended in 1994 and 1996. These amendments were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board and the full Board of Directors at that time.

 

The employment agreements provide for an initial term of five years with an evergreen provision which automatically extended the agreement for an additional one-year term on each anniversary date, unless Nabors provided notice to the contrary ten days prior to such anniversary. The Board of Directors in March 2006 exercised its election to fix the expiration date of the employment agreements for Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello, and accordingly, these agreements will expire at the end of their current term at September 30, 2010.

 

In addition to a base salary, the employment agreements provide for annual cash bonuses in an amount equal to 6% and 2%, for Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello, respectively, of Nabors’ net cash flow (as defined in the respective employment agreements) in excess of 15% of the average shareholders’ equity for each fiscal year. (Mr. Isenberg’s cash bonus formula originally was set at 10% in excess of a 10% return on shareholders’ equity and he has voluntarily reduced it over time to its 6% in excess of 15% level.) Mr. Petrello’s bonus is subject to a minimum of $700,000 per year. In 15 of the last 16 years, Mr. Isenberg has agreed voluntarily to accept a lower annual cash bonus (i.e., an amount lower than the amount provided for under his employment agreement) in light of his overall compensation package. Mr. Petrello has agreed voluntarily to accept a lower annual cash bonus (i.e., an amount lower than the amount provided for under his employment agreement) in light of his overall compensation package in 13 of the last 15 years. For 2005, the annual cash bonuses for Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello pursuant to the formula described in their employment agreements were $41.2 million and $13.7 million, respectively; but in light of their overall compensation package (including significant stock option grants and restricted stock awards), they agreed to accept cash bonuses in the amounts of $3 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

 

Mr. Isenberg voluntarily agreed to amend his employment agreement in March 2006 (the “2006 Amendment”). Under the 2006 Amendment, Mr. Isenberg agreed to reduce the annual cash bonus to an amount equal to 3% of Nabors’ net cash flow (as defined in his employment agreement) in excess of 15% of the average shareholders’ equity for 2006. For 2007 through the expiration date of the employment agreement, the annual cash bonus will return to 6% of Nabors’ net cash flow in excess of 15% of the average shareholders’ equity for each fiscal year.

 

Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello also are eligible for awards under Nabors’ equity plans and may participate in annual long-term incentive programs and pension and welfare plans, on the same basis as other executives; and may receive special bonuses from time to time as determined by the Board.

 

Termination in the event of death, disability, or termination without cause.   In the event that either Mr. Isenberg’s or Mr. Petrello’s employment agreement is terminated (i) upon death or disability (as defined in the respective employment agreements), (ii) by Nabors prior to the expiration date of the employment agreement for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in the respective employment agreements) or (iii) by either individual for Constructive Termination Without Cause (as defined in the respective employment agreements), each would be entitled to receive within 30 days of the triggering event (a) all base salary which would have been payable through the expiration date of the contract or three times his then current base salary, whichever is greater; plus (b) the greater of (i) all annual cash bonuses which would have been payable through the expiration date; (ii) three times the highest bonus (including the imputed value of grants of stock awards and stock options), paid during the last three fiscal years prior to termination; or (iii) three times the highest annual cash bonus payable for each of the three

 

