10-Q
Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

     Washington, D.C. 20549     

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


ý   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


o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                  to                  

Commission File Number 1-8097


ENSCO International Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

500 North Akard Street
Suite 4300
Dallas, Texas

(Address of principal executive offices)
  76-0232579
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)



75201-3331
(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (214) 397-3000

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 ý        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:
          Large accelerated filer ý         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 ý

There were 153,771,431 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, of the registrant outstanding as of April 24, 2006.

 




ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2006


 
PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                 ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3
 
                                  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 3
 
                                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                                         Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
4
 
                                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                         March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
5
 
                                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                         Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
6
 
                                  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
 
                 ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
20
 
                 ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
                                 ABOUT MARKET RISK
44
 
                 ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 44
 
PART II   OTHER INFORMATION
 
                 ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 45
 
                 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 46
 
                 ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF
                                 PROCEEDS
51
 
                 ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS 51
 
                 SIGNATURES 52


Table of Contents

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


       This report contains forward-looking statements by management and the Company that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in the report are based on information as of the date of this report. The Company assumes no obligation to update these statements based on information from and after the date of this report. Generally, forward-looking statements include words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and words and phrases of similar impact. The forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operations, industry trends or conditions and the business environment; statements regarding future levels of, or trends in, day rates, utilization, revenues, operating expenses, capital expenditures, insurance, financing and funding; and statements regarding future construction, enhancement or upgrade of rigs, future mobilization, relocation or other movement of rigs, and future availability or suitability of rigs. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including those described under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" to Part I of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as updated under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein.

 


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
ENSCO International Incorporated:

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of ENSCO International Incorporated (and subsidiaries) as of March 31, 2006, the related condensed consolidated statements of income, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of ENSCO International Incorporated (and subsidiaries) as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 22, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Dallas, Texas
April 24, 2006




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ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
           March 31,          
     2006     2005   
 
OPERATING REVENUES     $ 385.1                 $ 210.6     
 
OPERATING EXPENSES  
     Contract drilling   130.0       108.6  
     Depreciation and amortization   42.4       36.6  
     General and administrative   10.4       8.0  

    182.8       153.2  

 
OPERATING INCOME   202.3       57.4  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)  
     Interest income   2.3       1.1  
     Interest expense, net   (4.2 )     (7.8 )
     Other, net   (1.7 )     3.8  

    (3.6 )     (2.9 )

 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
  198.7       54.5  
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 
     Current income tax expense   55.6       12.9  
     Deferred income tax (benefit) expense   (1.8 )     2.8  

    53.8       15.7  

 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS   144.9       38.8  
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS              
     Income from discontinued operations, net   .1       .5  
     Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net   4.2       --  

        4.3       .5  

 
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   149.2       39.3  
 
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE FOR ADOPTION OF
SFAS 123(R), NET
  .6       --  

 
NET INCOME $ 149.8     $ 39.3  

 
EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC 
     Continuing operations $ .95     $ .26  
     Discontinued operations   .03       .00  
     Cumulative effect of accounting change   .00       --  

  $ .98     $ .26  

 
EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED  
     Continuing operations $ .94     $ .26  
     Discontinued operations   .03       .00  
     Cumulative effect of accounting change   .00       --  

      $ .97     $ .26  

 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 
     Basic   152.9       150.9  
     Diluted   153.7       151.5  
 
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ .025     $ .025  

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


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ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except par value amounts)

March 31, December 31,
        2006                 2005         
  (Unaudited)  
                                     ASSETS          
 
CURRENT ASSETS  
    Cash and cash equivalents   $    251.1   $    268.5  
    Accounts receivable, net   293.7   269.0  
    Prepaid expenses and other   44.5   40.9  

           Total current assets   589.3   578.4  

 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST   3,884.8   3,672.8  
    Less accumulated depreciation   1,038.5   1,009.2  

           Property and equipment, net   2,846.3   2,663.6  

 
GOODWILL   336.2   336.2  
 
OTHER ASSETS, NET   46.9   46.5  

    $3,818.7   $3,624.7  

 
                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
    Accounts payable   $     25.1   $     19.1  
    Accrued liabilities   233.2   195.1  
    Current maturities of long-term debt   17.2   17.2  

           Total current liabilities   275.5   231.4  

 
LONG-TERM DEBT   475.4   475.4  
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES   343.0   345.1  
 
OTHER LIABILITIES   32.5   32.8  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES          
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
     Preferred stock, $1 par value, 20.0 million shares authorized,
          none issued
  --   --  
     Common stock, $.10 par value, 250.0 million shares authorized,          
          177.3 million and 176.8 million shares issued, respectively   17.7   17.7  
     Additional paid-in capital   1,572.0   1,554.9  
     Retained earnings   1,375.4   1,229.5  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (9.8 ) (10.9 )
     Treasury stock, at cost, 23.7 million shares and 23.4 million shares,
           respectively
  (263.0 ) (251.2 )

           Total stockholders' equity   2,692.3   2,540.0  

    $3,818.7   $3,624.7  

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


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ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)
(Unaudited)

 
   Three Months Ended
                March 31,            
     2006         2005  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
    Net income   $149.8   $  39.3  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided  
      by operating activities:  
           Income from discontinued operations, net   (.1 ) (.5 )
           Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net   (4.2 ) --  
           Cumulative effect of accounting change, net   (.6 ) --  
           Depreciation and amortization   42.4   36.6  
           Deferred income tax expense (benefit)   (1.8 ) 2.8  
           Share-based compensation expense   4.2   4.2  
           Excess tax deficiency (benefit) from share-based compensation   (.9 ) 1.5
           Amortization of other assets   1.6   1.5  
           Net loss on asset dispositions   1.0   2.7  
           Other   .4   .4  
           Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
               Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable   (24.7 ) 4.8  
               Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets   (6.2 ) (3.9 )
               Increase in accounts payable   6.0   10.1  
               Increase in accrued liabilities   51.2   .3  

                  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations   218.1   99.8  

 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
    Additions to property and equipment   (245.6 ) (146.6 )
    Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations   10.0   --  
    Proceeds from disposition of assets   1.2   2.2  
    Investment in joint venture   --   (4.0 )

                  Net cash used in investing activities   (234.4 ) (148.4 )

 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
    Reduction of long-term borrowings   --   (2.9 )
    Cash dividends paid   (3.9 ) (3.8 )
    Proceeds from exercise of share options   12.9   19.0  
    Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from share-based compensation   .9   (1.5 )
    Repurchase of common stock   (11.7 ) --  
    Other   (.1 ) (.1 )

                  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (1.9 ) 10.7  

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   .7   (.4 )
Net cash provided by discontinued operations   .1   2.0  

 
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (17.4 ) (36.3 )
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   268.5   267.0  

 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $251.1   $230.7  

 

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


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ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Note 1 - Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

       The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of ENSCO International Incorporated and subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission included in the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The financial information included herein is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2005 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2006 presentation. In addition, the 2005 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been restated for the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, (revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment", (see "Note 3 - Share-Based Employee Compensation"). The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the related revenues and expenses, and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

       The financial data for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 included herein have been subjected to a limited review by KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying registered public accounting firm's review report is not a report within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the registered public accounting firm's liability under Section 11 does not extend to it.

       Results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that will be realized for the year ending December 31, 2006. It is recommended that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2005 included in the Company's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K.


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Note 2 - Earnings Per Share

       For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, there were no adjustments to net income for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average common shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions):

 
    2006        2005    
 
    Weighted average common shares-basic   152.9       150.9  
    Potentially dilutive common shares:              
         Non-vested share awards   .1       .1  
         Share options   .7       .5  

    Weighted average common shares-diluted   153.7       151.5  



       The average price of the common stock for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, exceeded the exercise price of options to purchase common stock for the period. Options to purchase 53,000 shares of common stock in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the options exceeded the average market price of the common stock for the period.

Note 3 - Share-Based Employee Compensation

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement

       The Company grants share options, previously referred to as "stock options," and non-vested share awards, previously referred to as "restricted stock," to its employees, officers and directors. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share options using the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principals Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). No compensation cost for share options was recognized in the Company's net income for periods prior to January 1, 2006, as all share options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Non-vested share awards were accounted for under the provisions of SFAS 123. Accordingly, compensation cost for non-vested share awards was measured using the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and was recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

       Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, (revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123(R)"), using the modified-retrospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in prior periods has been restated to include share option compensation cost previously reported in the pro forma footnote disclosures required by SFAS 123. Compensation cost recognized in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 has been restated to include: (a) compensation cost for all share options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123. The December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet has been restated to adjust deferred income taxes, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings to reflect all share options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2005, and to reflect compensation cost recognized during the year ended December 31, 2005.


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       No restatement is necessary related to non-vested share awards upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), as compensation cost related to those awards was previously recognized in the financial statements. Under SFAS 123(R), non-vested share awards will continue to be measured using the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

       As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company's income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from continuing operations and net income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, are $3.8 million, $2.5 million and $2.5 million lower, respectively, than previously reported under APB 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 were $0.28 and $0.28, respectively, as previously reported under APB 25, compared to restated basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.26 and $0.26, respectively. At December 31, 2005, deferred income tax assets increased by $6.8 million, additional paid-in capital increased by $72.6 million and retained earnings decreased by $65.8 million to reflect share option compensation cost recognized prior to January 1, 2006.

       Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), tax benefits from share-based compensation plans were reported as cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Under SFAS 123(R), the excess or shortfall of tax deductions, resulting from the exercise of share options and vesting of share awards, compared to the tax benefits resulting from the compensation expense recognized in connection with such exercised share options and vested share awards is reported as an excess tax benefit or tax deficiency, as applicable, under financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R), the previously reported amounts of cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations and cash provided by financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, have increased by $1.5 million and decreased by $1.5 million, respectively.

       Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the three-months ended March 31, 2006, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore, has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred. On January 1, 2006, the Company estimated that 13.7% of share options and 8.2% of non-vested share awards are not expected to vest. Accordingly, the Company recognized a cumulative adjustment to reduce share-based compensation expense by $600,000, net of tax, for unvested share options and non-vested share awards that have been recognized in the financial statements as a result of applying the modified-retrospective transition method. The estimate is included in "Cumulative effect of accounting change for adoption of SFAS 123(R), net" on the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006.

       Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), compensation cost for all equity awards, regardless of when they were granted, will be recognized based on the number of awards expected to vest. All subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures, including changes in estimates relating to share options and non-vested share awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), will be recognized as a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost in the period in which they occur.


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Share-Based Employee Compensation Plans

       In May 2005, the Company's stockholders approved the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2005 Plan"). The 2005 Plan is similar to and essentially replaces the Company's previously adopted 1998 Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") and 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"). No further awards will be granted under the previously adopted plans, however, those plans shall continue to apply to and govern awards made thereunder. Under the 2005 Plan, a maximum of 7.5 million new shares are reserved for issuance as awards of share options to officers, employees and non-employee directors. Share options granted to officers and employees generally become exercisable in 25% increments over a four-year period and to the extent not exercised, expire on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant. Share options granted to non-employee directors are immediately exercisable and to the extent not exercised, expire on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise price of share options granted under the 2005 Plan equals the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. At March 31, 2006, options to purchase 891,680 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding under the 2005 Plan.

       Share options previously granted under the 1998 Plan become exercisable in 25% increments over a four-year period and to the extent not exercised, expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant. Share options previously granted under the Directors' Plan become exercisable six months after the date of grant and expire, if not exercised, five years thereafter. The exercise price of share options granted under the 1998 Plan and the Directors' Plan equals the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. At March 31, 2006, options to purchase 2,430,316 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding under the 1998 Plan and the Directors' Plan.

       Key employees, who are in a position to contribute materially to the Company's growth and development and to its long-term success, are eligible for non-vested share awards. Prior to the adoption of the 2005 Plan, non-vested share awards were issued under the 1998 Plan and generally vested at a rate of 10% per year, as determined by a committee of the Board of Directors. No further non-vested share awards will be granted under the 1998 Plan, however, that plan shall continue to apply to and govern awards issued thereunder. The 2005 Plan provides for the issuance of non-vested share awards up to a maximum of 2.5 million new shares. Under the 2005 Plan, shares of common stock subject to annual grants of non-vested share awards generally vest at a rate of 20% per year and grants of non-vested share awards to new or recently promoted employees generally vest at a rate of 10% per year, as determined by a committee of the Board of Directors, and have voting and dividend rights effective on the date of grant. Compensation expense is measured using the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

       During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, 100,010 non-vested share awards were issued at a weighted average fair value of $46.90 per share. At March 31, 2006, there were 2.2 million shares of common stock available for non-vested share awards under the 2005 Plan. Non-vested share awards for an aggregate 676,930 shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 2006, and vest as follows: 93,384 shares during the remainder of 2006, 117,385 shares in 2007, 101,385 shares in 2008, 94,385 shares in 2009, 94,385 shares in 2010, 53,001 shares in 2011, 50,001 shares in 2012, 45,001 shares in 2013, 15,501 shares in 2014, 10,001 shares in 2015 and 2,501 shares in 2016.


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       During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company recognized compensation expense of $3.4 million for share options and $800,000 for non-vested share awards. The income tax benefit recognized during that same period for share options and non-vested share awards was $1.0 million and $300,000, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, the Company recognized compensation expense of $3.8 million for share options, net of $100,000 included in discontinued operations, and $400,000 for non-vested share awards. The total income tax benefit recognized during that same period for share options and non-vested share awards was $1.4 million and $100,000, respectively.

       The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 
   2006          2005
 
     Risk-free interest rate   4 .6% 3 .9%
     Expected life (in years)  4 .8 3 .8
     Expected volatility  36 .2% 37 .2%
     Dividend yield    .2%   .2%


       Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over the period of time equivalent to the expected term of the options granted. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical exercise patterns over a period of time equivalent to the term of the options granted. The Company has not experienced significant differences in the historical exercise patterns among officers, employees and non-employee directors for them to be considered separately for valuation purposes. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues on the date of grant with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the options granted.

       A summary of share option activity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 is as follows (shares and intrinsic value in thousands, term in years):

 
      Weighted  
    Weighted Average  
    Average Remaining Aggregate
    Exercise Contractual Intrinsic
Share Options Shares Price Term Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2006   3,593   $30.28          
        Granted  190   46.70  
        Exercised  (419 ) 30.80          
        Forfeited  (35 ) 32.87          

Outstanding at March 31, 2006  3,329   $31.12      3 .5 $68,604  

Exercisable at March 31, 2006  813   $30.32      1 .9 $17,415  


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       The weighted-average grant-date fair value of share options granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was $17.74 and $13.29, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was $8.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The following table summarizes information about share options outstanding at March 31, 2006 (shares in thousands):

 

                                        Options Outstanding                                             Options Exercisable            
       Weighted Average      
  Number   Remaining       Weighted Average Number Weighted Average
   Exercise Prices Outstanding Contractual Life          Exercise Price    Exercisable    Exercise Price   
                       
 $11.73  - $26.92   158   2.9 years $25.87   51   $26.06  
   27.13  -   30.04   1,721   2.8 years 28.45   442   28.82  
   31.22  -   33.89   1,205   4.1 years 32.96   269   32.62  
   35.21  -   47.12   245   6.7 years 44.22   51   35.37  

  3,329   3.5 years $31.12   813   $30.32  

 

       The fair value of non-vested share awards equals the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of non-vested share awards for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was $46.90 and $40.32, respectively. The total fair value of non-vested share awards that vested during each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was $200,000. A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested share awards as of March 31, 2006, and changes during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 is as follows (shares in thousands):

 
    Weighted
    Average
    Grant-Date
Non-vested Share Awards Shares Fair Value
 
     Non-vested at January 1, 2006   589   $  30.09  
        Granted  100   46.90  
        Vested  (5 ) 33.90  
        Forfeited  (7 ) 37.75  

     Non-vested at March 31, 2006  677   $  32.47  


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       As of March 31, 2006, there was $21.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share options granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. As of March 31, 2006, there was $20.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share awards granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 7.1 years.

Note 4 - Stockholders' Equity

       On March 14, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company's outstanding stock. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $11.7 million (an average cost of $47.03 per share). At March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, net of treasury shares, were 153.6 million and 153.4 million, respectively.



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       A summary of activity in the various stockholders' equity accounts for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, is as follows (in millions):
 
                                Three Months Ended March 31, 2006                              
             Accumulated  
         Additional   Other  
         Common Stock         Paid-In     Retained   Comprehensive    Treasury   
     Shares   Amounts      Capital       Earnings         Loss         Stock      

BALANCE, December 31, 2005  176.8   $17.7   $1,554 .9 $1,229 .5 $(10 .9) $(251.2 )
   Net income  --   --     -- 149 .8   -- --  
   Cash dividends paid  --   --     -- (3 .9)   -- --  
   Common stock issued under share-based                         
      compensation plans, net  .5   .0   12 .8   --   -- (.1 )
   Tax benefit from share-based compensation  --   --     .9   --   -- --  
   Repurchase of common stock  --   --     --   --      (11.7 )
   Share-based compensation expense  --   --   4 .2   --   -- --  
   Cumulative effect of accounting change  --   --   ( .8)   --   -- --  
   Net other comprehensive income  --   --     --   -- 1 .1 --  

BALANCE, March 31, 2006   177.3   $17.7   $1,572 .0 $1,375 .4 $  (9 .8) $(263.0 )

 
 
 
                               Three Months Ended March 31, 2005                             
             Accumulated  
         Additional   Other  
         Common Stock         Paid-In     Retained   Comprehensive    Treasury   
     Shares   Amounts      Capital       Earnings         Loss         Stock      

BALANCE, December 31, 2004  174.5   $17.5   $1,476 .0 $   959 .8 $  (9 .0) $(250.4 )
   Net income  --   --     -- 39 .3   -- --  
   Cash dividends paid  --   --     -- (3 .8)   -- --  
   Common stock issued under share-based 
      compensation plans, net  .6   .0   18 .9   --   -- (.1 )
   Tax deficiency from share-based compensation  --   --   (1 .5)   --   -- --  
   Share-based compensation expense  --   --   4 .4   --   -- --  
   Net other comprehensive loss  --   --     --   -- ( .8) --  

BALANCE, March 31, 2005  175.1   $17.5   $1,497 .8 $995 .3 $  (9 .8) $(250.5 )


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Note 5 - Comprehensive Income

       The components of the Company's comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, are as follows (in millions):

 
    2006              2005    
 
   Net income   $149.8   $39.3  
   Other comprehensive income (loss):  
       Net change in fair value of derivatives   (.1 ) (.5 )
       Reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on          
         derivatives from other comprehensive income          
         (loss) into net income   1.2   (.3 )

                Net other comprehensive income (loss)   1.1   (.8 )

   Comprehensive income   $150.9   $38.5  

 

       Accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, of $9.8 million and $10.9 million, respectively, consists of net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax. The estimated amount of net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax at March 31, 2006 that will be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months is as follows (in millions):
 

   
Net unrealized losses to be reclassified to contract drilling expense     $1.0    
Unrealized losses to be reclassified to interest expense     1.1            

         Net unrealized losses to be reclassified to earnings     $2.1    


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Note 6 - Discontinued Operations

       The ENSCO 29 platform rig sustained substantial damage as a consequence of Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. On January 5, 2006, beneficial ownership of ENSCO 29 effectively transferred to the Company's insurance underwriters following their acknowledgement that the rig was a constructive total loss under the terms of the Company's insurance policies. Accordingly, the Company received the rig's net insured value of $10.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $7.5 million, which is included in "Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net" in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. The $7.5 million carrying value of the rig is classified in "Property and equipment, net" on the December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of ENSCO 29 have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

       On October 20, 2005, the Company sold the ENSCO 26 platform rig and on June 30, 2005, the Company sold its six South America/Caribbean barge rigs. The operating results of these rigs have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005.

