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NorAm Drilling AS

Annual Report May 29, 2024

3673_rns_2024-05-29_2027774c-5e48-41a7-a574-345d9a622cf0.pdf

Annual Report

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ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NORAM DRILLING AS

Contents

General
Information
3
Accounting and Auditing 3
NorAm Drilling Group 4
Board of Directors' Report 20
2
3
5
Financial Statements 202
3
1
3
Note Disclosures 1
7
Auditors Report 2
5

General Information

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "experts", "predicts", "may", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks" or "anticipates" or similar expressions or comparable terminology, or by discussions of plans, intentions and strategy.

Such forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise. The Company or its officers assumes no obligation that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from such forward-looking statements.

Accounting and Auditing

NorAm Drilling AS is audited by KPMG Norway. The accounting is outsourced to Amesto Business Partner, Norway.

NorAm Drilling Company performs its own accounting.

Alternative Performance Measurement (APM)

In the report we refer to the APM ADJUSTED EBITDA; Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization and noncash stock compensation expenses.

THIS IS NORAM DRILLING GROUP

NorAm Drilling AS ("the Group", "NorAm" or "the Company") owns and operates a quality rig portfolio of "super spec" advanced high-end AC driven rigs tailored for the drilling of horizontal wells in the US land drilling market. These rigs are designed to combine the cost efficiency of a compact rig with the versatility of different rig classes, enabling the rigs to cover a broad range of wells for both liquids and gas.

The Company was established in 2007, and at year-end 2023 the Group's fleet consisted of 11 "super spec" rigs located in the Permian Basin.

The Company Structure

The parent company NorAm Drilling AS owns 100% of NorAm Drilling Company, Texas Corp., a US-based drilling contractor, located in Houston, Texas.

NorAm Drilling Company owns all eleven rigs and is financed through a combination of equity investments and intercompany loans, at arm's length terms, from its parent. NorAm Drilling Company is staffed with competent, local personnel that perform all aspects of a contract drilling company. The assets of NorAm Drilling AS consists mainly of shares in and loans to its US subsidiary.

Our Offices

NorAm Drilling AS head office is in Oslo, Norway. The office is located at Bryggegata 3, 0112 Oslo, Norway.

NorAm Drilling Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. NorAm Drilling Company has yard facilities in Odessa, Texas.

Organization and Operations

Marty Jimmerson has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since joining the Company in January 2017. Thomas Taylor has served as Chief Operating Officer since November 2014 and has been with the Company for 13 years. Mr. Jimmerson and Mr. Taylor fulfil their roles for both NorAm Drilling AS and NorAm Drilling Company.

The executive team is supported with a compliment of business development, safety, operations (including electricians, mechanics and equipment specialists) and accounting functions. Each rig is supported by crews that work on 2-week hitches. Each hitch is staffed with crews working 12-hour shifts. The rig is managed by a rig manager and each shift is typically staffed with a minimum of a driller, derrickman, motorman and two floormen.

Board of Director's Report

Nature of the business activities and where conducted

NorAm Drilling AS (herein called "Company") and its subsidiaries (herein called "Group") were established on February 19, 2007.

NorAm Drilling AS owns 100% of NorAm Drilling Company, a Texas corporation (collectively referred to as "NorAm" or the "Company" herein). NorAm owns and operates a quality rig portfolio of "super spec" advanced high-end AC driven rigs tailored for the drilling of horizontal wells in the US land drilling market. Currently, ten of our eleven rigs are under contract in the Permian Basin. These rigs are designed to combine the cost efficiency of a compact rig with the versatility of different rig classes, enabling the rigs to cover a broad range of wells for both liquids and gas. The Group's executive management team is based out of Houston, Texas with administrative functions located in both Houston and Oslo, Norway.

2023 Developments

MARKET and CONTRACTS

WTI began 2023 around \$80 per barrel and finished 2023 near \$72 per barrel. WTI reached a high of \$94 per barrel in September 2023 and a low of \$72 per barrel in June and December 2023. WTI is currently trading around \$79 per barrel.

As of May 17, 2024, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 584 and 312, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 601 and 307, respectively. In comparison, as of December 31, 2022, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 762 and 353, respectively. We currently have ten of our eleven rigs under contract.

SHARE LISTING and DIVIDENDS

On October 7, 2022, the Company's shares commenced trading on the Euronext Growth Oslo exchange under the ticker "NORAM". The Company is debt free and paid its initial monthly dividend in December 2022 of MUSD 4.4 or NOK 1.00 per share in December 2022. The Company has also paid MUSD 42.3 or approximately NOK 10.35 per share in 2023. The Company has paid MUSD 9.9 or approximately NOK 2.44 per share after December 31, 2023.The dividend distributions were made from the Company's contributed surplus account which consists of previously paid in share premium transferred to the Company's share premium account. The Company intends to pay future dividends based upon maintaining minimum available liquidity of approximately MUSD 11.

COMPANY DEVELOPMENT, RESULTS and FINANCING

NorAm had revenue of MUSD 118.3 during the twelve months of 2023 compared to MUSD 95.4 during the twelve months of 2022. During the twelve months of 2023 we generated operating profit of MUSD 22.3 compared to an operating profit of MUSD 6.9 in the twelve months of 2022. During the twelve months of 2023 we generated ADJUSTED EBITDA of MUSD 41.3 compared to MUSD 26.1 in the twelve months of 2022. During the twelve months of 2023 we generated cash flow from operational activities of MUSD 46.5 compared to MUSD 16.0 in the twelve months of 2022. The increase in revenue, operating profit, ADJUSTED EBITDA and cash flow from operational activities is primarily due to improvement in industry activity that commenced in late 2021 that resulted in higher average dayrates and fleet utilization in 2023 as we reactivated all of our rigs during 2022.