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previous fiscal years prior to termination, regardless of whether the amount was paid. In computing any amount due under (b)(i) and (iii) above, the calculation is made without regard to the 2006 Amendment reducing Mr. Isenberg’s bonus percentage as described above. If, by way of example, these provisions had applied at September 30, 2006, Mr. Isenberg would have been entitled to a payment of approximately $203 million, subject to a “true-up” equal to the amount of cash bonus he would have earned under the formula during the remaining term of the agreement, based upon actual results, but would not be less than approximately $203 million. Similarly, with respect to Mr. Petrello, had these provisions applied at September 30, 2006, Mr. Petrello would have been entitled to a payment of approximately $103 million, subject to a “true-up” equal to the amount of cash bonus he would have earned under the formula during the remaining term of the agreement, based upon actual results, but would not be less than approximately $103 million. These payment amounts are based on historical data and are not intended to be estimates of future payments required under the agreements. Depending upon future operating results, the true-up could result in the payment of amounts which are significantly higher. In addition, the affected individual is entitled to receive (a) any unvested restricted stock outstanding, which shall immediately and fully vest; (b) any unvested outstanding stock options, which shall immediately and fully vest; (c) any amounts earned, accrued or owing to the executive but not yet paid (including executive benefits, life insurance, disability benefits and reimbursement of expenses and perquisites), which shall be continued through the later of the expiration date or three years after the termination date; (d) continued participation in medical, dental and life insurance coverage until the executive receives equivalent benefits or coverage through a subsequent employer or until the death of the executive or his spouse, whichever is later; and (e) any other or additional benefits in accordance with applicable plans and programs of Nabors. For Mr. Isenberg, as of September 30, 2006, the value of unvested restricted stock was approximately $9.9 million and the value of in-the-money unvested stock options was approximately $4.3 million. For Mr. Petrello, as of September 30, 2006, the value of unvested restricted stock was approximately $5.0 million and the value of in-the-money unvested stock options was approximately $2.2 million. Estimates of the cash value of Nabors’ obligations to Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello under (c), (d) and (e) above are included in the payment amounts above.

 

The Board of Directors in March 2006 exercised its election to fix the expiration date of the employment agreements for Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello. Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello have informed the Board of Directors that they have reserved their rights under their employment agreements with respect to the notice setting the expiration dates of their employment agreements, including whether such notice could trigger an acceleration of certain payments pursuant to their employment agreements.

 

Termination in the event of a Change in Control.   In the event that Messrs. Isenberg’s or Petrello’s termination of employment is related to a Change in Control (as defined in their respective employment agreements), they would be entitled to receive a cash amount equal to the greater of (a) one dollar less than the amount that would constitute an “excess parachute payment” as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, or (b) the cash amount that would be due in the event of a termination without cause, as described above. If, by way of example, there was a change of control event that applied on September 30, 2006, then the payments to Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello would be approximately $203 million and $103 million, respectively. These payment amounts are based on historical data and are not intended to be estimates of future payments required under the agreements. Depending upon future operating results, the true-up could result in the payment of amounts which are significantly higher. In addition, they would receive (a) any unvested restricted stock outstanding, which shall immediately and fully vest; (b) any unvested outstanding stock options, which shall immediately and fully vest; (c) any amounts earned, accrued or owing to the executive but not yet paid (including executive benefits, life insurance, disability benefits and reimbursement of expenses and perquisites), which shall be continued through the later of the expiration date or three years after the termination date; (d) continued participation in medical, dental and life insurance coverage until the executive receives equivalent benefits or coverage through a subsequent employer or until the death of the executive or his spouse, whichever is later; and (e) any other or additional benefits in accordance with applicable plans and programs of Nabors. For Mr. Isenberg, as of September 30, 2006, the value of unvested restricted stock was approximately $9.9 million and the value of in-the-money unvested stock options

 

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was approximately $4.3 million. For Mr. Petrello, as of September 30, 2006, the value of unvested restricted stock was approximately $5.0 million and the value of in-the-money unvested stock options was approximately $2.2 million. The cash value of Nabors’ obligations to Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello under (c), (d) and (e) above are included in the payment amounts above. Also, they would receive additional stock options immediately exercisable for five years to acquire a number of shares of common stock equal to the highest number of options granted during any fiscal year in the previous three fiscal years, at an option exercise price equal to the average closing price during the 20 trading days prior to the event which resulted in the change of control. If, by way of example, there was a change of control event that applied at September 30, 2006, Mr. Isenberg would have received 3,366,666 options valued at approximately $36 million and Mr. Petrello would have received 1,683,332 options valued at approximately $18 million, in each case based upon a Black Scholes analysis. Finally, in the event that an excise tax was applicable, they would receive a gross-up payment to make them whole with respect to any excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. With respect to the preceding sentence, by way of example, if there was a change of control event that applied on September 30, 2006, and assuming that the excise tax were applicable to the transaction, then the additional payments to Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello for the gross-up would be up to approximately $89 million and $48 million, respectively.