       The ENSCO 64 jackup rig sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. On April 15, 2005, beneficial ownership of ENSCO 64 effectively transferred to the Company's insurance underwriters following their acknowledgement that the rig was a constructive total loss under the terms of the Company's insurance policies. The operating results of ENSCO 64 have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005.

       Following is a summary of income from discontinued operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions):

 
  2006      2005
 
     Revenues   $  .5   $ 6.3  
     Operating expenses and other  .4   5.9  

     Operating income before income taxes  .1   .4  
     Income tax benefit (expense)  (.0 ) .1  
     Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net  4.2   --  

     Income from discontinued operations  $ 4.3   $  .5  

 

       There is no debt or interest expense allocated to the Company's discontinued operations.


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Note 7 - Contingencies

Resolution of Insurance Claims Relating to Hurricane Katrina Damage

       During the third quarter 2005, several of the Company's drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico sustained damage during Hurricane Katrina. Physical damage to the Company's rigs caused by a hurricane, as well as the related removal and recovery costs, were covered by insurance subject to a deductible. The Company currently maintains insurance coverage under multiple insurance policies that subject the Company to escalating deductibles, the amount of which depends on the type of rig damaged and the magnitude of the damage sustained by rig type. However, under the Company's current insurance policies, all losses incurred as a result of a single hurricane (an "occurrence") are limited to a maximum aggregate deductible of $5.5 million. Due to recent industry hurricane related losses in the Gulf of Mexico, the Company does not expect to renew its insurance policies upon the same basis or at the same cost as its current policies. (See item "1A. Risk Factors" for further information regarding the Company's insurance risks.)

       The ENSCO 29 platform rig sustained significant damage from Hurricane Katrina. Damage to the platform rig was substantial and, upon initial evaluation, it was not possible to determine whether the rig would be declared a constructive total loss ("CTL") under the terms of the Company's insurance policies. If ENSCO 29 was declared a CTL, the Company would transfer its interest in the platform rig to underwriters and receive the rig's net insured value of $10.0 million. In addition to the damage sustained by ENSCO 29, preliminary inspections indicated that the hull of ENSCO 7500 sustained minor damage during Hurricane Katrina. Due to the uncertainties involved and difficulties associated with estimating the damage sustained by the two rigs, the Company recognized a $5.5 million loss, representing its aggregate insurance deductible, during the third quarter of 2005.

       On January 5, 2006, beneficial ownership of ENSCO 29 effectively transferred to the Company's insurance underwriters following their acknowledgement that the rig was a CTL. Accordingly, the Company received the rig's net insured value of $10.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $7.5 million equal to the excess of the insurance proceeds and the portion of the deductible allocated to ENSCO 29 ($5.0 million), over the net book value of the rig. The gain is included in "Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net" in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. The $7.5 million carrying value of the rig is classified in "Property and equipment, net" on the December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet.

       Damage to ENSCO 7500 was minor and the rig returned to service in early February 2006 after completion of the repair work which was performed in conjunction with minor enhancement and prerequisite work for its current two year contract. The Company recognized a net loss of $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2006, which consists of the excess of the $1.8 million loss realized in connection with the ENSCO 7500 repair work over the $500,000 insurance deductible allocated to ENSCO 7500. The $1.3 million net loss is included in "Other, net" in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. The Company expects the insurance claim for the ENSCO 7500 hull repairs to be finalized during the second or third quarter of 2006, at which time the Company will recognize a gain equal to the insurance proceeds received.


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Other Contingencies

       In September 2004, the Republic of India amended the Finance Act, 1994, by enacting the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2004 (the "Act"), which purported to extend a 10.2% tax levied on services to the specific service of "survey and exploration of minerals." Based on the definition of "survey and exploration of minerals" contained in the Act, the Company does not believe its contract drilling operations in India should be considered taxable services, and thus, has not assessed or paid the tax, or recognized a liability for the tax. On March 21, 2006, a Writ Petition, filed by the local chapter of the International Association of Drilling Contractors ("IADC"), challenging the applicability of the Act to contract drilling services, was admitted by an Indian Court. The position taken by the IADC in its Writ Petition, which is currently scheduled to be heard on the merits in July 2006, is supported by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, the government sponsored oil company in India. If the Indian court should ultimately determine that the tax applies to contract drilling services, the Company's liability for such tax would be $6.1 million at March 31, 2006. However, the Company believes its customer has a contractual indemnity obligation and will reimburse, either in whole or in part, any tax liability that may be assessed. Based on the information available at this time, the Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

       In September 2005, the Company received summonses from the Lancaster Magistrates' Court charging violations of the U.K. Health and Safety at Work Act in connection with a fatal injury sustained by an employee on one of its rigs during May 2003. Should criminal liability be established, the Company is subject to a monetary fine. The Company currently believes it has established a sufficient reserve in relation to this matter, and does not believe the resolution of these charges will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



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       In August 2004, the Company and certain subsidiaries were named as defendants in three multi-party lawsuits filed in the Circuit Courts of Jones County (Second Judicial District) and Jasper County (First Judicial District), Mississippi, involving numerous other companies as co-defendants. The lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages on behalf of individuals alleging personal injury or death, including claims under the Jones Act, purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities during the period 1965 through 1986. The lawsuits are still at a very preliminary stage. Following the recent lapse of a period of time granted by the Special Master appointed to oversee the litigation, all named plaintiffs were required to prepare and submit "Fact Sheets" to facilitate the determination of such issues or facts as (i) whether the plaintiffs have a proper cause of action, (ii) which defendants are the focus of a particular plaintiff's claim, (iii) by whom a plaintiff may have been employed and the period(s) of such employment, (iv) where a plaintiff resides and whether the Mississippi courts have jurisdiction over their alleged claim, and (v) venue, assuming the Mississippi courts have jurisdiction.

       The Company has filed responsive pleadings in the Mississippi lawsuits preserving all defenses and challenges to jurisdiction and venue and, on the basis of information contained or withheld from the plaintiffs' Fact Sheets all companies named as co-defendants (including the Company) are currently reviewing the information in an effort to ascertain which claims, if any, should be dismissed, which claims, if any, although on their face appear to be proper, should be made the subject of a motion challenging venue and transferred, and, finally, which claims, if any, appear to have been properly filed with the court where they are currently pending. Those plaintiffs whose claims are severed and transferred will be required to re-file new complaints, while those plaintiffs whose causes of action are not transferred will, nonetheless, be required to amend or supplement their complaints to specifically plead their cause of action in respect to each named defendant. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation including aggressively challenging the propriety of the jurisdiction and venue of such claims. Based on information currently available or, more appropriately, the lack thereof, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential liability exposure, if any. While the Company does not expect the resolution of these lawsuits to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits.

       Legislation known as the U.K. Working Time Directive was introduced in August 2003 and may be applicable to employees of the Company and other drilling contractors that work offshore in U.K. territorial waters or in the U.K. sector of the North Sea. Certain unions representing offshore employees have claimed that drilling contractors are not in compliance with the U.K. Working Time Directive in respect of paid time off (vacation time) for employees working offshore on a rotational basis (equal time working and off), and the related issues are subject to pending or potential judicial, administrative and legislative review. Based on the information available at this time, the Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

       The Company and its subsidiaries are named defendants in certain lawsuits and are involved from time to time as parties to governmental proceedings, including matters related to taxation, all arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of lawsuits or other proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted with certainty and the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted accurately, management does not expect these matters to have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.


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

INTRODUCTION

       ENSCO International Incorporated and subsidiaries ("ENSCO" or the "Company") is an international offshore contract drilling company with a current operating fleet of 46 drilling rigs, including 43 jackup rigs, one ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig, one platform rig and one barge rig. Additionally, the Company has two ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs and one ultra-high specification jackup rig under construction. The Company's offshore contract drilling operations are integral to the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas and the Company is one of the leading providers of offshore drilling services to the international oil and gas industry.

       The Company drills and completes offshore oil and gas wells under contracts with major international, government-owned and independent oil and gas companies. The drilling services provided by the Company are conducted on a "day rate" contract basis, under which the Company provides its drilling rigs and rig crews and receives a fixed amount per day for drilling wells. The customer bears substantially all of the ancillary costs of constructing the wells and supporting drilling operations, as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the wells.

       During the first quarter of 2006, the offshore drilling industry generally continued to experience strong demand and increasing day rates and utilization for all drilling rig types on a global basis. Leading day rates currently are at record levels for most rig classes and recently executed contracts are generally of greater duration than the historical averages. Recently negotiated contracts also generally have more favorable terms and conditions for contract drilling companies. At present, the supply of available drilling rigs is unable to meet the growing demand of oil and gas companies on a global basis. As a result of this imbalance, various industry participants have ordered construction of approximately ninety new offshore rigs which are scheduled for delivery over the next several years. Furthermore, competition for skilled and other labor will continue to intensify as these new rigs enter the market in future periods.