Capital expenditures were MUSD 5.0 in the twelve months of 2023, compared to MUSD 3.4 in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, our cash position was MUSD 12.1. We raised approximately MUSD 75.0 of gross proceeds from the listing of our shares in October 2022 and in combination with cash on hand the listing proceeds were used to repay an outstanding bond of MUSD 80.0 and accrued interest of MUSD 3.2 in November 2022. The Company is debt free and paid its initial monthly dividend in December 2022.

On November 21, 2022, the Company's subsidiary entered into a loan agreement with a U.S. based bank for a Revolving Promissory Note ("Revolver") of MUSD 4.5. Use of proceeds for any borrowings under this Revolver are available for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Revolver is secured by accounts receivable and is expected to be utilized to reduce the Company's need for liquidity on the balance sheet. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver as of December 31, 2023.

The parent company NorAm Drilling AS had total operating income of MUSD 0.1 in 2023, the same as for 2022. Operating expenses decreased to MUSD 1.1 in 2023 compared to MUSD 1.2 in 2022. The parent company had a net income before tax of MUSD 5.6 in 2023, compared to a net income of MUSD 10.2 in 2022. The main driver for the decrease in net income before tax is due to lower interest income on intercompany notes attributable to repayments from its operating subsidiary.

KEY FINANCIAL FIGURES

2023 2022
MUSD
Revenue 118.3 95.4
Operating Profit 22.3 6.9
Net Profit before Tax 22.6 3.0
ADJUSTED EBITDA
(1)
41.3 26.1

(1) ADJUSTED EBITDA - Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization plus noncash stock option expenses.

IMPAIRMENT ON FIXED ASSETS

No impairment indicators have been identified as a result of improved dayrates and utilization of our rig fleet. Accordingly, no impairment test has been performed as a result of no impairment indicators being identified.

FINANCING

On the balance sheet, the Group has equity of MUSD 71.8 equivalent to an equity ratio of 73.7% at year-end 2023, compared to MUSD 82.0 of equity and a 70.8% equity ratio at year-end 2022.

The Company's balance sheet at year end 2023 had equity of MUSD 148.6 and an equity ratio of 90.1%, compared to MUSD 175.8 of equity and a 87.3% equity ratio at year-end 2022.

The Board considers the equity for both the Company and Group to be in compliance with the requirement for sufficient equity under the Norwegian Limited Liability Companies Act.

On October 7, 2022, the Company's shares commenced trading on the Euronext Growth Oslo exchange under the ticker "NORAM" following the successful raise of approximately MUSD 75 of gross proceeds. The Company issued 19,748,676 new shares in connection with the listing. The proceeds from the listing in combination with cash on hand was used to repay an outstanding bond of MUSD 80.0 and accrued interest of MUSD 3.2 in November 2022.

The Company is debt free and paid its initial monthly dividend in December 2022 of MUSD 4.4 or NOK 1.00 per share in December 2022. The Company has also paid MUSD 42.3 or approximately NOK 10.35 per share in 2023. The Company has paid MUSD 9.9 or approximately NOK 2.44 per share after December 31, 2023. The dividend distributions were made from the Company's contributed surplus account which consists of previously paid in share premium transferred to the Company's share premium account.

On November 21, 2022, the Company's subsidiary entered into a loan agreement with a U.S. based bank for a Revolving Promissory Note ("Revolver") of MUSD 4.5. Use of proceeds for any borrowings under this Revolver are available for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Revolver is secured by accounts receivable and is expected to be utilized to reduce the Company's need for liquidity on the balance sheet. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver as of December 31, 2023.

CASH FLOW and LIQUIDITY

The cash position for the Group decreased from MUSD 13.1 as of December 31, 2022, to MUSD 12.1 as of December 31, 2023.

For the Norwegian parent company, the cash position decreased from MUSD 1.7 to MUSD 0.7.

KEY RISKS and UNCERTAINITIES

The Group and the Company are exposed to a number of risk factors when performing its activities, such as market risk, operational risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Dayrates for land rigs in the US improved significantly during the 2022 and continued to strengthen in Q1 2023. Demand for drilling rigs started to decline in the first half of 2023 in a response to lower natural gas and WTI prices. Dayrates for high end "super spec" drilling rigs in Permian started to soften during the second quarter of 2023 as some rigs were mobilized from the Haynesville as a result of low natural gas prices and operators releasing rigs in the Permian as a result of lower WTI prices. Recent mergers and acquisitions among E&Ps have led to lower active rig counts and put pressure on dayrates. Despite possible continued near-term pressure on dayrates as a result of WTI and natural gas price volatility, we remain encouraged that market fundamentals are intact and utilization and dayrates are at or near the bottom and counld start to improve later in 2024 and into 2025. The Company's and the Group's key operational risks are comprised to a large extent of (i) global oil demand, (ii) China reopening, (iii) Russian invasion of Ukraine, (iv) OPEC+ maintaining and complying with appropriate supply targets, (v) operating discipline demonstrated by US E&P operators, (vi) supply and demand activity for US and Permian land rigs, (vii) availability and costs of labor, equipment and rig supplies and (viii) any possible regulatory changes issued by the US government.

Global oil and gas prices have been historically and will likely continue to be volatile for the foreseeable future. Global demand and supply of oil; levels of exploration and production by oil and gas companies operating in the United States; worldwide political, regulatory, economic and military events as well as natural disasters have contributed to oil and gas volatility and are likely to continue to do so in the future. The US land drilling market is strongly related to energy prices. Day rates and utilization levels of the Group's rigs correlate with the price of oil and natural gas. An increase in oil price requires supply reductions or increases in demand. The Group's income is the most sensitive factor, and a reduction either in utilization or day rates compared to budget has clear negative effects on the result. Conversely, higher rates and utilization have very positive effects on our results. The cost level will vary with constraints in the market for input factors.