 

Other Obligations.  In addition to salary and bonus, each of Messrs. Isenberg and Petrello receive group life insurance at an amount at least equal to three times their respective base salaries, various split-dollar life insurance policies, reimbursement of expenses, various perquisites and a personal umbrella insurance policy in the amount of $5 million. Premiums payable under the split dollar life insurance policies were suspended as a result of the adoption of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002.

 

New Joint Venture

 

On September 22, 2006, we entered into an agreement with First Reserve Corporation to form a new joint venture, NFR Energy LLC, to invest in oil and gas exploitation opportunities worldwide. First Reserve Corporation is a private equity firm specializing in the energy industry. Each party initially will hold an equal interest in the new entity and has committed to fund its proportionate share of $1.0 billion in equity. NFR Energy LLC will pursue development and exploration projects with both existing customers of ours and with other operators in a variety of forms including operated and non-operated working interests, joint ventures, farm-outs and acquisitions. NFR Energy LLC has not commenced operations and has not received funding as of September 30, 2006 by either party.

 

Contingencies

 

Income Tax Contingencies

 

We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different than that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. Based on the results of an audit or litigation, a material effect on our financial position, income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made could result.

 

It is possible that future changes to tax laws (including tax treaties) could have an impact on our ability to realize the tax savings recorded to date as well as future tax savings as a result of our corporate reorganization, depending on any responsive action taken by us.

 

On May 31, 2006, Nabors International Finance Inc. (“NIFI”), a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Nabors, received from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) two Notices of Proposed Adjustment (“NOPA”) in connection with an audit of NIFI for tax years 2002 and 2003. One NOPA proposes to deny a deduction of

 

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$85.1 million in interest expense in our 2002 tax year relating to intercompany indebtedness incurred in connection with our inversion transaction in June 2002 whereby we were reorganized as a Bermuda company. The second NOPA proposes to deny a deduction of $207.6 million in the same item of interest expense in our 2003 tax year. On August 9, 2006, NIFI received a Revenue Agent Report, asserting the adjustments relating to the two NOPAs referred to above. On September 18, 2006, NIFI filed a protest with the IRS related to the two adjustments and we intend to contest the IRS position vigorously. We previously had obtained advice from our tax advisors that the deduction of such amounts was appropriate and more recently that the position of the IRS lacks merit. In 2003 the Company paid off approximately one-half of the intercompany indebtedness incurred in connection with the inversion. We currently have not booked any reserves for such proposed adjustments.

 

On September 14, 2006, Nabors Drilling International Ltd. (NDIL), a wholly-owned Bermuda subsidiary of Nabors, received a Notice of Assessment (the “Notice”) from the Mexican Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (the “SAT”) in connection with the audit of NDIL’s Mexican branch for tax year 2003. The Notice proposes to deny a depreciation expense deduction that relates to drilling rigs operating in Mexico in 2003, as well as a deduction for payments made to an affiliated company for the provision of labor services in Mexico. The amount assessed by the SAT is approximately $19.8 million (including interest and penalties). Nabors and its tax advisors previously concluded that the deduction of said amounts was appropriate and more recently that the position of the SAT lacks merit. Nabors has not booked any reserves for the adjustments proposed by the SAT. NDIL’s Mexican branch took similar deductions for depreciation and labor expenses in 2004, 2005 and 2006. It is likely that the SAT will propose the disallowance of these deductions upon audit of NDIL’s Mexican branch’s 2004, 2005 and 2006 tax years.

 

Self-Insurance Accruals

 

We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, general liability, automobile liability and property damage. Effective April 1, 2006, with our insurance renewal, certain changes have been made to our insurance coverage increasing our self-insured retentions. Our domestic workers’ compensation program continues to be subject to a $1.0 million per occurrence deductible. Employers’ liability and Jones Act cases are subject to a $2.0 million deductible. Automobile liability continues at a $.5 million deductible. We are assuming an additional $3.0 million corridor deductible for domestic workers’ compensation claims. General liability claims continue to be subject to a $5.0 million deductible. However, as a result of insurance market conditions following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we are now subject to higher deductibles for removal of wreckage and debris and collision liability claims depending on the insured value of the individual rigs.