       Financial operating results in the offshore contract drilling industry have historically been very cyclical and are primarily related to the demand for drilling rigs and the available supply of rigs. Demand for rigs is directly related to the regional and worldwide levels of offshore exploration and development spending by oil and gas companies, which is beyond the control of the Company. Offshore exploration and development spending may fluctuate substantially from year to year and from region to region. Such spending fluctuations result from many factors, including:

 
  demand and prices for oil and gas,
  regional and global economic conditions and expected changes therein,
  political and legislative environments in the U.S. and other major oil-producing countries,
  production levels and related activities of OPEC and other oil and gas producers,
  technological advancements that impact the methods or cost of oil and gas exploration and development, and
  the impact that these and other events have on the current and expected future pricing of oil and natural gas.


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       The supply of drilling rigs is limited and new rigs require a substantial capital investment and a long period of time to construct. In addition, it is time consuming to move rigs between markets. Accordingly, as demand changes in a particular market, the supply of rigs may not adjust quickly, and therefore the utilization and day rates of rigs could fluctuate significantly. Certain events, such as hurricanes, may impact the supply of rigs in a particular market and cause rapid fluctuations in rig demand, utilization and day rates.

       Since factors that affect offshore exploration and development spending are beyond the control of the Company and rig demand can change quickly, it is difficult for the Company to predict industry conditions or trends in operating results. Periods of low demand result in excess rig supply, which generally reduces rig utilization levels and day rates; periods of high demand tighten rig supply, generally resulting in increased rig utilization levels and day rates.

       The Company's drilling rigs are deployed throughout the world, with drilling operations concentrated in the major geographic regions of North and South America, Europe/Africa and Asia Pacific (which includes Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand). The Company competes with other offshore drilling contractors on the basis of price, quality of service, operational and safety performance, equipment suitability and availability, reputation and technical expertise. Competition is usually on a regional basis, but offshore drilling rigs are mobile and may be moved from one region to another in response to demand.


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BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

       The Company's North and South America offshore drilling operations are mainly conducted in the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. natural gas market and trends in oil and gas company spending largely determine offshore drilling industry conditions and demand for rigs in this region. Gulf of Mexico jackup rig contracts are normally entered into for relatively short durations and are marked to current rates upon renewal. Some Gulf of Mexico rigs remain contracted with the same customer for several years, but the contractual day rates are periodically renegotiated by reference to prevailing market day rates and adjusted accordingly. During 2005, day rates of Gulf of Mexico jackup rigs continued to increase from prior year levels as a result of a further reduction in the supply of available rigs in the region and increased demand. The supply of jackup rigs began to tighten in mid 2005 after several of the Company's competitors announced the planned departure of rigs contracted outside the region. These rigs became unavailable during the latter half of 2005 to prepare for mobilization to other regions. Additionally, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita disrupted drilling operations and severely damaged or destroyed several rigs operating in the region thereby reducing the number of available rigs even further. The demand for Gulf of Mexico jackup rigs continued to strengthen during late 2005 as oil and gas companies increased spending due to an increasing demand for natural gas. During the first quarter of 2006, day rates continued to increase mostly due to the decreased supply of available rigs in the region and, to a lesser extent, the continued strong demand for natural gas drilling by operators.

       The Company's Europe/Africa offshore drilling operations are mainly conducted in northern Europe. Jackup rig contracts in the Europe/Africa region are generally of longer duration than those in the Gulf of Mexico, but frequently contain rate adjustment "mark-to-market" provisions that allow drilling contractors to take advantage of a market where day rates are continuing to increase. During 2005 and the first quarter of 2006, day rates continued to improve from prior year levels as high oil and natural gas prices as well as an increasing global demand for oil resulted in increased spending by oil and gas companies.

       Demand for jackup rigs in most Asia Pacific region markets continued to strengthen during 2005 and increased activity levels absorbed the additional rigs mobilized to the region and improved day rates. During the first quarter of 2006, day rates continued to increase due to increased demand and rig supply shortages. Jackup rig drilling contracts in the Asia Pacific region have historically been for substantially longer durations than those in other geographical regions and, since such contracts generally are at fixed rates which may be subject to adjustment for variations in the contractor's costs, they are not as market sensitive as shorter term contracts.


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

       In recent years, the Company has disposed of several assets, including the sale of six barge rigs and a platform rig in 2005, and the loss of two rigs as a result of damage caused by hurricanes, one in 2004 and the other in 2005. The operating results of these assets have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. (See "Discontinued Operations" below for further information regarding the operating results and disposal of these assets.)

 

       The following analysis highlights the Company's consolidated operating results for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions):

 
         2006           2005  
 
    Revenues     $385.1        $210.6 
    Operating expenses                
       Contract drilling     130.0        108.6 
       Depreciation and amortization     42.4        36.6 
       General and administrative     10.4        8.0 

    Operating income     202.3        57.4 
    Other expense, net     (3.6)       (2.9)
    Provision for income taxes     53.8        15.7 

    Income from continuing operations     144.9        38.8 
    Income from discontinued operations, net     4.3        .5
    Cumulative effect of accounting change, net     .6        --

    Net income     $149.8        $  39.3 

 

       For the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, revenues increased by $174.5 million, or 83%, and operating income increased by $144.9 million, or 252%, from the prior year period. These increases are primarily due to improved average day rates in all operating areas and improved utilization of Europe/Africa and Asia Pacific jackup rigs, as compared to the prior year period. Detailed explanations of the Company's operating results for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, including discussions of revenues and contract drilling expense based on geographical location and type of rig, are set forth below.


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Revenue and Contract Drilling Expense

       The following is an analysis of the Company's revenues, contract drilling expense, rig utilization and average day rates from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions except utilization and day rates):

 
   2006     2005     
         
    Revenues 
        Jackup rigs: 
             North and South America  $147.0       $  77.6  
             Europe/Africa  104.1       40.5  
             Asia Pacific  116.3       78.2  

                  Total jackup rigs  367.4       196.3  
         Semisubmersible rig - North America  9.1       7.6  
         Barge rig - Asia Pacific  5.1       4.6  
         Platform rig - North America  3.5       2.1  

                      Total   $385.1       $210.6  

           
               
    Contract Drilling Expense  
        Jackup rigs:  
             North and South America   $  36.4       $  35.3  
             Europe/Africa  39.1       26.6  
             Asia Pacific  43.8       37.3  

                  Total jackup rigs   119.3       99.2  
         Semisubmersible rig - North America  5.8       5.9  
         Barge rig - Asia Pacific  2.8       2.3  
         Platform rig - North America  2.1       1.2  

                      Total  $130.0       $108.6  


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   2006     2005     
         
    Rig Utilization(1) 
        Jackup rigs: 
             North and South America  81%       89%  
             Europe/Africa  100%       87%  
             Asia Pacific  96%       85%  

                 Total jackup rigs  91%       87%  
        Semisubmersible rig - North America  59%       69%  
        Barge rig - Asia Pacific  100%       99%  
        Platform rig - North America  100%       100%  

                     Total  91%       87%  

 
    Average day rates(2) 
        Jackup rigs: 
             North and South America  $115,960       $  54,401  
             Europe/Africa  134,061       64,501  
             Asia Pacific  80,383       64,645  

                  Total jackup rigs  103,379       59,963  
         Semisubmersible rig - North America  189,191       122,618  
         Barge rig - Asia Pacific  55,870       50,031  
         Platform rig - North America  35,951       29,304  

                      Total  $103,184       $  60,709  

 
   (1)   Utilization is derived by dividing the number of days under contract, including days associated with compensated mobilizations, by the number of days in the period.
   (2)   Average day rates are derived by dividing contract drilling revenue by the aggregate number of contract days, adjusted to exclude certain types of non-recurring reimbursable revenue and lump sum revenue and contract days associated with certain mobilizations, demobilizations, shipyard contracts and standby contracts.


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       The following is a summary of the Company's offshore drilling rigs at March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 
          Number of Rigs  
  2006 2005
                 Jackup rigs:          
                      North and South America(1)  17   18  
                      Europe/Africa(2)  9   8  
                      Asia Pacific(1)(2)(3)  17   16  

                          Total jackup rigs  43   42  
                Semisubmersible rig - North America  1   1  
                Barge rig - Asia Pacific  1   1  
                Platform rig  1   1  

                          Total(4)  46   45  

 
   (1)   The Company mobilized ENSCO 76 from a shipyard in the Gulf of Mexico to Saudi Arabia to commence a three-year contract in September 2005.
   (2)   ENSCO 102 completed mobilization from the Asia Pacific region to the United Kingdom and commenced a one-year contract in February 2006.
   (3)   Upon completion of its construction in the first quarter of 2006, the Company accepted delivery of ENSCO 107, an ultra-high specification jackup rig that commenced drilling operations in March 2006 offshore Malaysia.
   (4)   The total number of rigs for each period excludes rigs reclassified as discontinued operations (See "Discontinued Operations" below), and rigs under construction at March 31, 2006 (ENSCO 108, ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501).


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    North and South America Jackup Rigs

       First quarter 2006 revenues for the North and South America jackup rigs increased by $69.4 million, or 89%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in revenues is due primarily to a 113% increase in average day rates. The significant increase in average day rates is primarily attributable to a reduction in the supply of available rigs in the region and increased demand. The decrease in the supply of jackup rigs was partially due to several of the Company's competitors' rigs being taken out of operation in the second half of 2005 to prepare for international contract commitments. Additionally, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita disrupted drilling operations in the third quarter of 2005 and severely damaged or destroyed several rigs operating in the region thereby reducing the number of available rigs even further. Demand increased due to higher levels of spending by oil and gas companies resulting from an increasing demand for natural gas. First quarter 2006 contract drilling expense for the North and South America jackup rigs increased by $1.1 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in contract drilling expense is primarily due to increased personnel costs and mobilization expense, partially offset by reduced utilization, as compared to the prior year first quarter.