The client risk of the Group varies, and even though the Group targets blue-chip E&P clients with extensive operations, contracts may also be signed with smaller companies to increase utilization of the rigs. In such cases, a review of financial statements or payment references is performed to reduce risk of non-payment.

Supplier and client risks are also present in the market in which the Group is operating. Even if the Group targets contracts with larger and financially solid partners, the contracts will be subject to uncertainty with regards to the suppliers' or the clients' ability to meet their commitments, as they, too, on a general basis also will be subject to market and financial risk. Idle rigs will lead to significant loss of income.

In addition, there could be stacking expenses during weak periods of demand for rigs resulting on loss of work. Such expenses are modest in terms of influence on the result. The Group is also exposed to changes in the regulatory and fiscal frameworks in Norway and the USA.

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The Group will continue its focus on operating its premium rig fleet and evaluate opportunities to build a larger US presence by further developing our US subsidiary. The foundation has been laid over the years, building strong inhouse drilling competences and safety records, a flat organization with focus on training and motivation of our drilling crews, effective corporate routines and strong client relationships.

By growing the Group's rig fleet from three rigs in 2009 to eleven "Super Spec" rigs, the Group has taken important steps forward to become an important player in the US onshore drilling industry.

The Group has an ongoing dialogue with its existing customers as well as potential new customers about rig performance and contracts. The Board emphasizes the importance of modern, efficient rigs and trained personnel as a powerful combination for reaching our drilling, safety and utilization targets and winning new contracts with quality clients.

A key driver for financial results in 2024 will ultimately be the continued price development of crude oil and natural gas prices which impacts capital spending by the US energy producers.

Key targets for 2024:

  • Ensure continued high safety standard in line with our historical performance
  • Continue to operate our rigs with an industry leading effectiveness and efficiency
  • Scale our operations and overhead in response to any change in rig activity
  • Maintain and develop customer relationships in order to obtain higher dayrates contracts with reputable clients

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Dayrates and utilization outlook

All eleven rigs are currently located in the Permian Basin. Our current drilling contract status as of May 21, 2024 is as follows:

  • Rig 21 on contract pad-pad
  • Rig 22 on contract through July 2024
  • Rig 23 hot stacked and available
  • Rig 25 on contract through September 2024
  • Rig 26 on contract through June 2024
  • Rig 27 on contract through Septemer 2024
  • Rig 28 on contract through Septemer 2024
  • Rig 29 under contract from June 2024 through November 2024
  • Rig 30 on contract through June 2024
  • Rig 32 on contract through July 2024
  • Rig 34 on contract through August 2024

Subject to key risks and uncertainties mentioned in this report, we currently expect continued strong demand for high end "super spec" drilling rigs in the Permian.

The Board expects to maintain the Group's strong safety record.

Operating expenses

Combined with focus on our rig personnel staffing levels and effectively managing our other daily operating costs we were able to maintain rig operating costs and maintenance capital expenditures during 2023 and in line with our expectations.

RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Neither the Company nor the Group had research and development expenses in 2023.

GOING CONCERN

The Board considers the Financial Statements for 2023 to represent a true and fair view of the development and results of the Company's and Group's operations and accounts as of December 31, 2023. The Board confirms that going concern assumptions are satisfied as to the standards set by the Norwegian Accounting Act and which has formed the basis for the financial statements presented herein for the Company and the Group. This is based on the Boards expectations relating to market conditions going forward, with increased dayrates and utilization expected to continue to gradually recover over the next few years.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

As of December 31, 2023, the Group had an operational organization of 284 people including three working at the administration office in Houston.

The Board considers the working environment in the Company and the Group to be good.

Management consists of the Chief Executive Officer / Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Operating Officer. Apart from these individuals, the Company uses external advisors for accounting, legal affairs and other professional services.

The absentee rate was minimal. There were no property damage incidents in 2023.

NorAm Drilling AS has no employees during 2023, hence no sick leave. No serious occupational accidents or incidents have been experienced over the year, whether in the parent company or in the subsidiaries.

EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES

The Group and the Company target to be an employer to promote equality for all employees' regardless of nationality, sex, skin color, language or religion. This is true for recruiting new people, for salary and bonus schemes, working relations, promotions and protection against harassment. Women will be encouraged to apply for posted available positions in order to increase the representation of both sexes in the organization. At the end of 2023, the Group had three women employed. There will be no discrimination between men and women regarding recruitment, salaries in relation to position/competence, or promotion, or any other aspect of the Group's activities.

The group has conducted a high-level salary analysis showing that on average, men has higher salary than women. The main reason for this is that the management group consist of only men, and management level has higher average salary than the employees working on the rigs. Among employees working on the rigs, there is no indication on significant differences in average salary between men and women with the same experience etc.

During 2023 the group has had no involuntary part-time employees, and no persons have been on leave of absence.

The NorAm Drilling AS Board of Directors consists of three men. NorAm Drilling Company has the same board as NorAm Drilling AS.

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

NorAm Drilling AS has limited activity and does not pollute the external environment. The Group undertakes activities that are potentially polluting. The oil and gas well drilling business, by its very nature, can, if proper procedures are not followed adversely impact the environment. This can range from blowouts of wells or pollution of the area surrounding the drilling activities.

NorAm Drilling takes all reasonable precautions by assuring proper equipment and maintenance and that the rig personnel are all properly trained. Also, NorAm Drilling conducts standard procedures beyond regulations to ensure not to pollute. Other actions taken by NorAm Drilling includes converting engine systems into Dual Gas system, whereby our customers agree, allowing our engines to run on natural gas at a lower cost and generating less pollution. The Company has available and is also evaluating installing additional power converters whereby rigs may be connected to the electrical grid where feasible. This will further reduce emissions.

NorAm Drilling has implemented Health, Environment and Safety services to support the company's activities and the rig crew is trained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) HSE regulations in the US. The focus is to train all site personnel in their daily routines to act safely and to prevent unwanted occurrences with the rigs.

NorAm Drilling complies with US state and federal regulations in its activities, including environmental protection regulation. The operator carries the main responsibility regarding the external environment when drilling a well under standard daywork drilling contracts.

The Group will publish on our website an updated human rights statement in line with the Norwegian Transparency Act reporting requirements by 30th June 2024.

NorAm Drilling has a group insurance policy for the liability of the Company's and its subsidiaries' directors and officers. The insurance covers personal legal liabilities including legal costs for defense. The limit of liability is NOK 100 million per claim and in aggregate per year.

Signature of the Board, May 21, 2024

Chairman Board member Board member

Marty Jimmerson Chief Executive Officer

CONSOLIDATED 2023 REPORT

NorAm Drilling AS INCOME STATEMENT
(Amounts in USD 1,000)
NorAm Group
2023 2022 Note Note 2023 2022
- - 2 Sales 2 118,293 95,446
110 110 Other operating income - -
110 110 Total operating income 118,293 95,446
331 197 3 Payroll Expenses 3 31,355 29,449
- - Depreciation of tangible and intangible assets 7 18,937 18,879
- - Rig mobilization, service and supplies 28,506 26,096
- - Insurance rigs and employees 6,252 5,833
748 1,008 3 Other operating expenses 3 10,970 8,306
1,079 1,205 Total operating expenses 96,020 88,562
- -
-970 -1,095 Operating profit (+) / loss (-) 22,273 6,884
6,580 15,274 4, 9 Interest income from group companies
85 263 4 Other interest income 4 507 402
294 2,069 4 Other financial income 294 2,069
- 6,158 4 Other interest expenses 4 55 6,158
383 171 4 Other financial expenses 4 385 186
6,576 11,277 Net financial items 360 -3,873
5,606 10,182 Profit(+)/Loss(-) before income tax 22,633 3,011
3,358 -216 5 Income tax expense 5 3,409 34
2,248 10,398 Net profit(+)/Loss(-) 19,225 2,978

CONSOLIDATED 2023 REPORT

NorAm Drilling AS BALANCE SHEET
(Amounts in USD 1,000)
NorAm Group
2023 2022 Note Note 2023 2022
ASSETS
Tangible assets
- - Rigs and accessories 7 72,061 86,312
- - Other tangible assets 7 553 258
- - Total tangible assets 72,615 86,569
Financial assets
84,814 84,788 8 Investment in subsidiaries - -
80,110 115,481 9 Loan to group companies - -
164,924 200,268 Total financial assets - -
164,924 200,268 Total Non-current Assets 72,615 86,569
Current assets
Receivable
- - Accounts receivable 11,297 14,802
-678 -768 Other receivable 1,367 1,336
-678 -768 Total receivable 12,664 16,138
Cash and cash equivalent
684 1,750 10 Bank deposit/cash 10 12,139 13,098
684 1,750 Total cash and cash equivalents 12,139 13,098
6 982 Total current assets 24,804 29,236
164,930 201,250 TOTAL ASSETS 97,418 115,806

CONSOLIDATED 2023 REPORT

NorAm Drilling AS BALANCE SHEET
(Amounts in USD 1,000)
NorAm Group
2023 2022 Note Note 2023 2022
EQUITY & LIABILITIES
Equity
Owners equity
12,547 12,547 11 Share capital 11 12,547 12,547
107,185 136,573 11 Share premium 11 107,185 136,573
439 439 11 Other paid in capital 11 369 369
120,171 149,559 Total owners equity 120,102 149,489
Accumulated profits
28,449 26,201 11 Other equity 11 -48,258 -67,456
28,449 26,201 Total accumulated profits -48,258 -67,456
148,620 175,760 Total equity 71,843 82,033
Liabilities
4,414 1,098 5 Deferred tax 5 4,881 1,746
4,414 1,098 Total deferred tax 4,881 1,746
Current liabilities
9 20 Accounts payable 4,388 4,607
42 - 5 Tax payable 5 326 250
163 267 Public duties payable 163 267
11,682 24,106 9 Other current liabilities 9 15,817 26,904
11,896 24,393 Total current liabilities 20,694 32,027
16,310 25,490 Total liabilities 25,575 33,773
164,930 201,250 TOTAL EQUITY & LIABILITIES 97,418 115,806

Oslo, 21.05.2024

Ole Bjarte Hjertaker Christopher Baker

Board member Jan Erik Klepsland Marty Jimmerson

Chairman Board member

CEO

NorAm Drilling AS STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
(Amounts in USD 1,000)
NorAm Group
2023 2022 2023 2022
5,606 10,182 Profit(+)/Loss(-) before income tax 22,633 3,011
- - Tax paid for the period 76 -
- - Depreciation of fixed assets 18,937 18,879
- - Change in accounts receivable 3,505 -8,659
10 2,140 Change in accounts payable -218 1,611
444 -2,472 Change in other current balance sheet items 1,588 1,206
6,061 9,850 Net cash flow from operational activities 46,521 16,048
- - Purchase of tangible fixed assets -4,982 -3,361
35,370 2,826 Received payment on loans to group companies - -
35,370 2,826 Net cash flow from investing activities -4,982 -3,361
- 72,004 Issued capital - 72,004
-42,497 -4,375 Dividends -42,497 -4,375
- -80,000 Repayment of long term debt - -80,000
-42,497 -12,371 Net cash flow from financing activities -42,497 -12,371
-1,066 305 Net change in cash and cash equivalent -959 316
1,750 1,445 Cash and cash equivalents opening balance 13,098 12,782
684 1,750 Cash and cash equivalents closing balance 12,139 13,098

Note 1 - Accounting Principles

The Financial Statements include Income statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flow and Note Disclosures. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and generally accepted accounting principles in Norway.

The Financial Statements are based on the basic principles, and the classification of Assets and Liabilities is according to the definitions of the Norwegian Accounting Act. In application of the accounting principles and presentation of transactions and other information, emphasis has been put not only on legal form, but on economic reality. Conditional losses that are probable and quantifiable are expensed. There have been no changes in the accounting principles used.

1-1 BASIS FOR CONSOLIDATION

The Group's consolidated financial statements comprise Noram Drilling AS and companies in which Noram Drilling AS has a controlling interest. A controlling interest is normally obtained when the Group owns more than 50% of the shares in the company and can exercise control over the company. Minority interests are included in the Group's equity. Transactions between Group companies have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statement. The consolidated financial statement has been prepared in accordance with the same accounting principles for both parent and subsidiary.

1-2 USE OF ESTIMATES

Management has used estimates and assumptions that have affected assets, liabilities, incomes, expenses and information on potential liabilities in accordance with Norwegian generally accepted accounting principles.

1-3 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Transactions in foreign currency are translated at the rate applicable on the transaction date. Monetary items in a foreign currency are translated into USD using the exchange rate applicable on the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items that are measured at their historical price expressed in a foreign currency are translated into USD using the exchange rate applicable on the transaction date. Non-monetary items that are measured at their fair value expressed in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate applicable on the balance sheet date. Changes to exchange rates are recognized in the income statement as they occur during the accounting period.

1-4 REVENUE RECOGNITION AND OPERATIONAL COSTS

Income from sale of goods and services are recognised at fair value of the consideration, net after deduction of VAT, returns, discounts and reductions. Sales are taken to income when the company has delivered its products to the customer and there are no unsatisfied commitments which may influence the customer's acceptance of the product. Delivery is not completed until the products have been sent to the agreed place, and risks relating to loss and obsolescence have been transferred to the customer.

NorAm Drilling Group revenue relates to rental of rig capacity and sale of drilling services from the US based subsidiary NorAm Drilling Company. Sales regarding rental of rig is invoiced and booked in line with actual contract and the period of delivering the services, while drilling services are invoiced and booked in the same period as the services has been provided.

Expenses are recognized with the income to which the expenses relate. Expenses that may not be related to income are recognized when accrued.

1-5 INCOME TAX

The tax expense consists of the tax payable and changes to deferred tax. Deferred tax/tax assets are calculated on all differences between the book value and tax value of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is calculated as 22%/21% (Norway/USA) of temporary differences and losses carried forward. Deferred tax assets are recorded in the balance sheet when it is more likely than not that the tax assets will be utilized. Taxes payable and deferred taxes are recognized directly in equity to the extent that they relate to equity transactions.

Temporary differences in juristrictions with other currency than USD, is caclulated using local currency and converted to USD at foreign exchange rate at the balance sheet.

Note 1 - Accounting Principles

1-6 BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION

Current assets and current liabilities consist of receivables and payables due within one year, and items connected to the flow of goods. Other balance sheet items are classified as non-current assets / non-current liabilities.

Current assets are valued at the lower of cost and fair value. Current liabilities are recognized at nominal value at the time they incur.

Fixed assets are valued at cost, less depreciation and impairment losses. Non-current liabilities are recognized at nominal value.

1-7 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life. Costs for maintenance are expensed as incurred, whereas costs for improving and upgrading property, plant and equipment are added to the acquisition cost and depreciated with the related asset. If carrying value of a non-current asset exceeds the estimated recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the net realizable value and value in use. In assessing value in use, the discounted estimated future cash flows from the asset are used. Operational leasing is expensed as ordinary rental expense and classified as an ordinary operating expense. Equipment leased on terms that transfer practically all economic rights and obligations to the company (financial leasing) is depreciated as a capital asset, and is included as a liability under interest bearing debt at the present value of minimum rental expense.

1-8 SUBSIDIARIES

Subsidiaries are valued at cost in the company accounts. The investment is valued as cost of the shares in the subsidiary, less any impairment losses. An impairment loss is recognized if the impairment is not considered temporary, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Impairment losses are reversed if the reason for the impairment loss disappears in a later period.

Dividends, group contributions and other distributions are recognized in the same year as they are recognized in the subsidiary financial statement. If dividends / group contribution exceed withheld profits after acquisition, the excess amount represents repayment of invested capital, and the distribution will be deducted from the recorded value of the investment in the balance sheet for the parent company.

1-9 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Accounts receivable and other current receivables are recorded in the balance sheet at nominal value less provisions for doubtful accounts. Provisions for doubtful accounts are based on an individual assessment of the different receivables. For the remaining receivables, a general provision is estimated based on expected loss.

1-10 PENSION OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES

Noram Drilling AS has a contribution-based pension plan. Yearly payments to the insurance company are expensed as pension costs.

1-11 CASH FLOW STATEMENT

The cash flow statement has been prepared according to the indirect method. Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank deposits, and other short term investments which immediately and with minimal exchange risk can be converted into known cash amounts, with due date less than three months from purchase date.

1-12 Functional Currency and Presentational Currency

Functional and presentation currency is for NorAm Drilling Company AS and the NorAm Drilling Group is USD. This is based on the following rationale;

NorAm Drilling Company AS

All significant P/L transactions is denominated in USD (Interest income from group companies, Other interest expenses)

All significant Balance Sheet items is denominated in USD (Loan to group companies, Accounts Receivables and Cash) NorAm Drilling GroupNorAm

All significant P/L transactions is denominated in USD (Sales, Payroll, Operating expenses from US subsidiary and Other interest expenses)

All significant Balance Sheet items is denominated in USD (Fixed assets, Accounts Receivables, Cash, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities)

Note 2 – Segment and Geographic Information
2023
(USD) Noram Drilling AS NorAm Drilling Company Group
Sales income from third parties - 118,293,151 118,293,151
Sales income from other segments 109,688 - -
Depreciation - 18,936,725 18,936,725
Other operating expenses 1,079,231 76,003,890 77,083,121
Operating profit -969,543 23,352,536 22,273,305
Financial expenses 382,701 58,260 440,961
Financial expenses other segments -6,579,533 6,579,533 -
Financial income 379,059 422,056 801,115
Financial income other segments - -
Net financial items 6,575,891 -6,215,737 360,154
Taxes 3,358,440 50,134 3,408,574
Non Current Assets 164,924,417 72,614,861 72,614,861
Interest bearing debt third parties - - -
Interest bearing debt other segments - 80,110,043 -

2022

Noram Drilling AS NorAm Drilling Company Group
- 95,446,106 95,446,106
- -
- 18,879,303 18,879,303
- - -
68,477,725 69,682,684
8,089,078 6,884,120
15,184 6,343,666
- 15,273,577 -
- 2,470,942
- -
-15,288,761 3,872,724
250,000 33,894
86,569,418 86,569,418
- - -
- 115,480,503 -
109,688
1,204,958
-1,095,270
6,328,481
2,332,132
-3,996,349
-216,106
200,268,209

Note 3 - Payroll expenses / Number of Employees / Remuneration/ Auditor's Fee

2023 2022
Payroll expenses etc. (in USD) NorAm Drilling AS Group NorAm Drilling AS Group
Salaries 38,738 28,567,019 59,163 29,395,271
Payroll tax/Social Security 7,147 2,342,111 8,342 -425,303
Pension costs - - - -
Other benefits 285,093 445,535 129,870 478,540
Payroll expenses etc. 330,978 31,354,665 197,375 29,448,508
Number of man-labour years 0 361 0 343

Management Remuneration - Noram Drilling AS (USD)

2023 2022
Company officers Period Salaries Pensions Other benefits Total Total
Marty Jimmerson* 01.01 - 31.12 475,814 - - 475,814 497,379
Board Period Salaries Pensions Other benefits Total Total
Ole Bjarte Hjertaker (Board member/Chairman) 01.01 - 31.12 18,974 - - 18,974 27,053
Hermann Refsum Flinder (Board member)** - - - - 6,982
Gunnar Eliassen (Board member)*** 01.01 - 14.06 9,487 - - 9,487 27,053
Christopher Baker (Board member) 01.01 - 31.12 18,794 - - 18,794 9,641
Jan Erik Klepsland (Board member)*** 14.06 - 31.12 10,277 - - 10,277 -
Espen W. Marcussen (Deputy Board member) - - - - 3,043
Total Officers 475,814 - - 475,814 497,379
Total Board 57,532 - - 57,532 73,772
Total Remuneration Board and Management 533,346 - - 533,346 571,151

*Marty Jimmerson received salary from US subsidiary Noram Drilling Company. The Salaries include bonus payments.

** Herman R. Flinder was replaced as board member 15 March 2022

*** Gunnar Eliassen was replaced as board member 14 June 2023

**** Marty Jimmerson vested 50,000 stock options on 28 February 2023, Ole Hjertaker vested 33,334 stock options and Chris Baker vested 16,667 stock options on 1 September 2023.

CEO Marty Jimmerson has a 1 year rolling employment agreement. In addition to a base salary he is also entitled to a bonus subject to the company's performance.

Mr. Jimmerson is entitled to (i) one-year base salary; (ii) annual cash bonus up to 33% of annual salary and (iii) group health coverage benefits for up to 18 months in the event of a change in control of his employment contract is terminated for anything other than cause. The CEO is also entitled to a 3-month notice period prior to termination.

It has not been given loan or security for the CEO, CFO, COO, directors or shareholders

Management Remuneration - Group

(USD)
2023 2022
Company officers Salary Pension costs Other Total Total
Noram Drilling AS - - - - -
Subsidiaries 475,814 - - 475,814 497,379
Board
Noram Drilling AS 57,532 - - 57,532 73,772
Subsidiaries - - - - -
Total Officers 475,814 - - 475,814 497,379
Total Board 57,532 - - 57,532 73,772
Remuneration Board and Management
(excl. Share based) 533,346 - - 533,346 571,151

Noram Drilling AS Share-Based Payment

On 15.02.22, Marty Jimmerson, CEO, and Thomas Taylor, COO, had 50 000 options each that expired with an exercise price of NOK 20.00.

On 28.02.22, Marty Jimmerson and Thomas Taylor were granted 150 000 options each. The grant was Equity Based and vest equally on February 28, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The grant expires on 28.02.27. The initial strike price was NOK 9. Including accrued dividends as of 31 December 2023, both Jimmerson and Taylor have a total of 150,000 stock options each in the money by NOK 2. Fair value of granted options is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The options strike price will be adjusted by paid dividends.

On 01.09.22, each Board of Director and certain members of management were granted a total of 300 000 options. 50 000 options were forfeited in 2023. The grant was Equity Based and vest equally on September 1, 2024, 2025 and 2026. The grant expires on 01.09.27. The initial strike price was NOK 40. Including accrued dividends as of 31 December 2023, stock options issued to each Board of Director and certain members of management have an adjusted strike price price of NOK 29. Fair value of granted options is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The options stike price will be adjusted by paid dividends. As of 31 December 2023, Ole Hjertaker and Chris Baker hold 100 000 and 50 000 stock options, respectively.

The strike price for all granted options shall be reduced by any declared and paid dividends. In 2023, the company declared and paid aggregate dividends of NOK 10 per share. In December 2022, the company declared and paid a dividend of NOK 1 per share.

Recognized cost in 2023 relating the share options are USD 445 535.

Historical details for the option plans are as follows:

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2022
Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price (NOK)
Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price (NOK)
Outstanding
at the beginning of period 600,000 23.50 100,000 20.00
Granted 600,000 24.50
Exercised
Terminated
Forfeited (50,000) 40.00
Expired (100,000) 20.00
Outstanding at the end of period 550,000 23.09 600,000 23.50
Vested options 183,335 23.09 100,000 8.00

Auditors remuneration (USD, excl. MVA (VAT))

2023 2022
NorAm Drilling AS Group NorAm Drilling AS Group
Ordinary audit 133,116 133,116 57,605 57,605
Other confirmation services 4,705 4,705 4,408 4,408
Tax advisory services 4,733 4,733 2,802 2,802
Other non audit services 52,176 52,176 76,348 76,348
Total 194,730 194,730 141,163 141,163

The ordinary audit expense includes fees for auditing the US subsidiary for the Group consolidated accounts.

Note 4 Net Financial Items

2023
NorAm Drilling AS Group 2022
NorAm Drilling AS
Group
Financial income
Interest income from group companies 6,579,533 - 15,273,577 -
Other interest income
Interest income bank 84,652 506,708 262,901 401,711
Other financial income
Currency gains 294,407 294,407 2,069,231 2,069,231
Total financial income 6,958,592 801,115 17,605,709 2,470,942
Financial expenses
Other interest expenses
Interest expense bond loan - - 6,157,754 6,157,754
Other interest expenses - 55,486 - -
Other financial expenses
Other financial expense - - - -
Write-down investments in subsidiaries - - - -
Currency losses 382,701 385,475 170,727 185,912
Total Financial expenses 382,701 440,961 6,328,481 6,343,666
Net financial items 6,575,891 360,154 11,277,228 -3,872,724

Note 5 - Tax

(USD) 2023 2022
NorAm Drilling AS Group NorAm Drilling AS Group
Tax base calculation
Profit (+)/ Loss (-) before income tax 5,606,348 22,633,459 10,181,957 3,011,396
Permanent differences 3,276,307 3,057,626 2,911,548 2,911,548
Temporary differences 3,616,861 11,719,652 3,304,634 3,213,915
Foreign exchange differences - - -14,818,279 -14,818,279
Tax base 12,499,517 37,410,738 1,579,860 -5,681,420
NOL Utilization -12,308,532 -37,087,849 -1,579,860 5,681,420
Tax base after NOL Utilization 190,985 322,889 - -
Income tax payable 42,017 42,017 - -
Sales tax - 231,406 - 250,000
Tax Payable this year 42,017 273,423 - 250,000
Income Tax Expense:
Tax Payable this year 42,017 273,423 - 250,000
Changes in deferred tax 3,316,422 3,135,150 -216,106 -216,105
Currency effects - - - -
Tax refund 2019 COVID-19 effect - - - -
Total Income Tax Expense 3,358,439 3,408,573 -216,106 33,895
Deviation in FS 2020 due to error in NOL's carried forward - - - -
Total Income Tax Expense in P&L 3,358,439 3,408,573 -216,106 33,895
Income Tax Payable:
Income Tax Payable this year 42,017 273,423 - 250,000
AMT Credit Refund - - - -
Prepaid tax - - - -
Total Income Tax Payable 42,017 273,423 - 250,000
Specification of Basis for Deferred Tax Asset:
Differences to be balanced
Fixed assets -12,832 62,237,266 -16,553 74,307,125
Non-current receivables/debt in foreign exchange 12,914,362 12,914,362 - -
Deferred gain carried forward 7,164,262 7,164,262 9,241,595 9,241,595
Other differences -1,514 -1,844,675 -120,618 -120,618
Total temporary differences 20,064,278 80,471,215 9,104,424 83,428,102
NOL's carried forward - -110,610,370 -4,114,793 -139,461,095
Interest limitation carried forward -1,402,833 -36,559,530 -1,447,676 -32,224,953
Basis for calculation of deferred tax asset/liability 18,661,445 -66,698,685 3,541,955 -88,257,946
Deferred tax asset (-) /liability (+) 4,105,518 -14,809,329 779,230 -18,648,567
Valuation allowance 308,623 19,690,346 318,489 20,394,433
Deferred tax asset (-) /liability (+) after valuation allowance 4,414,141 4,881,017 1,097,719 1,745,866
Deferred tax asset (-) /liability (+) in balance sheet 4,414,141 4,881,017 1,097,719 1,745,867
Deferred tax/tax asset not recorded in balance 308,623 -
19,690,346
318,489 20,394,433

Deferred tax/ deferred tax asset

Estimated deferred tax asset in subsidiary NorAm Drilling Company is not recorded in the balance sheet due to uncertainty related to valuation of this asset.