 

In addition, we are subject to a $1.0 million deductible for all land rigs except for those located in Alaska, and a $5.0 million deductible for all our Alaska and offshore rigs with the exception of the Pool Arabia rig, which is subject to a $2.5 million deductible. This applies to all kinds of risks of physical damage except for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The deductible for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is $25.0 million per occurrence. Also, the maximum coverage for named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is $50.0 million in this policy year.

 

Litigation

 

Nabors and its subsidiaries are defendants or otherwise involved in a number of lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. We estimate the range of our liability related to pending litigation when we believe the amount and range of loss can be estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. When a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss with no best estimate in the range, we record the minimum estimated liability related to the lawsuits or claims. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to our pending litigation and claims and revise our estimates. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. In the opinion of management and based on liability accruals provided, our ultimate exposure with respect to these pending lawsuits

 

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and claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows, although they could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a particular reporting period.

 

During the quarter ended June 30, 2006, we settled a lawsuit involving wage and hour claims relating primarily to meal periods and travel time of current and former rig-based employees in our California well-servicing business. Those claims were heard by an arbitrator during the fourth quarter of 2005. On February 6, 2006, we received an interim award against us in the amount of $25.6 million (plus attorney’s fees and costs), which was accrued for in our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2005. As a result of subsequent proceedings and the settlement, the final award was $24.3 million, which was paid during May 2006.

 

Additionally, on December 22, 2005, we received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office in Anchorage, Alaska, seeking documents and information relating to an alleged spill, discharge, overflow or cleanup of drilling mud or sludge involving one of our rigs during March 2003. We are cooperating with the authorities in this matter.

 

Guarantees

 

We enter into various agreements and obligations providing financial or performance assurance to third parties. Certain of these agreements serve as guarantees, including standby letters of credit issued on behalf of insurance carriers in conjunction with our workers’ compensation insurance program and other financial surety instruments such as bonds. We have also guaranteed payment of contingent consideration in conjunction with a minor acquisition completed during the first quarter of 2005 and in conjunction with the acquisition of Pragma Drilling Equipment Ltd., completed in May of 2006, which are both based on future operating results of those businesses. In addition, we have provided indemnifications to certain third parties which serve as guarantees. These guarantees include indemnification provided by Nabors to our stock transfer agent and our insurance carriers. We are not able to estimate the potential future maximum payments that might be due under our indemnification guarantees.

 

Management believes the likelihood that we would be required to perform or otherwise incur any material losses associated with any of these guarantees is remote. The following table summarizes the total maximum amount of financial and performance guarantees issued by Nabors:

 

 

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A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows:

 

 

 

 

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For all periods presented, the computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options and warrants with exercise prices greater than the average market price of Nabors’ common shares, because the inclusion of such options and warrants would be anti-dilutive. The number of options and warrants that were excluded from diluted earnings per share that would potentially dilute earnings per share in the future were 4,327,513 and 2,443,254 shares during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2,250 and 1,014,422 shares during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. In any period during which the average market price of Nabors’ common shares exceeds the exercise prices of these stock options and warrants, such stock options and warrants will be included in our diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method of accounting. Restricted stock will similarly be included in our diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method of accounting in any period where the amount of restricted stock exceeds the number of shares assumed repurchased in those periods based upon future unearned compensation.

 

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Accrued liabilities include the following:

 

 

Our cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments consist of the following:

 

 

As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, our short-term investments consist entirely of investments in available-for-sale marketable debt and equity securities while our long-term investments consist entirely of investments in non-marketable securities. Non-marketable securities consist of asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities, global structured asset securitizations, whole loan mortgages and participations in whole loans and whole loan mortgages. These investments are classified as non-marketable, because they do not have published fair values.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following tables set forth certain financial information with respect to our reportable segments: