Form 10-Q 1Q06

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2006

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM_____TO_____

þ1-5491
Commission File
Number

ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
75-0759420
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 5450 Houston, Texas
77056-6127
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(713) 621-7800
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Inapplicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


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.   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   Noþ
 
The number of shares of common stock, $.125 par value, outstanding at April 30, 2006 was 110,221,350.



ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.
 
INDEX
 
 
 
Page No.
PART I.
Financial Information:
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited):
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
2
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
4
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
5
 
 
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
6
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
21
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
21
 
 
 
PART II.
Other Information:
 
 
 
 
 Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
22
 
 
 
 Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
23
 
 
 
Item 4.
 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
23
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
24
 
 
SIGNATURES
24

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
        
Item 1. Financial Statements
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
   
 March 31,
  
December 31,
  
   
 2006
  
2005
  
ASSETS
  
(Unaudited)
            
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
553,219
  
$
675,903
   
  Receivables - trade and other
    
336,922
   
253,194
 
  Inventories - at cost:
              
    Raw materials and supplies
    
192,585
   
169,361
 
    Work-in-progress
    
43,009
   
26,172
 
    Finished goods
    
593
   
477
 
  Prepaid expenses
    
17,867
   
17,041
 
  Deferred tax assets - net
    
47,200
   
65,984
 
  Total current assets
    
1,191,395
   
1,208,132
 
             
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - at cost:
            
  Drilling equipment
    
2,271,421
   
2,251,714
 
  Manufacturing plant and equipment
    
178,579
   
165,185
 
  Construction in progress
    
187,077
   
112,939
 
  Other property and equipment
    
85,995
   
92,992
 
  Total
    
2,723,072
   
2,622,830
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    
904,134
   
902,096
 
Property, plant and equipment - net
    
1,818,938
   
1,720,734
 
             
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
    
37,044
   
46,317
 
             
  TOTAL
  
$
3,047,377
  
$
2,975,183
  
             
                                   See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
-2-

 
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
   
 March 31,
  
December 31,
  
   
 2006
  
2005
  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
 (Unaudited)
            
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
64,922
  
$
64,922
  
Accounts payable - trade
    
104,791
   
82,935
 
Deferred revenues
    
92,192
   
74,490
 
Billings in excess of uncompleted contract costs and estimated profit 
    
 81,788
    
56,821
  
Other current liabilities
    
56,171
   
61,445
 
 Total current liabilities
    
399,864
   
340,613
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT - less current maturities
    
531,619
   
550,326
 
               
OTHER LIABILITIES
    
131,211
   
149,782
 
               
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES - net
    
324,281
   
314,723
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
              
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value:
              
Authorized 5,000,000 shares issuable in series: 
              
 Series A Preferred Stock, authorized 4,800 shares, none outstanding
              
 Series B Preferred Stock, authorized 4,800 shares, none outstanding
              
 Series C Preferred Stock, authorized 9,606 shares, none outstanding
              
 Series D Preferred Stock, authorized 9,600 shares, none outstanding
              
 Series E Preferred Stock, authorized 1,194 shares, none outstanding
              
 Series A Junior Preferred Stock, authorized 1,500,000 shares,
              
 none issued
              
Common stock, $.125 par value:
              
Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued 110,115,845 shares at 
              
March 31, 2006 and 109,776,426 shares at December 31, 2005 
    
13,764
   
13,722
 
Additional paid-in capital
    
974,615
   
970,256
 
Retained earnings
    
755,683
   
724,096
 
Unearned equity compensation
    
-
   
(4,675
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    
(83,660
)
  
(83,660
)
 Total stockholders' equity
    
1,660,402
   
1,619,739
 
               
 TOTAL
  
$
3,047,377
  
$
2,975,183
  
               
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
              
 
 
 
 
 
 
-3-
 
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
   
For The Three Months
  
   
Ended March 31,
  
     
2006
 
 
2005
  
 
    
(Unaudited) 
  
REVENUES:
              
Drilling services 
  
$
217,102
  
$
160,279
  
Manufacturing sales and services 
    
82,685
   
62,113
 
Total
    
299,787
   
222,392
 
               
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
              
Drilling services 
    
108,795
   
89,425
 
Manufacturing sales and services 
    
65,387
   
56,674
 
Depreciation and amortization 
    
20,111
   
19,854
 
Selling, general and administrative 
    
18,509
   
13,260
 
Gain on disposals of property and equipment 
    
(2,544
)
  
(590
)
Total
    
210,258
   
178,623
 
               
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    
89,529
   
43,769
 
               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
              
Interest expense 
    
(6,997
)
  
(5,856
)
Less interest capitalized 
    
1,359
   
771
 
Interest income 
    
8,329
   
2,546
 
Gain on sale of investments 
    
-
   
7,701
 
Other - net 
    
132
   
336
 
Other income - net
    
2,823
   
5,498
 
               
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    
92,352
   
49,267
 
Provision for income taxes 
    
33,247
   
18,728
 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    
59,105
   
30,539
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 
    
-
   
12,883
 
NET INCOME
  
$
59,105
  
$
43,422
  
               
PER SHARE AMOUNTS (Note 2):
              
Income from continuing operations - basic 
  
$
.54
  
$
.28
  
Income from continuing operations - diluted 
  
$
.53
  
$
.28
  
               
Income from discontinued operations - basic 
  
$
-
  
$
.12
  
Income from discontinued operations - diluted 
  
$
-
  
$
.12
  
               
Net income - basic 
  
$
.54
  
$
.40
  
Net income - diluted 
  
$
.53
  
$
.40
  
               
               
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
              
 
 
 
 
-4-
 
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
 

   
For The Three Months
  
   
Ended March 31,
  
   
2006
 
2005
  
   
(Unaudited)
  
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):
              
Operations:
              
Net income
  
$
59,105
  
$
43,422
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
              
Deferred income taxes 
    
28,342
   
23,094
 
Depreciation and amortization 
    
20,111
   
19,913
 
Provision for pension and postretirement benefits 
    
7,669
   
6,797
 
Compensation expense 
    
3,190
   
1,009
 
Contributions to pension plans 
    
(154
)
  
(60,931
)
Postretirement benefit claims paid 
    
(1,100
)
  
(829
)
Gain on disposals of property, plant and equipment 
    
(2,544
)
  
(590
)
Gain on sale of boat purchase options 
    
-
   
(20,866
)
Gain on sales of investments 
    
-
   
(7,701
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
              
Receivables- trade and other 
    
(52,866
)
  
(22,027
)
Inventories 
    
(40,177
)
  
(5,925
)
Other current assets 
    
(20,219
)
  
(7,078
)
Current liabilities 
    
18,810
   
(2,244
)
Net changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities
    
(2,229
)
  
35
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operations
    
17,938
   
(33,921
)
               
Investing activities:
              
Capital expenditures
    
(108,988
)
  
(32,274
)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
    
8,622
   
816
 
Proceeds from sale of boat purchase options
    
-
   
20,866
 
Proceeds from sales of investments
    
-
   
7,701
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(100,366
)
  
(2,891
)
               
Financing activities:
              
Payment of cash dividend
    
(27,435
)
  
(26,935
)
Repayments of borrowings
    
(18,707
)
  
(18,707
)
Proceeds from stock option and convertible debenture plans
    
5,285
   
12,466
 
Proceeds from borrowings
    
-
   
12,589
 
      Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation    
601
    
-
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    
(40,256
)
  
(20,587
)
               
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    
(122,684
)
  
(57,399
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    
675,903
   
465,977
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  
$
553,219
  
$
408,578
  
               
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
              
 
 
 
 
-5-

ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

1.  
The consolidated financial statements of Rowan included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared without audit in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and notes have been condensed or omitted as permitted by those rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate, but suggests that you read these consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Rowan believes the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly its financial position as of March 31, 2006 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

Rowan’s results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
 

2.  
Rowan’s computations of basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

   
2006
 
2005
  
           
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
    
109,944
   
107,812
 
Dilutive securities:
              
Stock options
    
1,377
   
1,215
 
Convertible debentures
    
454
   
225
 
Weighted average shares for diluted calculations
    
111,775
   
109,252
 
               
Income from continuing operations
  
$
59,105
  
$
30,539
  
Income from continuing operations per share:
              
Basic
  
$
.54
  
$
.28
  
Diluted
  
$
.53
  
$
.28
  
               
Income from discontinued operations
  
$
-
  
$
12,883
  
Income from discontinued operations per share:
              
Basic
  
$
-
  
$
.12
  
Diluted
  
$
-
  
$
.12
  
               
Net income
  
$
59,105
  
$
43,422
  
Net income per share:
              
Basic
  
$
.54
  
$
.40
  
Diluted
  
$
.53
  
$
.40
  
               
 

  Rowan had 3,197,305 and 4,678,006 stock options outstanding at March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Another 1,141,274 and 1,212,386 shares, respectively, were issuable at those dates through the conversion of debentures.
 
 
-6-
 

3.  
Rowan has two principal operating segments: contract drilling of oil and gas wells, both onshore and offshore (“Drilling”) and the manufacture and sale of heavy equipment for the mining and timber industries, alloy steel and steel plate and drilling products (“Manufacturing”). Drilling services are provided in domestic and foreign areas. Manufacturing operations are primarily conducted in Longview and Houston, Texas and Vicksburg, Mississippi, though products are shipped throughout the United States and to many foreign locations.

The following table presents certain financial information of Rowan by operating segment as of March 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the three month periods then ended (in thousands). See Note 8 for further information regarding Rowan’s discontinued operations.
 
           
Discontinued
      
 
    
Drilling 
    
Manufacturing
 
 
Operations
 
 
Consolidated
  
2006
                          
Total assets
  
$
2,628,509
  
$
418,868
  
$
-
  
$
3,047,377
  
Goodwill
    
1,493
   
10,863
   
-
   
12,356
 
Revenues
    
217,102
    
82,685
    
-
   
299,787
  
Income from operations
   
79,639
    
9,890
    
-
   
89,529
  
                           
2005
                          
Total assets
  
$
2,147,919
  
$
310,119
  
$
7,665
  
$
2,465,703
  
Goodwill
    
1,493
   
10,863
   
-
   
12,356
 
Revenues
    
160,279
    
62,113
    
-
   
222,392
  
Income from operations
   
45,371
    
(1,602
 )  
-
   
43,769
  
 
Excluded from the preceding table are the effects of transactions between segments. During the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, Rowan’s manufacturing division provided approximately $43 million and $17 million, respectively, of products and services to its drilling division.
 
Assets are ascribed to a segment based upon their direct use. Rowan classifies its drilling rigs as domestic or foreign based upon the rig’s operating location. Accordingly, drilling rigs operating in or offshore the United States are considered domestic assets and rigs operating in other areas are deemed foreign assets. At March 31, 2006, the Company had 13 offshore rigs and 17 land rigs located in domestic areas and seven offshore rigs located in foreign areas.

Foreign source revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows (in thousands):
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
  
               
Drilling services:
              
Europe
  
$
26,860
  
$
16,925
  
Canada
    
12,579
   
-
 
Manufacturing sales and services
    
7,027
   
3,056
 
Total
  
$
46,466
  
$
19,981
  
               
 
 
 
-7-
 

4.  
Rowan had no items of other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. Interest payments (net of amounts capitalized) were $7.0 million and $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Tax payments (net of refunds) were $5.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, Rowan received approximately $7.7 million from the sale of marketable investment securities that had a nominal carrying cost.


5.  
Rowan generally recognizes manufacturing sales and related costs when title passes as products are shipped. Revenues from long-term manufacturing projects such as rigs and rig kits are recognized on the percentage-of-completion basis using costs incurred relative to total estimated costs. The Company does not recognize any estimated profit until such projects are at least 10% complete, though a full provision is made immediately for any anticipated losses.

The following table summarizes the status of Rowan’s long-term construction projects in process at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (in millions):


 
    
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
               
Total contract value of long-term projects in process
  
$
333.1
  
$
261.4
  
Payments received
    
126.0
   
90.2
 
Revenues recognized
    
44.2
   
36.1
 
Costs recognized
    
36.6
   
29.8
 
Payments received in excess of revenues recognized
    
81.8
   
54.1
 
               
Billings in excess of uncompleted contract costs
              
and estimated profit
  
$
81.8
  
$
56.8
  
Uncompleted contract costs and estimated profit
              
in excess of billings
  
$
-
  
$
2.7
  
               
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, Rowan recognized approximately $8.1 million of manufacturing revenues and $6.8 million of costs related to long-term construction projects on the percentage-of-completion basis.


6.  
Rowan’s 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) authorizes the Company’s Board of Directors to issue, through April 22, 2015, up to 3,400,000 shares of Rowan common stock in a variety of forms, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, stock appreciation rights and common stock grants, whose terms are governed by the LTIP. The LTIP replaced and superseded previous Rowan plans under which nonqualified stock options had been issued and remained outstanding. At March 31, 2006, awards covering 529,300 shares had been made under the LTIP, all of which occurred during 2005.
 
 
-8-
 
Restricted Stock Awards and Units
Restricted stock represents a full share of Rowan common stock issued with a restrictive legend that prevents its sale until the restriction is later removed. The restrictions will generally lapse over a four-year service period to the extent of 25% per year. The Company measures total compensation related to each share based upon the market value of the common stock on the date of the award and recognizes the resulting expense on a straight-line basis over the service period. During 2005, Rowan issued 242,100 shares of restricted stock to 77 key employees, with an average fair value of $25.09 per share. The total related compensation was measured at $6.1 million, of which $1.9 million had been recognized at March 31, 2006.

Restricted stock units are awards that may be settled through the issuance of Rowan common stock or the payment of cash where vesting generally occurs over a defined service period but the restriction lapses only upon termination of service. The Company measures compensation related to each unit based upon the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the award and recognizes the resulting expense and liability on a straight-line basis over the service period. During 2005, Rowan issued 36,900 restricted stock units to its nonemployee directors, with an average fair value of $25.12 per unit. At March 31, 2006, Rowan had accrued $0.8 million toward future settlement of restricted stock units.

Performance Shares
Performance shares are shares of Rowan common stock whose future issuance is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance criteria. During 2005, the Company awarded 99,500 performance shares to 12 key employees, under which as many as 199,000 (and as few as zero) shares of Rowan common stock will be issued in May 2008 depending upon the Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) versus a selected industry peer group over the three-year period then ended. The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense at each period-end using the market value of the common stock on the date of the award and the expected number of shares to be issued based upon Rowan’s relative TSR performance. At March 31, 2006, Rowan had recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense related to performance shares.

Stock Options
Stock options generally become exercisable in four equal annual installments and all options not exercised expire ten years after the date of grant. Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was as follows:
 

       
Weighted
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average 
 
 
Average
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
Number of 
 
 
Exercise
 
 
Fair
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
Options 
 
 
Price
 
 
Value
 
 
Life (Yrs)
 
                           
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
    
3,466,393
 
$
18.93
              
Granted
    
-
   
-
             
Exercised
    
(268,307
)
  
16.93
             
Forfeited
    
(781
)
  
10.14
             
Outstanding at March 31, 2006
    
3,197,305
 
$
19.10
  
$
11.70
    
6.0
 
                           
Exercisable at March 31, 2006
    
2,131,601
 
$
19.06
              
 

    At March 31, 2006, Rowan had $7.1 million of unrecognized future compensation expense related to stock options.
 
 
-9-
 
On January 1, 2006, Rowan adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment”, as amended, which requires recognition as expense over future service or vesting periods of stock-based compensation cost measured based upon grant date fair value. Prior to 2006, Rowan accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, whereby cost was measured based upon intrinsic value, or the difference, if any, between the quoted market price on the date of grant and the amount the employee was required to pay for the common stock. Accordingly, Rowan did not recognize compensation expense for stock options having an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant. The provisions of the original Statement 123 required a fair value measurement for all option awards, and disclosure of the effects of any stock-based compensation cost not recognized on that basis.

Rowan selected the modified prospective method of adoption, whereby the provisions of Statement 123R are applied to all stock-based awards made on or after January 1, 2006 and any outstanding but unvested awards as of that date. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 have not been restated to give effect to Statement 123R. In addition, there was no material cumulative effect to be recognized upon adoption of Statement 123R. The adoption of Statement 123R did impact the Company’s Stockholders’ equity components as the $4.7 million balance of Unearned equity compensation, which originated in connection with the 2005 restricted stock awards, was reclassified to, and reduced the balance of, Additional paid-in capital effective January 1, 2006.

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, Rowan recognized stock-based compensation expense of $3.1 million, including $2.4 million related to stock options, $0.5 million related to restricted stock and $0.2 million related to performance shares. As the Company made no stock-based awards during the period, these amounts reflect compensation cost for all unvested awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006, based upon original grant date fair value measurements made under Statement 123. Thus, the provisions of Statement 123R reduced the Company’s first quarter 2006 net income by approximately $1.2 million or $.01 per share. The following table illustrates the estimated effects of Statement 123R on results for the comparable period of the 2005.
 
 

   
For the Three
 
 
 
Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2005 
  
         
Net income as reported
  
$
43,422
  
Stock-based compensation, net of tax effects:
        
As recorded under APB 25
    
629
 
Pro forma under SFAS 123
    
(1,791
)
Pro forma net income
  
$
42,260
  
         
Net income per share:
        
Basic - as reported
  
$
0.40
  
Diluted - as reported
  
$
0.39
  
Basic - pro forma
  
$
0.40
  
Diluted - pro forma
  
$
0.39
  
         
 
 
 
-10-
 
7.  
Since 1952, Rowan has sponsored defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees. In addition, Rowan provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired drilling and aviation employees.

Net periodic pension cost for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 included the following components (in thousands):
 

   
2006
 
2005
  
           
Service cost
  
$
2,970
  
$
2,774
  
Interest cost
    
6,047
   
5,337
 
Expected return on plan assets
    
(6,077
)
  
(5,658
)
Recognized actuarial loss
    
3,004
   
2,884
 
Amortization of prior service cost
    
42
   
42
 
Total
 
$
5,986
  
$
5,379
  
 
 
Other benefits cost for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 included the following components (in thousands):
 

   
2006
 
2005
  
           
Service cost
  
$
486
  
$
432
  
Interest cost
    
933
   
838
 
Recognized actuarial loss
    
151
   
35
 
Amortization of transition obligation
    
163
   
163
 
Amortization of prior service cost
    
(50
)
  
(50
)
Total
 
$
1,683
  
$
1,418
  

  During the first quarter of 2006, Rowan contributed $1.3 million toward its pension and other benefit plans. Rowan currently expects to make additional payments totaling approximately $6 million during the remainder of 2006.
 

8.  
In February 2005, Rowan sold the purchase options it held on four leased anchor-handling boats for approximately $21 million in cash. The leases covering the Company’s two remaining boats expired during the second quarter of 2005, when they were returned to the lessor and Rowan exited the marine vessel business. During the first three months of 2005, Rowan recognized $9.4 million of revenues and $7.9 million of expenses related to the marine vessel operations, and a $20.9 million gain on the sale of the purchase options. The aggregate effect of these items was reduced by an $8.3 million provision for income taxes.

On December 31, 2004, Rowan completed the sale of its aviation operations, conducted by Era Aviation, Inc. During the first three months of 2005, the Company recorded an incremental loss on the sale of $1.8 million, net of a related tax benefit of $0.6 million, which resulted from post-closing working capital adjustments pursuant to the sale agreement.
 
The revenues and expenses resulting from Rowan’s discontinued aviation and marine vessel operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005, including the gain recognized upon sale of the boat purchase options, are shown collectively and net of tax as Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
-11-
 

9.  
In October 2005, Rowan sold its only semi-submersible rig for approximately $60 million in cash. Payment for the rig is expected to occur over a 15-month period ending in January 2007, at which point the title to the rig will transfer to the buyer. Rowan retained ownership of much of the drilling equipment on the rig and has continued to provide a number of operating personnel under a separate services agreement. The transaction is being accounted for as a sales-type lease with the expected gain on the sale and imputed interest income deferred until the $14 million net book value of the rig had been recovered. At March 31, 2006, Rowan had received payments totaling $15.3 million and included in Receivables the present value of expected future collections of $43.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, Rowan recognized $0.2 million of gain on the sale and $1.1 million of interest income related to this agreement.


10.  
During the third quarter of 2005, Rowan lost four offshore rigs, including the Rowan-Halifax, and incurred significant damage on a fifth as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. At March 31, 2006, the Company included in Receivables $36.1 million of costs incurred to locate or recover the remains of those rigs for which Rowan expects full reimbursement from its insurance carriers. The Company has been notified that its carriers are reserving their right to deny reimbursement for any costs incurred in wreck and debris removal activities that they believe are outside the scope of Rowan’s coverage. Thus, it is possible that a portion of such costs will not be reimbursed, requiring a charge to operations.
 
The Company leased the Rowan-Halifax under a charter agreement that commenced in 1984 and was scheduled to expire in March 2008. The rig was insured for $43.4 million, a value that Rowan believes satisfied the requirements of the charter agreement, and by a margin sufficient to cover the $6.3 million carrying value of Rowan equipment installed on the rig. However, the owner of the rig has claimed that the rig should have been insured for its fair market value and may seek recovery from Rowan for compensation above the insured value. Thus, we have assumed no insurance proceeds related to the Rowan-Halifax and recorded a charge during 2005 for the full carrying value of our equipment. On November 3, 2005, the Company filed a declaratory judgment action in Texas State Court to resolve the disagreement among the parties. Recent appraisals obtained by the owner indicate a fair market value of the rig in the range of $75-91 million.

During 2005, the Company learned that a unit of the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an investigation of potential antitrust violations among helicopter transportation providers in the Gulf of Mexico. Rowan’s former aviation subsidiary, which was sold effective December 31, 2004, has received a subpoena in connection with the investigation. The Company has not been contacted by the DOJ, but the purchaser has made a claim that Rowan is responsible for any exposure it may have. The Company has disputed that claim.

During 2004, the Company learned that a unit of the DOJ is conducting a criminal investigation of environmental matters involving several of Rowan’s offshore drilling rigs. Rowan is cooperating with the investigation, including responding to the DOJ’s subpoenas for certain documentation regarding our operations. The Company does not have sufficient information at this time to comment on the possible outcome of the investigation.
 
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its businesses and is vigorously defending its position in all such matters. We believe that there are no known contingencies, claims or lawsuits that will have a material adverse effect on Rowan’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
-12-

 
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

Rowan generated net income of $59.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $43.4 million in the same period of 2005. Income from continuing operations was $59.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $30.5 million in the same period of 2005. This improvement was largely due to effects of increased average drilling day rates and higher manufacturing sales.

A comparison of the revenues and income from drilling, manufacturing and consolidated operations for the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively, is reflected below (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Drilling 
    
Manufacturing
    
Consolidated
  
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
  
                                       
Revenues
  
$
217,102
  
$
160,279
  
$
82,685
  
$
62,113
  
$
299,787
  
$
222,392
  
                                       
Percent of Consolidated Revenues
    
72
%
  
72
%
  
28
%
  
28
%
  
100
%
  
100
%
 
Income (loss) from operations
  
$
79,639
  
$
45,371
  
$
9,890
  
$
(1,602
 )
$
89,529
  
$
43,769
  
                                       
Percent of Revenues
    
37
%
  
28
%
  
12
%
  
-3
%
  
30
%
  
20
%
 
Net interest and other income (expense)
                          
$
2,823
  
$
5,498
 
 
Income from continuing operations
                          
$
59,105
  
$
30,539
 
 
 
As shown in the preceding table, our consolidated income from operations improved by $45.8 million or 105% when comparing the first quarters of 2006 and 2005. Our drilling operations generated a $56.8 million or 35% increase in revenues and a $34.3 million or 76% improvement in operating income between periods. Our average offshore day rate was $128,600 during the first quarter of 2006, compared to $61,200 in the first quarter of 2005. Our offshore fleet was 78% utilized during the first quarter of 2006, compared to 98% in the first quarter of 2005, with much of the variance associated with the mobilization of four rigs to Saudi Arabia. This coupled with our loss of four rigs during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused overall rig operating days to decrease by 865 or 39% between periods. Our fleet of 17 land rigs was 98% utilized during the first quarter of 2006, compared to 95% in the first quarter of 2005, and achieved a 36% increase in average day rates between periods.

Drilling expenses increased by $19.4 million or 22% between periods. Rebillable expenses were $7.9 million higher during the first quarter of 2006 primarily due to incremental towing costs. The addition of our second Tarzan Class jack-up in September 2005 and the reactivation of one land rig in each of February 2005 and January 2006 resulted in a $4.2 million increase in expenses between periods. Repairs and maintenance and rig insurance expenses each increased by $1.9 million between periods.
 
 
-13-
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by our drilling division increased by $4.6 million or 52% between periods due primarily to incremental incentive-based compensation associated with the division’s improved operating results and increased professional services costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Our manufacturing operations generated a $20.6 million or 33% increase in revenues and an $11.5 million increase in operating income between periods. Marine group revenues increased by $14.4 million or 322% between periods and included $8.1 million related to long-term rig and rig kit construction projects during the first quarter of 2006. Drilling products group revenues increased by $12.5 million or 374% between periods and included shipments of 19 mud pumps during the first quarter of 2006, compared to two units in the same period of 2005. Equipment group revenues, though up only $1.0 million or 3% between periods, featured a more profitable mix of sales during the first quarter of 2006, with five of the six machines delivered during the period being our larger L-1850 model mining loader. The first quarter of 2005 included a $2.7 million estimated loss recognized on the drilling products group’s dredge barge project. As a result, our average margin on direct costs increased to 21% of revenues in 2006 from 9% in 2005. Manufacturing selling, general and administration expenses increased by $0.6 million or 14% between periods, primarily due to higher professional services costs.

Our manufacturing operating results exclude the effects of approximately $43 million of products and services provided to our drilling division during the first quarter of 2006, most of which was attributable to construction progress on the third Tarzan Class jack-up rig, the Hank Boswell, compared to about $17 million in the same period of 2005.

During the first quarter of 2005, we realized a $7.7 million gain on the sale of marketable investment securities that had a nominal carrying cost. This gain more than offset the effects of rising short-term investment rates applied to a growing balance of cash and cash equivalents resulting in the $2.7 million decrease between periods in Net interest and other income (expense).

In February 2005, we sold the purchase options we held on four leased anchor-handling boats for approximately $21 million in cash. The leases covering our two remaining boats expired during the second quarter of 2005, when the boats were returned to the lessor and we exited the marine vessel business. During the first quarter of 2005, we recognized $9.4 million of revenues and $7.9 million of expenses related to the marine vessel operations, and a $20.9 million gain on the sale of the purchase options. The aggregate effect of these items was reduced by an $8.3 million provision for income taxes.

On December 31, 2004, we completed the sale of our aviation operations, conducted by Era Aviation, Inc. During the first quarter of 2005, we recorded an incremental loss on the sale of $1.8 million, net of a related tax benefit of $0.6 million, which resulted from post-closing working capital adjustments pursuant to the sale agreement.
 
The revenues and expenses resulting from our discontinued aviation and marine vessel operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005, including the gain recognized upon the sale of the boat purchase options, are shown collectively and net of tax as Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
 
-14-
 
Outlook

Worldwide rig demand is inherently volatile and has historically varied from one market to the next, as has the supply of competitive equipment. Exploration and development expenditures are affected by many local factors, such as political and regulatory policies, seasonal weather patterns, lease expirations, and new oil and gas discoveries. In the end, however, the level and expected direction of oil and natural gas prices are what most impact drilling activity. With consistently high prices in recent years, energy companies have realized substantial cash flows which we believe should, over time, lead to additional drilling projects.

Currently, the outlook for most worldwide drilling markets appears to be strong or improving. Expected demand for jack-ups exceeds the supply of rigs in the Middle East, West Africa, India and most other foreign locations. Thus, energy companies in markets like the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea may be forced to aggressively compete for drilling equipment. Assuming these events occur, our drilling operations should continue to benefit. The volatility inherent in this business, however, makes any prediction of future market conditions speculative. Thus, we can offer no assurance that existing market conditions will continue beyond the near term, or that expected improvements will materialize.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused tremendous damage to drilling and production equipment and facilities throughout the Gulf Coast during the third quarter of 2005, and we suffered a significant loss of current and prospective revenues. These storms also had the effect of further reducing the supply of available drilling equipment in the Gulf of Mexico, which has thus far greatly improved market conditions for our remaining rigs. The cost of doing business there, however, is also rising, especially for insurance coverage. Though we have obtained coverage for our offshore operations and fleet beyond the end of 2006, our annual insurance cost will be about four times the pre-storm level and we have assumed more of the risk of certain losses.
  
Our drilling operations are currently benefiting from predominantly favorable market conditions worldwide and are profitable. There is no assurance, however, that such conditions will be sustained beyond the near-term or that our drilling operations will remain profitable. Our drilling operations will be adversely affected if market conditions deteriorate.

Though considerably less volatile than our drilling operations, our manufacturing operations, especially the equipment group, are impacted by world commodities prices; in particular, prices for copper, iron ore, coal and gold. In addition, the prospects for our marine and drilling products groups are closely tied to the condition of the overall drilling industry and its demand for equipment, parts and services.

Many commodity prices are at or near historically high levels due to growth in worldwide demand. Our external manufacturing backlog at March 31, 2006, of approximately $442 million, was our largest ever and more than five times the prior-year level. The backlog included $251 million related to the long-term marine construction projects that are expected to run through April 2008 and $99 million associated with 18 loaders and stackers and 83 mud pumps that should be shipped during the next twelve months. Thus far, we have been able to pass along the effects of cost increases to our customers in the form of higher sales prices.

We are optimistic that prices will remain firm, sustaining the demand for the types of equipment that we provide, and that our increased volumes will yield improved profitability. We cannot, however, accurately predict the duration of current business conditions or their impact on our operations. Our manufacturing operations will be adversely affected if conditions deteriorate.
 
 
-15-
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

A comparison of key balance sheet figures and ratios as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 
December 31, 
 
2006
2005
     
Cash and cash equivalents
$553,219
$675,903
Current assets
$1,191,395
$1,208,132
Current liabilities
$399,864
$340,613
Current ratio
2.98
3.54
Long-term debt - less current maturities
$531,619
$550,326
Stockholders' equity
$1,660,402
$1,619,739
Long-term debt/total capitalization
.24
.25
 
Reflected in the comparison above are the effects in the first quarter of 2006 of:
 
·  
net cash provided by operations of $17.9 million
·  
proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment of $8.6 million
·  
proceeds from stock option and convertible debenture plans of $5.3 million
·  
capital expenditures of $109.0 million
·  
cash dividend payments of $27.4 million
·  
debt repayments of $18.7 million

Operating cash flows during the first quarter of 2006 were after a $94.5 million net investment in working capital during the period. Receivables increased by $52.9 million due primarily to recoverable hurricane-related survey and salvage costs and the impact of revenue growth. Inventories increased by $40.2 million due primarily to growing manufacturing backlog. Non-cash or non-operating adjustments to net income during the first quarter of 2006 totaled $55.5 million and included deferred income taxes of $28.3 million and depreciation of $20.1 million.

Capital expenditures during the first quarter of 2006 included $19.9 million related to the construction of our third Tarzan Class jack-up rig, the Hank Boswell, $11.8 million related to construction of our fourth Tarzan Class jack-up rig and $42.4 million related to the construction of 12 new 2000 horsepower land rigs.

The Hank Boswell is being constructed at our Vicksburg, Mississippi facility with delivery expected during the third quarter of 2006. Another shipyard is constructing the hull of our fourth Tarzan Class jack-up and the rig should be completed during the third quarter of 2007. We have applied to MARAD for Title XI government-guaranteed financing for up to $176 million of the cost of the third and fourth Tarzan Class rigs on terms and conditions similar to those in our outstanding debt agreements. If we are unable to obtain this or any other outside financing, we could be forced to continue using working capital, if available, or postpone construction.

-16-
 
In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved the construction of two of a new class of jack-up rig. The 240C will be equipped for high pressure/high temperature drilling in water depths of up to 400 feet. We believe the 240C design will set a new standard as a replacement for the 116-C, which has been the "workhorse" of the global drilling industry for the past 25 years. The 240C will have more deck space, higher variable load, more drilling capacity (two million pound hook-load capability), more cantilever reach (up to 100 feet) and greater personnel capacity (108 man) than the 116-C. Each rig will cost approximately $165 million and will be constructed in Vicksburg, Mississippi with delivery expected in mid 2008 and early 2009. We currently anticipate funding construction with available cash, but will consider attractive financing alternatives.

We currently estimate that remaining 2006 capital expenditures will be between $350 million and $400 million, including approximately $41 million towards the completion of the Hank Boswell, $65-75 million towards the construction of our fourth Tarzan Class jack-up, $60-75 million towards the construction of our first 240C class jack-up and approximately $95 million towards the completion of the 12 new land rigs.

In October 2005, we sold our only semi-submersible rig for approximately $60 million in cash. Payment for the rig is expected to occur over a 15-month period ending in January 2007, at which point the title to the rig will transfer to the buyer. We retained ownership of much of the drilling equipment on the rig and will continue to provide a number of operating personnel under a separate services agreement. The transaction is being accounted for as a sales-type lease with the expected gain on the sale and imputed interest income deferred until the $14 million net book value of the rig had been recovered. At March 31, 2006, we had received payments totaling $15.3 million and included in assets the present value of expected future collections of $43.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we recognized $0.2 million of gain on the sale and $1.1 million of interest income related to this agreement.

Our debt agreements contain provisions that require minimum levels of working capital and stockholders’ equity, limit the amount of long-term debt and, in the event of noncompliance, restrict investment activities, asset purchases and sales, lease obligations, borrowings and mergers or acquisitions. We were in compliance with each of our debt covenants at March 31, 2006.

On February 25, 2005, in conjunction with the sale of our aviation operations, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on February 9, 2005. On September 1, 2005, in conjunction with the sale of several non-core assets, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on August 17, 2005. On February 24, 2006, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on February 8, 2006. At March 31, 2006, we had approximately $446 million of retained earnings available for distribution to stockholders under the most restrictive provisions of our debt agreements. On May 2, 2006, we announced our intention to pay a regular quarterly dividend of $.10 per common share, the first of which will be paid on May 26, 2006 to stockholders of record on May 12, 2006.

We contributed $137.4 million to our defined benefit pension plans over the 2003-2005 period, including almost $90 million during 2005. Minimum contribution amounts are determined based upon actuarial calculations of pension assets and liabilities that involve, among other things, assumptions about long-term asset returns and interest rates. Similar calculations were used to estimate pension costs and obligations as reflected in our consolidated financial statements, which showed an accumulated other comprehensive loss resulting from unfunded pension liabilities of $83.7 million at December 31, 2005. We expect to make additional pension contributions over the next several years even if plan assets perform as expected, though our funding requirement during the remainder of 2006 is expected to be less than $3 million. Pending federal legislation aimed at strengthening underfunded pension plans could significantly increase and accelerate our future funding requirements. We currently estimate that our 2006 pension expense will increase by approximately $5 million or about 25% over the 2005 amount.

-17-
 
Based on current and anticipated near-term operating levels, we believe that operating cash flows together with existing working capital will be adequate to sustain planned capital expenditures and debt service and other requirements at least through the remainder of 2006. We currently have no other available credit facilities, but believe financing could be obtained if deemed necessary.

During the third quarter of 2005, Rowan lost four offshore rigs, including the Rowan-Halifax, and incurred significant damage on a fifth as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. At March 31, 2006, the Company included in Receivables $36.1 million of costs incurred to locate or recover the remains of those rigs for which we expect full reimbursement from our insurance carriers. We have been notified that our carriers are reserving their right to deny reimbursement for any costs incurred in wreck and debris removal activities that they believe are outside the scope of our coverage. Thus, it is possible that a portion of such costs will not be reimbursed, requiring a charge to operations.
 
We leased the Rowan-Halifax under a charter agreement that commenced in 1984 and was scheduled to expire in March 2008. The rig was insured for $43.4 million, a value that we believe satisfied the requirements of the charter agreement, and by a margin sufficient to cover the $6.3 million carrying value of our equipment installed on the rig. However, the owner of the rig has claimed that the rig should have been insured for its fair market value and may seek recovery from us for compensation above the insured value. Thus, we have assumed no insurance proceeds related to the Rowan-Halifax and recorded a charge during 2005 for the full carrying value of our equipment. On November 3, 2005, we filed a declaratory judgment action in Texas State Court to resolve the disagreement among the parties. Recent appraisals obtained by the owner indicate a fair market value of the rig in the range of $75-91 million.

During 2005, we learned that a unit of the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an investigation of potential antitrust violations among helicopter transportation providers in the Gulf of Mexico. Our former aviation subsidiary, which was sold effective December 31, 2004, has received a subpoena in connection with the investigation. We have not been contacted by the DOJ, but the purchaser has made a claim that we are responsible for any exposure it may have. We have disputed that claim.

During 2004, we learned that a unit of the DOJ is conducting a criminal investigation of environmental matters involving several of our offshore drilling rigs. We are cooperating with the investigation, including responding to the DOJ’s subpoenas for certain documentation regarding our operations. We do not have sufficient information at this time to comment on the possible outcome of the investigation.
 
We are involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to our businesses and are vigorously defending our position in all such matters. We believe that there are no known contingencies, claims or lawsuits that will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


Critical Accounting Policies and Management Estimates. 

Our significant accounting policies are outlined in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. These policies, and management judgments, assumptions and estimates made in their application, underlie reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and management estimates involve revenue recognition (primarily upfront service fees for equipment moves and modifications and long-term manufacturing projects), property and depreciation (particularly capitalizable costs, useful lives and salvage values) and pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and costs (specifically assumptions used in actuarial calculations), as changes in such policies and/or estimates would produce significantly different amounts from those reported herein.

-18-
 
Revenue recognition. Our drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a day rate basis, and revenues are recognized as the work progresses with the passage of time. We frequently receive lump-sum payments at the outset of a drilling assignment as upfront service fees for equipment moves or modifications, and such payments (and related costs) are recognized as drilling revenues (and expenses) over the contract period. At March 31, 2006, we had deferred $1.0 million of revenues and $29.6 million of costs related to such upfront service fees, with the latter amount primarily reflecting mobilization and modification expenses incurred in connection with our four-rig Saudi Arabia contract.

We generally recognize manufacturing sales and related costs when title passes as products are shipped. Revenues from long-term manufacturing projects such as rigs and rig kits are recognized on the percentage-of-completion basis using costs incurred relative to total estimated costs. We do not recognize any estimated profit until such projects are at least 10% complete, though a full provision is made immediately for any anticipated losses. Total estimated costs are critical to this process and are therefore reviewed on a regular basis. At March 31, 2006, we had received $126.0 million of progress payments toward long-term manufacturing projects and had recognized $44.2 million of manufacturing revenues and $36.6 million of costs related to such projects on the percentage-of-completion basis.

Property and depreciation. We provide depreciation under the straight-line method from the date an asset is placed into service based upon estimated service lives ranging up to 40 years and salvage values ranging up to 20%. We continue to operate 14 offshore rigs that were placed into service during 1971-1986 and assigned lives ranging from 12 to 15 years. Our newest and most significant assets, the Super Gorilla and Tarzan Class rigs, which collectively comprise almost two-thirds of our property, plant and equipment carrying value, carry a 25-year service life.

Expenditures for new property or enhancements to existing property are capitalized and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Capitalized cost includes labor expended during installation and, on newly constructed assets, a portion of interest cost incurred during the construction period. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable, such as following a sustained deficit in operating cash flows caused by a prominent decline in overall rig activity and average day rates.

Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and costs. As previously mentioned, our pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and costs are based upon actuarial computations that reflect our assumptions about future events, including long-term asset returns, interest rates, annual compensation increases, mortality rates and other factors. Key assumptions for 2006 include discount rates ranging from 5.56% to 5.68%, an expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets of 8% and annual healthcare cost increases ranging from 10% in 2006 to 5% in 2011 and beyond. The assumed discount rate is based upon the average yield for Moody’s Aa-rated corporate bonds and the rate of return assumption reflects a probability distribution of expected long-term returns that is weighted based upon plan asset allocations. A 1-percentage-point decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase our recorded pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities by approximately $60 million, while a 1% change in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would change annual net benefits cost by approximately $2.8 million. A 1-percentage-point increase in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would increase 2006 other benefits costs by $0.5 million.




-19-
 
Our adoption, effective January 1, 2006, of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, as amended, which requires the measurement and recognition of stock-based compensation expense based upon grant date fair value, reduced our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2006 by approximately $1.2 million or $.01 per share. Prior to 2006, we used the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. We estimate that use of the fair value method would have reduced reported amounts of net income and net income per share by approximately $1.2 million, or $.01 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

Our adoption, effective January 1, 2006, of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, “Inventory Costs”, which clarifies the distinction between costs that are allocable to inventory and those that are expensed as incurred, did not materially impact our financial position or results of operations.


This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements as to the expectations, beliefs and future expected financial performance of Rowan that are based on current expectations and are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by us. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: oil, natural gas and other commodity prices; the level of offshore expenditures by energy companies; energy demand; the general economy, including interest rates and inflation; weather conditions in our principal operating areas; and environmental and other laws and regulations. Details of these and other risks have been disclosed in Rowan’s filings with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Rowan believes that its exposure to risk of earnings loss due to changes in market interest rates is not significant. The Company’s outstanding debt at March 31, 2006 was comprised as follows: $348.6 million of fixed-rate notes bearing a weighted average annual interest rate of 4.52% and $247.9 million of floating-rate notes bearing a weighted average annual interest rate of 4.88%. In addition, virtually all of the Company’s transactions are carried out in U. S. dollars. Thus, Rowan’s foreign currency exposure is not material. Fluctuating commodity prices materially affect Rowan’s future earnings only to the extent that they influence demand for the Company’s products and services. Rowan does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2006.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, and therefore can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Our management’s assessment is that the Company did maintain effective ICFR as of March 31, 2006 within the context of the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1. Legal Proceedings

During the third quarter of 2005, Rowan lost four offshore rigs, including the Rowan-Halifax, and incurred significant damage on a fifth as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  The Company leased the Rowan-Halifax under a charter agreement that commenced in 1984 and was scheduled to expire in March 2008. The rig was insured for $43.4 million, a value that Rowan believes satisfied the requirements of the charter agreement, and by a margin sufficient to cover the $6.3 million carrying value of Rowan equipment installed on the rig. However, the owner of the rig has claimed that the rig should have been insured for its fair market value and may seek recovery from Rowan for compensation above the insured value. Thus, we have assumed no insurance proceeds related to the Rowan-Halifax and recorded a charge during 2005 for the full carrying value of our equipment. On November 3, 2005, the Company filed a declaratory judgment action in Texas State Court to resolve the disagreement among the parties. Recent appraisals obtained by the owner indicate a fair market value of the rig in the range of $75-91 million.

During 2005, the Company learned that a unit of the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an investigation of potential antitrust violations among helicopter transportation providers in the Gulf of Mexico. Rowan’s former aviation subsidiary, which was sold effective December 31, 2004, has received a subpoena in connection with the investigation. The Company has not been contacted by the DOJ, but the purchaser has made a claim that Rowan is responsible for any exposure it may have. The Company has disputed that claim.

During 2004, the Company learned that a unit of the DOJ is conducting a criminal investigation of environmental matters involving several of Rowan’s offshore drilling rigs. Rowan is cooperating with the investigation, including responding to the DOJ’s subpoenas for certain documentation regarding our operations. The Company does not have sufficient information at this time to comment on the possible outcome of the investigation.
 
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its businesses and is vigorously defending its position in all such matters. We believe that there are no known contingencies, claims or lawsuits that will have a material adverse effect on Rowan’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its outstanding common stock during the first quarters of 2006 or 2005. Under the terms of a Share Repurchase Program begun in June 1998, the Company was authorized, at March 31, 2006, to buy back up to approximately 1.5 million shares of its common stock.

On February 25, 2005, in conjunction with the sale of our aviation operations, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on February 9, 2005. On September 1, 2005, in conjunction with the sale of several non-core assets, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on August 17, 2005. On February 24, 2006, we paid a special cash dividend of $.25 per common share to stockholders of record on February 8, 2006.

At March 31, 2006, Rowan had approximately $446 million of retained earnings available for distribution to stockholders under the most restrictive provisions of our debt agreements. On May 2, 2006, we announced our intention to pay a regular quarterly dividend of $.10 per common share, the first of which will be paid on May 26, 2006 to stockholders of record on May 12, 2006.



Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 28, 2006, stockholders elected the two nominees for Class III Director as set forth in Rowan’s Proxy Statement relating to the meeting. With respect to such election, proxies were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and there was no solicitation in opposition to such nominees. Of Rowan’s 109,975,782 shares of record, 89,493,426 were represented at the meeting in person or by proxy. The following numbers of votes were cast as to the Class III Director nominees: John R. Huff, 86,800,578 votes for and 2,692,848 votes withheld and Frederick R. Lausen, 86,801,203 votes for and 2,692,223 votes withheld. Also at the meeting, stockholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 2006, as follows: 88,326,998 votes for, 633,411 votes against and 533,015 shares abstaining.



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Item 6. Exhibits

The following is a list of Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:

10.1         Form of Non-Employee Director 2007 Restricted Stock Unit Grant Pursuant to the Terms  of the Rowan Companies, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
 
10.2
Form of 2005 Rowan Companies, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 Restricted Stock Grant Agreement
 
 
10.3
Form of 2005 Rowan Companies, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
 
 
10.4
Form of 2005 Rowan Companies, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 Performance Share Award Agreement
 
31    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
32    Section 1350 Certifications (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 

 

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

   
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.
   
(Registrant)
     
Date: May 10, 2006
  
/s/ W. H. WELLS
   
W. H. Wells
   
Vice President - Finance
   
and Treasurer
   
(Chief Financial Officer)
     
     
Date: May 10, 2006
  
/s/ GREGORY M. HATFIELD
   
Gregory M. Hatfield
   
Controller
   
(Chief Accounting Officer)


 
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