    Europe/Africa Jackup Rigs

       First quarter 2006 revenues for the Europe/Africa jackup rigs increased by $63.6 million, or 157%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in revenues is due primarily to a 108% increase in average day rates and an increase in utilization to 100% in 2006 from 87% in 2005. The significant increase in average day rates and utilization is primarily attributable to improved demand resulting from increased spending by oil and gas companies. First quarter 2006 contract drilling expense for the Europe/Africa jackup rigs increased by $12.5 million, or 47%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in contract drilling expense is primarily due to increased utilization and increased personnel and mobilization expense.

    Asia Pacific Jackup Rigs

       First quarter 2006 revenues for the Asia Pacific jackup rigs increased by $38.1 million, or 49%, and contract drilling expense increased by $6.5 million, or 17%, as compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in revenues is primarily due to a 24% increase in average day rates and an increase in utilization to 96% in 2006 from 85% in 2005, as a result of increased demand due to higher levels of spending by oil and gas companies. The increase in contract drilling expense is primarily attributable to increased utilization and increased personnel, maintenance and repair expense. Although demand has been increasing, in the Middle East market the Company has several longer term contracts and contracts with fixed day rate term extension options that limit the upside potential in a rising day rate market.


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    North America Semisubmersible Rig

       First quarter 2006 revenues for ENSCO 7500 increased by $1.5 million, or 20%, and contract drilling expense decreased by $100,000, or 2%, as compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase in revenues is primarily due to a 54% increase in the average day rate, partially offset by a decrease in utilization to 59% in 2006 from 69% in 2005 as ENSCO 7500 was idle for approximately one month while undergoing minor enhancement and prerequisite work for its current two year contract.

Depreciation and Amortization

       Depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2006 increased by $5.8 million, or 16%, as compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase is primarily attributable to depreciation associated with capital enhancement projects completed subsequent to the first quarter of 2005.

General and Administrative

       General and administrative expense in the first quarter of 2006 increased by $2.4 million or 30%, as compared to the first quarter of 2005. The increase is primarily attributable to increases in personnel costs and professional fees.


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Other Income (Expense)

       Other income (expense) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in millions):

 
   2006                2005 
 
       Interest income   $ 2.3   $ 1.1  
       Interest expense, net:          
               Interest expense   (8.7 ) (9.7 )
               Capitalized interest   4.5   1.9  

    (4.2 (7.8 )
       Other, net   (1.7 ) 3.8  

    $(3.6 ) $(2.9 )


       Interest income increased by $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to the first quarter of 2005, due to higher average interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in cash balances invested.

       Interest expense decreased by $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to the first quarter of 2005, due primarily to a decrease in outstanding debt. Capitalized interest increased $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to the prior year first quarter, due to an increase in the amount invested in new construction and enhancement projects, primarily ENSCO 108, ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501 construction projects.

       Other, net, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 consists primarily of a $1.3 million net loss recognized in connection with ENSCO 7500 repair work resulting from damage the rig sustained during Hurricane Katrina in September 2005 (see Note 7 to the Company's consolidated financial statements), and foreign currency translation losses of $300,000. Other, net, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 includes a $3.1 million net gain related to the resolution of insurance claims associated with two rigs damaged by Hurricane Ivan and foreign currency translation gains of $400,000.


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Provision for Income Taxes

       The provision for income taxes for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 increased by $38.1 million compared to the prior year period. The increase is due primarily to the increased profitability of the Company partially offset by a decrease in the effective tax rate to 27.1% in the first quarter of 2006 from 28.8% in the prior year first quarter. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the impact of changes in the relative portion of the Company's earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries whose earnings are being permanently reinvested and taxed at lower rates.

Discontinued Operations

       The ENSCO 29 platform rig sustained substantial damage as a consequence of Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. On January 5, 2006, beneficial ownership of ENSCO 29 effectively transferred to the Company's insurance underwriters following their acknowledgement that the rig was a constructive total loss under the terms of the Company's insurance policies. Accordingly, the Company received the rig's net insured value of $10.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $7.5 million, which is included in "Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net" in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. The $7.5 million carrying value of the rig is classified in "Property and equipment, net" on the December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of ENSCO 29 have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

       On October 20, 2005, the Company sold the ENSCO 26 platform rig and on June 30, 2005, the Company sold its six South America/Caribbean barge rigs. The operating results of these rigs have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005.

       The ENSCO 64 jackup rig sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. On April 15, 2005, beneficial ownership of ENSCO 64 effectively transferred to the Company's insurance underwriters following their acknowledgement that the rig was a constructive total loss under the terms of the Company's insurance policies. The operating results of ENSCO 64 have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005.

       Following is a summary of income from discontinued operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions):

  2006           2005
 
     Revenues   $   .5   $ 6.3  
     Operating expenses and other  .4   5.9  

     Operating income before income taxes  .1   .4  
     Income tax benefit (expense)  (.0 ) .1  
     Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net  4.2   --  

     Income from discontinued operations  $ 4.3   $  .5  

 

       There is no debt or interest expense allocated to the Company's discontinued operations.


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ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD

       The Company grants share options, previously referred to as "stock options," and non-vested share awards, previously referred to as "restricted stock," to its employees, officers and directors. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share options using the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principals Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). No compensation cost for share options was recognized in the Company's net income for periods prior to January 1, 2006, as all share options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Non-vested share awards were accounted for under the provisions of SFAS 123. Accordingly, compensation cost for non-vested share awards was measured using the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and was recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

       Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, (revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123(R)"), using the modified-retrospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in prior periods has been restated to include share option compensation cost previously reported in the pro forma footnote disclosures required by SFAS 123. Compensation cost recognized in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 has been restated to include: (a) compensation cost for all share options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123. The December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet has been restated to adjust deferred income taxes, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings to reflect all share options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2005, and to reflect compensation cost recognized during the year ended December 31, 2005.

       No restatement is necessary related to non-vested share awards upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), as compensation cost related to those awards was previously recognized in the financial statements. Under SFAS 123(R), non-vested share awards will continue to be measured using the market value of the common stock on the date of grant and recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).


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       The following table summarizes share option compensation expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 (in millions):

  2006               2005
 
     Contract drilling   $    1 .6 $    1 .8
     General and administrative  1 .8 2 .0

     Share option compensation expense included in operating
          expenses
  3 .4 3 .8
     Tax benefit  (1 .0) (1 .4)
     Share option compensation expense included in discontinued
        operations, net
    --   .1

     Total share option compensation expense included in
         net income
  $    2 .4 $    2 .5


       As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company's income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from continuing operations and net income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, are $3.8 million, $2.5 million and $2.5 million lower, respectively, than previously reported under APB 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 were $0.28 and $0.28, respectively, as previously reported under APB 25, compared to restated basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.26 and $0.26, respectively. At December 31, 2005, deferred income tax assets increased by $6.8 million, additional paid-in capital increased by $72.6 million and retained earnings decreased by $65.8 million to reflect share option compensation cost recognized prior to January 1, 2006.

       Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), tax benefits from share-based compensation plans were reported as cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Under SFAS 123(R), the excess or shortfall of tax deductions, resulting from the exercise of share options and vesting of share awards, compared to the tax benefits resulting from the compensation expense recognized in connection with such exercised share options and vested share awards is reported as an excess tax benefit or tax deficiency, as applicable, under financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R), the previously reported amounts of cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations and cash provided by financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, have increased by $1.5 million and decreased by $1.5 million, respectively.

       Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the three-months ended March 31, 2006, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore, has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred. On January 1, 2006, the Company estimated that 13.7% of share options and 8.2% of non-vested share awards are not expected to vest. Accordingly, the Company recognized a cumulative adjustment to reduce share-based compensation expense by $600,000, net of tax, for unvested share options and non-vested share awards that have been recognized in the financial statements as a result of applying the modified-retrospective transition method. The estimate is included in "Cumulative effect of accounting change for adoption of SFAS 123(R), net" on the consolidated statement of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006.


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       Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), compensation cost for all equity awards, regardless of when they were granted, will be recognized based on the number of awards expected to vest. All subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures, including changes in estimates relating to share options and non-vested share awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), will be recognized as a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost in the period in which they occur.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

       Although the Company's business is cyclical, the Company has historically relied on its cash flow from continuing operations to meet liquidity needs and fund the majority of its cash requirements. Management believes the Company has maintained a strong financial position through the disciplined and conservative use of debt. A substantial majority of the Company's cash flow is invested in the expansion and enhancement of its fleet of drilling rigs.

       During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company's primary sources of cash included $218.1 million generated from continuing operations, $10.0 million from the insurance recovery related to discontinued operations and $12.9 million from the exercise of share options. Its primary use of cash for the same period consisted of $245.6 million for the construction, enhancement and other improvement of drilling rigs and $11.7 million for the repurchase of common stock.

       During the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, the Company's primary source of cash consisted of $99.8 million generated from continuing operations and $19.0 million from the exercise of share options. Its primary use of cash consisted of $146.6 million for the acquisition, construction, enhancement and other improvement of drilling rigs.

       Detailed explanations of the Company's liquidity and capital resources for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, are set forth below.


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Cash Flow from Continuing Operations and Capital Expenditures

       The Company's cash flow from continuing operations and capital expenditures on continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (in millions):

 
 2006      2005   
 
       Cash flow from continuing operations   $218.1   $  99.8  

       Capital expenditures on continuing operations  
           New construction   $175.9   $    1.2  
           Rig acquisitions   --   79.6  
           Enhancements   47.2   56.6  
           Minor upgrades and improvements   22.5   9.2  

   $245.6   $146.6  

 

       Cash flow from continuing operations increased by $118.3 million, or 119%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase resulted primarily from a $168.0 million increase in cash receipts from drilling services offset by a $43.2 million increase in cash payments related to contract drilling expenses.

       On January 23, 2006, the Company accepted delivery of ENSCO 107 and made the final installment payment of $27.5 million. In addition to the final payment on ENSCO 107, management anticipates that capital expenditures in 2006 will include approximately $85.0 million for rig enhancement projects, approximately $290.0 million for construction of ENSCO 108, ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501, and approximately $60.0 million for minor upgrades and improvements. (See "Outlook" for information concerning the construction of ENSCO 108, ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501.) Depending on market conditions and opportunities, the Company may also make capital expenditures to construct or acquire additional rigs.


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Financing and Capital Resources

        The Company's long-term debt, total capital and long-term debt to total capital ratios at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are summarized below (in millions, except percentages):

 
      March 31,     December 31,
             2006                  2005      
 
Long-term debt   $   475.4       $   475.4      
Total capital*   3,167.7   3,015.4  
Long-term debt to total capital   15.0 % 15.8 %
 
       *  Total capital includes long-term debt plus stockholders' equity.
 

        During the three months ended March 31, 2006, there were no significant changes in the Company's long-term debt or total capital. At March 31, 2006, the Company has an aggregate $194.2 million outstanding under two separate bond issues that require semiannual principal and interest payments. The Company also makes semiannual interest payments on $150.0 million of notes and $150.0 million of debentures, due in 2007 and 2027, respectively.

        The Company has a $350.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the "2005 Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks that matures in June 2010. The Company had no amounts outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility at March 31, 2006 or December 31, 2005, and does not currently anticipate borrowing under the 2005 Credit Facility during 2006. The Company is in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2005 Credit Facility, which require the maintenance of a specified level of interest coverage and debt to total capitalization ratio. The Company maintains investment grade credit ratings of Baa1 from Moody's and BBB+ from Standard & Poor's.

        On March 14, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company's outstanding stock. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $11.7 million (an average cost of $47.03 per share).


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Liquidity

     The Company's liquidity position at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 is summarized in the table below (in millions, except ratios):

 
  March 31, December 31,
      2006             2005      
     
        Cash and short-term investments   $251.1         $268.5      
        Working capital  313.8         347.0      
        Current ratio   2.1         2.5      
 

       Management expects to fund the Company's short-term liquidity needs, including contractual obligations, anticipated capital expenditures and stock repurchases, as well as any working capital requirements, from its cash and cash equivalents and operating cash flow.

       Management expects to fund the Company's long-term liquidity needs, including contractual obligations and anticipated capital expenditures, from its cash and cash equivalents, investments, operating cash flow and, if necessary, funds drawn under its 2005 Credit Facility or other future financing arrangements.

       The Company has historically funded the majority of its liquidity from operating cash flow. The Company anticipates a substantial amount of its cash flow in the near to intermediate-term will continue to be invested in the expansion and enhancement of its fleet of drilling rigs. As a substantial amount of such expenditures are elective, the Company expects to be able to maintain adequate liquidity throughout future business cycles through the deferral or acceleration of its future capital investments, as necessary. Accordingly, while future operating cash flow cannot be accurately predicted, management believes its long-term liquidity will continue to be funded primarily by operating cash flow.

MARKET RISK

       The Company has net assets and liabilities denominated in numerous foreign currencies and uses various methods to manage its exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. The Company predominantly structures its drilling contracts in U.S. dollars, which significantly reduces the portion of the Company's cash flows and assets denominated in foreign currencies. The Company also employs various strategies, including the use of derivative instruments, to match foreign currency denominated assets with equal or near equal amounts of foreign currency denominated liabilities, thereby minimizing exposure to earnings fluctuations caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company also utilizes derivative instruments to hedge forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions. At March 31, 2006, the Company had contracts outstanding to exchange an aggregate $69.3 million U.S. dollars for various foreign currencies, all of which mature during the next twelve months. Based on a hypothetical 10% adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates, the net unrealized loss associated with the Company's foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and related foreign currency exchange contracts as of March 31, 2006 would approximate $1.6 million.


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       The Company uses various derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The Company occasionally uses interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert the variable interest rate on debt to a fixed rate or the fixed rate on debt to a variable rate, and interest rate lock agreements to hedge against increases in interest rates on pending financing. At March 31, 2006, the Company had no outstanding interest rate swap agreements or interest rate lock agreements.

       The Company utilizes derivative instruments and undertakes hedging activities in accordance with its established policies for the management of market risk. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. Management believes that the Company's use of derivative instruments and related hedging activities do not expose the Company to any material interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk, credit risk or any other market rate or price risk.

OUTLOOK

       Changes in industry conditions and the corresponding impact on the Company's operations cannot be accurately predicted because of the short-term nature of many of the Company's contracts and the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, which impact expenditures for oil and gas drilling, rig utilization and day rates. It is not determinable whether recent levels of regional and worldwide expenditures for oil and gas drilling and drilling activity will increase, decrease or remain unchanged. Accordingly, future rig demand and trends in average day rates and utilization levels are uncertain. Management's current plans and expectations relative to drilling rig operations and near-term industry conditions are described below.


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    Rig Construction

       The Company has two ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs and one ultra-high specification jackup rig currently under construction by Keppel FELS Limited ("KFELS") in Singapore.

       ENSCO 108 commenced construction in April 2005 and is expected to be delivered during the second quarter of 2007. ENSCO 108 will be an enhanced KFELS MOD V (B) design jackup rig modified to ENSCO specifications and nearly identical to the recently delivered ENSCO 107.

       In September 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with KFELS in Singapore to construct ENSCO 8500, with delivery anticipated in the second quarter of 2008. The total construction cost of the rig is currently expected to be approximately $312.0 million. In January 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with KFELS in Singapore to construct ENSCO 8501 for a total construction cost of approximately $338.0 million. Delivery of ENSCO 8501 is expected during the second quarter of 2009. The ENSCO 8500 SeriesTM ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles are an enhanced version of the ENSCO 7500 and will be capable of drilling in up to 8,500 feet of water, and can readily be upgraded to 10,000 feet water-depth capability if required. Enhancements over ENSCO 7500, the Company's existing ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig, include a two million pound quad derrick, offline pipe handling capability, increased drilling capacity, greater variable deck load, and improved automatic station keeping ability. With these features, the ENSCO 8500 SeriesTM rigs will be especially well-suited for deepwater development drilling. The ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501 are subject to long term drilling contracts of four years and three and one half years, respectively.

    Rig Enhancements and Relocations

       ENSCO 69 entered a shipyard in November 2005 for enhancement and contract preparation work. In April 2006, the rig mobilized to offshore Venezuela and is expected to commence a long-term contract in May 2006. ENSCO 86 entered a shipyard in October 2005 for enhancement procedures and is projected to return to service in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of April 2006. ENSCO 105 is scheduled to continue its commitment for work in the Gulf of Mexico through early 2007 when it is expected to mobilize to Tunisia for an estimated two year contract.


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    Industry Conditions

       Demand for offshore drilling rigs is strong, and utilization and day rates are generally improving, in all of the major geographical markets in which the Company currently operates. The Company has substantial contract backlog and the durations of recently executed contracts are generally greater than historical average contract durations in all of the Company's major geographical markets. While it is not possible to project the period of time for which current industry conditions will be sustained or predict long-term trends in industry conditions, the Company does not anticipate significant changes in current industry conditions in the near-term.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the Company's management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company's significant accounting policies are included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 included in the Company's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K. These policies, along with the underlying assumptions and judgments made by the Company's management in their application, have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company identifies its most critical accounting policies as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations, and that require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company's most critical accounting policies are those related to property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and income taxes.

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    Property and Equipment

       At March 31, 2006, the carrying value of the Company's property and equipment totaled $2,846.3 million, which represents 74% of total assets. This carrying value reflects the application of the Company's property and equipment accounting policies, which incorporate estimates, assumptions and judgments by management relative to the capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values of the Company's rigs.

       The Company develops and applies property and equipment accounting policies that are designed to appropriately and consistently capitalize those costs incurred to enhance, improve and extend the useful lives of its assets and expense those costs incurred to repair or maintain the existing condition or useful lives of its assets. The development and application of such policies requires judgment and assumptions by management relative to the nature of, and benefits from, expenditures on Company assets. The Company establishes property and equipment accounting policies that are designed to depreciate or amortize its assets over their estimated useful lives. The assumptions and judgments used by management in determining the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future operations, utilization and performance of its assets. The use of different estimates, assumptions and judgments in the establishment of property and equipment accounting policies, especially those involving the useful lives of the Company's rigs, would likely result in materially different carrying values of assets and results of operations.

       For additional information concerning the useful lives of the Company's drilling rigs, including an analysis of the impact of various changes in useful life assumptions, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 


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    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

       The Company evaluates the carrying value of its property and equipment, primarily its drilling rigs, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such rigs may not be recoverable. Generally, extended periods of idle time and/or inability to contract rigs at economical rates are an indication that a rig may be impaired. However, the offshore drilling industry is highly cyclical and it is not unusual for rigs to be unutilized or underutilized for significant periods of time and subsequently resume full or near full utilization when business cycles change. Likewise, during periods of supply and demand imbalance, rigs are frequently contracted at or near cash break-even rates for extended periods of time until demand comes back into balance with supply. Impairment situations may arise with respect to specific individual rigs, groups of rigs, such as a specific type of drilling rig, or rigs in a certain geographic location. The Company's rigs are mobile and may generally be moved from markets with excess supply, if economically feasible. The Company's jackup rigs and ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig are suited for, and accessible to, broad and numerous markets throughout the world. However, there are fewer economically feasible markets available to the Company's barge rig and platform rig.

       The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists. The goodwill impairment test requires the Company to identify reporting units and estimate the fair value of those units as of the testing date. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, its goodwill is considered not impaired. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company estimates the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to such excess. In the event the Company disposes drilling rig operations that constitute a business, goodwill would be allocated in the determination of gain or loss on sale. Based on the Company's goodwill impairment analysis performed as of December 31, 2005, there was no impairment of goodwill.

       Asset impairment evaluations are, by nature, highly subjective. In most instances they involve expectations of future cash flows to be generated by the Company's drilling rigs, and are based on management's assumptions and judgments regarding future industry conditions and operations, as well as management's estimates of future expected utilization, contract rates, expense levels and capital requirements of the Company's drilling rigs. The estimates, assumptions and judgments used by management in the application of the Company's asset impairment policies reflect both historical experience and an assessment of current operational, industry, economic and political environments. The use of different estimates, assumptions, judgments and expectations regarding future industry conditions and operations, would likely result in materially different carrying values of assets and results of operations.


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       For additional information concerning drilling rig impairment evaluations, including a analysis of the Company's rigs evaluated in December 2005, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

    Income Taxes

       The Company conducts operations and earns income in numerous foreign countries and is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries, as well as U.S. federal and state tax laws. At March 31, 2006, the Company has a $323.5 million net deferred income tax liability and $92.7 million of accrued liabilities for income taxes currently payable.

       The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of the Company's income tax accounting policies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"), and are based on management's assumptions and estimates regarding future operating results and levels of taxable income, as well as management's judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of SFAS 109. Carryforwards and tax credits are assessed for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a "more likely than not" determination. A U.S. deferred tax liability has not been recognized for undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because it is not practicable to estimate. Should the Company elect to make a distribution of foreign earnings, or be deemed to have made a distribution of foreign earnings through application of various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, it may be subject to additional U.S. income taxes.

       The carrying values of liabilities for income taxes currently payable are based on management's interpretation of applicable tax laws, and incorporate management's assumptions and judgments regarding the use of tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. The use of different estimates, assumptions and judgments in connection with accounting for income taxes, especially those involving the deployment of tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and results of operations.


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       The Company operates in many foreign jurisdictions where tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are not well developed. In jurisdictions where available statutory law and regulations are incomplete or underdeveloped, the Company obtains professional guidance and considers existing industry practices before deploying tax planning strategies and meeting its tax obligations. Tax returns are routinely subject to audit in most jurisdictions and tax liabilities are frequently finalized through a negotiation process. While the Company has historically not experienced significant adjustments to previously recognized tax assets and liabilities as a result of finalizing tax returns, there can be no assurance that significant adjustments will not arise in the future. In addition, there are several factors that could cause the future level of uncertainty relating to the Company's tax liabilities to increase, including the following:

 
  During recent years the portion of the Company's overall operations conducted in foreign tax jurisdictions has been increasing and the Company currently anticipates this trend will continue.
  In order to deploy tax planning strategies and conduct foreign operations efficiently, the Company's subsidiaries frequently enter into transactions with affiliates, which are generally subject to complex tax regulations and frequently are reviewed by tax authorities.
  The Company may conduct future operations in certain tax jurisdictions where tax laws are not well developed and it may be difficult to secure adequate professional guidance.
  Tax laws, regulations, agreements and treaties change frequently, requiring the Company to modify existing tax strategies to conform to such changes.
 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

       In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29" ("SFAS 153"). This Statement amends APB Opinion No. 29 to permit the exchange of nonmonetary assets to be recorded on a carry over basis when the nonmonetary assets do not have commercial substance. This is an exception to the basic measurement principal of measuring a nonmonetary asset exchange at fair value. A nonmonetary asset exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

       In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154 "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections" ("SFAS 154"). This pronouncement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and revises the requirements for accounting for and reporting a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods' financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to do so. This pronouncement also requires that a change in the method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate that is effected by a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Statement does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including those that are in a transition phase (such as SFAS 123R). The adoption of SFAS 154 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

       Information required under Item 3. has been incorporated into "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk."

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

       Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

       During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006, no significant change occurred in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

       In September 2005, the Company received summonses from the Lancaster Magistrates' Court charging violations of the U.K. Health and Safety at Work Act in connection with a fatal injury sustained by an employee on one of its rigs during May 2003. Should criminal liability be established, the Company is subject to a monetary fine. The Company currently believes it has established a sufficient reserve in relation to this matter, and does not believe the resolution of these charges will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

       In August 2004, the Company and certain subsidiaries were named as defendants in three multi-party lawsuits filed in the Circuit Courts of Jones County (Second Judicial District) and Jasper County (First Judicial District), Mississippi, involving numerous other companies as co-defendants. The lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages on behalf of individuals alleging personal injury or death, including claims under the Jones Act, purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities during the period 1965 through 1986. The lawsuits are still at a very preliminary stage. Following the recent lapse of a period of time granted by the Special Master appointed to oversee the litigation, all named plaintiffs were required to prepare and submit "Fact Sheets" to facilitate the determination of such issues or facts as (i) whether the plaintiffs have a proper cause of action, (ii) which defendants are the focus of a particular plaintiff's claim, (iii) by whom a plaintiff may have been employed and the period(s) of such employment, (iv) where a plaintiff resides and whether the Mississippi courts have jurisdiction over their alleged claim, and (v) venue, assuming the Mississippi courts have jurisdiction.

       The Company has filed responsive pleadings in the Mississippi lawsuits preserving all defenses and challenges to jurisdiction and venue and, on the basis of information contained or withheld from the plaintiffs' Fact Sheets all companies named as co-defendants (including the Company) are currently reviewing the information in an effort to ascertain which claims, if any, should be dismissed, which claims, if any, although on their face appear to be proper, should be made the subject of a motion challenging venue and transferred, and, finally, which claims, if any, appear to have been properly filed with the court where they are currently pending. Those plaintiffs whose claims are severed and transferred will be required to re-file new complaints, while those plaintiffs whose causes of action are not transferred will, nonetheless, be required to amend or supplement their complaints to specifically plead their cause of action in respect to each named defendant. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation including aggressively challenging the propriety of the jurisdiction and venue of such claims. Based on information currently available or, more appropriately, the lack thereof, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential liability exposure, if any. While the Company does not expect the resolution of these lawsuits to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits.

       The Company and its subsidiaries are named defendants in certain lawsuits and are involved from time to time as parties to governmental proceedings, including matters related to taxation, all arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of lawsuits or other proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted with certainty and the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted accurately, management does not expect these matters to have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.


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Item 1A.   Risk Factors

       There are many factors that affect our business and the results of our operations, many of which are beyond our control. In this regard "Item 1A. Risk Factors" to Part I of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, contains a description of significant factors that might cause the actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or desired. A description of new risk factors or risk factors that have been modified or have materially changed from December 31, 2005 is as follows:


RECENT HURRICANES IN THE GULF OF MEXICO ARE EXPECTED TO RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN OUR INSURANCE COST AND A REDUCTION OF OUR INSURANCE COVERAGE AND EXPOSE US TO ADDITIONAL RISKS AND CAUSE US TO ALTER OUR OPERATING PROCEDURES DURING HURRICANE SEASON WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

       Certain areas in and near the Gulf of Mexico experience hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis. Some of our drilling rigs in the Gulf Coast Region are located in areas that could cause them to be susceptible to damage and/or total loss by these storms and we have a larger concentration of rigs in the Gulf Coast Region than most of our competitors. Damage caused by high winds and turbulent seas could potentially result in loss of rigs or could cause us to curtail operations on damaged drilling rigs for significant periods of time until damage can be repaired. Moreover, even if our drilling rigs are not directly damaged by such storms, we may experience disruptions in our operations due to damage to our customer's platforms and other related facilities in the area. To date, our drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico have not been materially impacted by hurricanes, although we sustained the total loss of one jackup rig in 2004 and one platform rig in 2005 by reason of hurricane damage.

       Due to the substantial insured losses sustained by us and others in the offshore drilling, exploration and production industries as a consequence of hurricanes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and 2004, we will not be able to obtain future insurance coverage comparable with that of prior years. This exposes us to a greater risk due to rig damage or loss, business interruption, rig recovery obligations and other risks related to severe weather conditions in respect of Gulf of Mexico hurricanes or windstorms. In addition, we are likely to experience substantially increased cost for available insurance coverage we may elect to acquire which is likely to impose higher deductibles and limit maximum aggregate recoveries for certain perils such as Gulf of Mexico hurricane related windstorm damage or loss. Our primary insurance policies renew annually effective July 1, and we will be compelled to modify our risk management program in response to changes in the insurance market, including possible implementation of a captive insurance program, increased risk retention or an election to self-insure or otherwise retain risk exposure for Gulf of Mexico hurricane related windstorm damage or loss, including business interruption and rig recovery. These heightened risks and changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

       We have recently implemented new operational procedures designed to mitigate risk to our jackup rigs in the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season. In addition to procedures designed to better secure the drilling package on jackup rigs, improve jackup leg stability and increase the air gap to position the hull above waves, the new procedures involve analysis of prospective drilling locations, which may include enhanced bottom surveys. Implementation of these procedures may result in a decision to decline to operate on a customer designated location during hurricane season notwithstanding that the location, water depth and other standard operating conditions are within a rig's normal operating range. Implementation of our new procedures and anticipated regulatory requirements addressing Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit operations in the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season may result in a loss or reduction of work for our rigs at certain customer drilling locations, with consequential reduction in rig utilization or day rates.


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OUR BUSINESS INVOLVES NUMEROUS OPERATING HAZARDS AND WE ARE NOT FULLY INSURED AGAINST ALL OF THESE HAZARDS.

       Contract drilling and offshore oil and gas operations in general are subject to numerous risks, including the following:
 

  rig or other property damage resulting from hurricanes and other severe weather conditions, collisions, groundings, blowouts, fires, explosions and other accidents or terrorism,
  blowouts, fires, explosions and other loss of well control events causing damage to wells, reservoirs, production facilities and other properties and which may require wild well control, including drilling of relief wells,
  craterings, punchthroughs or other events causing rigs to capsize, sink or otherwise incur significant damage,
  extensive uncontrolled fires, blowouts, oil spills or other discharges of pollutants causing damage to the environment,
  machinery breakdowns, equipment failures, personnel shortages, failure of subcontractors and vendors to perform or supply goods and services and other events causing the suspension or cancellation of drilling operations, and
  unionization or similar collective actions by our employees or employees of subcontractors causing significant increases in operating costs.


       In addition, many of the hazards and risks associated with our operations, and accidents or other events resulting from such hazards and risks, expose our personnel, as well as personnel of our customers, subcontractors, vendors and other third parties, to risk of personal injury or death.

       Although we currently maintain broad insurance coverage, subject to certain significant deductibles and levels of self-insurance or risk retention, it does not cover all types of losses and in some situations it may not provide full coverage of losses or liabilities resulting from our operations. We have historically maintained insurance coverage for damage to our drilling rigs for amounts not less than the estimated fair market value thereof. However, in the event of total loss, such coverage is unlikely to be sufficient to recover the cost of a newly constructed replacement rig. Additionally, we do not maintain business interruption or loss of hire insurance and, as described below, we will not be able to obtain future insurance coverage comparable with our current coverage.


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       We obtain contractual indemnification from our customers whereby such customers generally agree to protect and indemnify us for liabilities resulting from pollution and damage to the environment, damage to wells, reservoirs and other customer property, control of wild wells, drilling of relief wells and certain personnel injuries. The inability to obtain such indemnification, the failure of a customer to meet indemnification obligations, the failure of one or more of our insurance providers to meet claim obligations, or losses or liabilities resulting from uninsured or underinsured events could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

       Our contracts generally protect us from certain losses sustained as a result of our negligence. However, losses resulting from contracts that do not contain such protection could have a material adverse affect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Losses resulting from our gross negligence or willful misconduct may not be protected contractually by specific provision or by application of law, and our insurance may not provide adequate protection for such losses.

       Moreover, the cost of many of the types of insurance coverage maintained by us has increased significantly during recent years. In addition, insurance market conditions have resulted in retention of additional risk by us, primarily through higher insurance deductibles. Very few insurance underwriters offer certain types of insurance coverage maintained by us, and there can be no assurance that any particular type of insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future, that we will not accept retention of additional risk through higher insurance deductibles, self-insurance risk retention or otherwise, or that we will be able to purchase our desired level of insurance coverage at commercially feasible rates.

       Due to the substantial insured losses sustained by us and others in the offshore drilling, exploration and production industries as a consequence of hurricanes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and 2004, we will not be able to obtain future insurance coverage comparable with that of prior years. This exposes us to a greater risk due to rig damage or loss, business interruption, rig recovery obligations and other risks related to severe weather conditions in respect of Gulf of Mexico hurricanes or windstorms. In addition, we are likely to experience substantially increased cost for available insurance coverage we may elect to acquire which is likely to impose higher deductibles and limit maximum aggregate recoveries for certain perils such as Gulf of Mexico hurricane related windstorm damage or loss. Our primary insurance policies renew annually effective July 1, and we will be compelled to modify our risk management program in response to changes in the insurance market, including possible implementation of a captive insurance program, increased risk retention or an election to self-insure or otherwise retain risk exposure for Gulf of Mexico hurricane related windstorm damage or loss, including business interruption and rig recovery. These heightened risks and changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


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FAILURE TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN SKILLED PERSONNEL COULD IMPEDE OUR OPERATIONS.

       We require highly skilled personnel to operate our drilling rigs and to provide technical services and support for our business. Competition for skilled and other labor required for drilling operations and other oil and gas exploration and production activities has intensified as the number of rigs activated or added to worldwide fleets or under construction has increased in the last few years. Specifically, there are approximately ninety new jackup rigs and semisubmersible rigs reported to be on order for delivery by the end of 2010, all of which will require new skilled and other personnel to operate. Furthermore, in periods of high utilization, such as the current period, it is more difficult to recruit and retain qualified individuals. Although competition for skilled and other labor has not materially affected us to date, the possibility exists that competition for such personnel could increase our operating expenses with a resulting reduction in net income or impact our ability to fully staff and operate our rigs.

       We have experienced a tightening in our markets for labor within the last year and have recently sustained an increase in turnover rates due largely to the loss of experienced personnel to our customers, competitors and other businesses involved in oil and gas exploration activities. In response to these market conditions, we have increased compensation and have incurred other costs to retain our work force, including implementation of a retention program for certain personnel. If these labor trends continue, they could further increase our costs or limit our ability to fully staff and operate our rigs.

THE OFFSHORE CONTRACT DRILLING INDUSTRY IS CYCLICAL, WITH PERIODS OF LOW DEMAND AND EXCESS RIG AVAILABILITY THAT COULD RESULT IN ADVERSE EFFECTS ON OUR BUSINESS.

       Financial operating results in the offshore contract drilling industry have historically been very cyclical and primarily are related to the demand for drilling rigs and the available supply of rigs. Demand for rigs is directly related to the regional and worldwide levels of offshore exploration and development spending by oil and gas companies, which is beyond our control. Offshore exploration and development spending may fluctuate substantially from year to year and from region to region.

       The supply of drilling rigs is limited and new rigs require a substantial capital investment and a long period of time to construct. Currently, there are approximately ninety new jackup rigs and semisubmersible rigs reported to be on order for delivery by the end of 2010. There are no assurances that the market will be able to fully absorb the supply of new rigs scheduled to enter the market in future periods.


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       It is time consuming to move rigs between geographic areas. Accordingly, as demand changes in a particular market, the supply of rigs may not adjust quickly, and therefore the utilization and day rates of rigs could fluctuate significantly. Certain events, such as limited availability of insurance for certain perils in some geographical areas, rig loss or damage due to hurricanes, craterings, punchthrough, blowouts and other operational events may impact the supply of rigs in a particular market and cause rapid fluctuations in rig demand, utilization and day rates.

       Periods of decreased demand and excess rig supply may require us to idle rigs or to enter into lower rate contracts or contracts with less favorable terms. There can be no assurance that the current demand for drilling rigs will not decline in future periods, nor can there be any assurance concerning any adverse effect resulting from such decrease in activity.

EXCESS RIG AVAILABILITY FROM THE DELIVERY OF NEW DRILLING UNITS COULD RESULT IN ADVERSE EFFECTS ON OUR BUSINESS.

       During prior periods of high utilization and day rates, industry participants have increased the supply of rigs by ordering construction of new units. On prior occasions, this has resulted in an oversupply of drilling units and has caused a subsequent decline in utilization and day rates, sometimes for extended periods of time. As of March 15, 2006, there are approximately 62 jackup rigs and 27 semisubmersible rigs under contract for construction with delivery dates ranging from 2006 to approximately 2010.The completion of these new drilling rigs will increase supply and could reduce day rates or utilization as a result of softening of the affected markets as rigs are absorbed into the active fleet. Any further increase in construction of new drilling units would likely exacerbate the potential negative impact on utilization and day rates. Lower utilization and day rates in one or more of the regions in which we operate could adversely affect our revenues, utilization and profitability.


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

       Following is a summary of all repurchases by the Company of its common stock during the three month period ended March 31, 2006:

 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
      Total Number Approximate
      of Shares Dollar Value of
    Average Purchased as Shares that
  Total Price Part of Publicly May Yet Be
  Number of Paid Announced Purchased
  Shares per Plans or Under Plans
      Period Purchased Share Programs or Programs
 
      January      --    --    --    --  
      February    1,581    $45.67    --    --  
      March    250,000    47.03    250,000    $488,000,000  

      Total    251,581    $47.02    250,000    $488,000,000  


       On March 14, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company's outstanding stock. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $11.7 million (an average cost of $47.03 per share). Additionally, the Company repurchased 1,581 shares at an average cost of $45.67 per share during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, from employees in connection with the settlement of income tax and related benefit withholding obligations arising from the vesting of share awards.


Item 6.   Exhibits

(a)   Exhibits Filed with this Report

       Exhibit No.

 
       10.1   Employment Offer Letter Agreement dated January 13, 2006 and accepted on February 6, 2006 between the Company and Daniel W. Rabun (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2006, File No. 1-8097).
       10.2   Employment Offer Letter Agreement dated February 28, 2006 and accepted on March 1, 2006 between the Company and William S. Chadwick, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006, File No. 1-8097).
       15.1   Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information
       31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Registrant Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Registrant Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Registrant Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Registrant Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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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.

 
    ENSCO INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
     
     
Date:      April 25, 2006   /s/ J. W. SWENT             
J. W. Swent
Senior Vice President -
Chief Financial Officer
     
     
    /s/ H. E. MALONE, JR.             
H. E. Malone, Jr.
Vice President
     
     
    /s/ DAVID A. ARMOUR               
David A. Armour
Controller
 
 


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