NorAm Drilling Group

Notes to Financial Statement

Note 6 - Earnings per share

2023 2022
(USD) NorAm Drilling AS Group NorAm Drilling AS Group
Result after income tax 2,247,908 19,224,885 10,398,063 2,977,502
Weighted number of shares 43,140,993 43,140,993 28,042,843 28,042,843
Options 550,000 550,000 600,000 600,000
EPS 0.05 0.45 0.37 0.11
Diluted EPS (incl. Options) 0.05 0.44 0.36 0.10

Note 7 Tangible assets

Group

Property, plant and equipment Rigs and rig related Vehicles and Office
(USD) accessories Equipment Total
Acquisition cost at 01.01 203,084,292 2,518,500 205,602,793
Additions 4,495,591 486,550 4,982,141
Disposals - - -
Acquisition cost at 31.12 207,579,883 3,005,050 210,584,934
Accumulated depreciation 31.12 135,518,521 2,451,552 137,970,073
Net carrying value at 31.12 72,061,362 553,498 72,614,861
Depreciation for the year
Impairment loss for the year
18,745,794 190,931 18,936,725
The useful economic life is estimated to be 3-15 years 3-5 years

The group use linear depreciation for all tangible assets

Impairment trigger analysis and impairment assessment on tangible assets

No impairment indicators have been identified as a result of improved dayrates and utilization of our rig fleet. Accordingly, no impairment test has been performed as a result of no impairment indicators being identified.

Note 8 Shares in Subsidiaries

(USD)
Company Book value Shares Share of voting rights Equity 2023 Result 2023 Main Office
NorAm Drilling Company 84,814,374 100% 100% 7,887,812 16,827,118 Houston

Impairment trigger analysis and impairment assessment for investments in subsidiaries

No impairment indicators have been identified as a result of improved dayrates and utilization of our rig fleet. Accordingly, no impairment test has been performed as a result of no impairment indicators being identified.

Note 9 Intercompany Balances

(USD)
Noram Drilling AS
2023 2022
Loan to NorAm Drilling Company (subsidiary)
Loan from NorAm Drilling Company (subsidiary)
80,110,043 115,480,503
Accounts payable to NorAm Drilling Company (subsidiary)
NorAm Drilling AS receivables from NorAm Drilling Company (subsidiary)
9,376
-
19,861
-

Due to the difficulties in the market following COVID-19, Noram Drilling AS has given it's subsidiary a temporary relief of any interest on intercompany loan.

NorAm Drilling Group

Notes to Financial Statement

Note 10 - Restricted bank accounts
(USD) 2023
Noram Drilling AS
Group 2022
Noram Drilling AS
Group
Restricted cash related to debt service on Bond loan - - - -
Employees tax deduction, deposited in a separate bank account 2,699 2,699 2,339 2,339
Secure deposit office leasing and credit cards - 24,590 - 21,590
Total 2,699 27,289 2,339 23,929

Note 11 - Equity and Shareholder Information

Share Capital Noram Drilling AS and the Group

2023 2022
No. of shares Face value NOK Book value NOK No. of shares Face value NOK Book value NOK
Ordinary shares 43,140,993 2.00 86,281,986 43,140,993 2.00 86,281,986
Total 43,140,993 86,281,986 43,140,993 86,281,986
Share
Capital
Share
Premium
Other paid in capital Other
Equity
Total
12,547,348 175,760,117
-
2,247,908
-19,954,777 -19,954,777
-9,851,483 -9,851,483
418,679 418,679
12,547,348 148,620,444
136,572,748
107,185,167
438,907
26,201,114
2,247,908
438,907
28,449,022
Equity
Group Share Share Other Equity Other Total
Capital Premium Contributed Equity
Equity 31.12.2022 12,547,348 136,572,748 369,053 -67,456,055 82,033,094
Share subscription -
Profit (+)/Loss (-) 19,224,885 19,224,885
Dividends paid -19,954,777 -19,954,777
Dividends payable -9,851,483 -9,851,483
Stock option agreement 418,679 -26,667 392,012
Equity 31.12.2023 12,547,348 107,185,167 369,053 -48,257,837 71,843,731

The company declared and paid dividends of MUSD 9.9 subsequent to December 31, 2023 through the date of the issuance of this report.

10 Largest Shareholders as per 31.12.2023 Noram Drilling AS and Group
Number of shares Share (%):
Geveran Trading Ltd 20,818,658 48.3 %
Seabulk AS 2,198,478 5.1 %
SFL Corporation Ltd 1,266,225 2.9 %
Nordnet Livforsikring AS
The Bank of New York Mellon S.A.
1,148,763
940,925
2.7 %
2.2 %
Danske Bank A/S 930,009 2.2 %
The Bank of New York Mellon 846,912 2.0 %
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 601,745 1.4 %
Zolen & Manen AS 500,555 1.2 %
Euorclear Bank S.A./N.V. 438,776 1.0 %
Other 13,449,947 31.2 %
Total 43,140,993 100%

NorAm Drilling Group

Notes to Financial Statement

Note 12 Liabilities
2023 2022
(USD) NorAm Drilling AS Group NorAm Drilling AS Group
Long term liabilities with maturity before 5 years
Bond - - - -
Other long term liabilities - - - -
Total - - - -

Loan to Group Companies

NorAm Drilling AS has a loans outstanding from its wholly owned subsidiary NorAm Drilling Company. A total of MUSD 80 .1 and MUSD 115.5 was outstanding as of 31 December 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Revolving Promissory Note

On 21 November 2022, the Company's subsidiary ("Borrower") entered into a Loan agreement with a U.S. based bank that provides for a Revolving Promissory Note ("Revolver") of MUSD 4.5. Use of proceeds for any borrowings under this Revolver are available for working capital and general corporate purposes based upon a borrowing base calculation equal to 70% of eligible accounts. Financial covenants include (i) a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.2 to 1; (ii) Minimum liquidity requirement of MUSD 5.0 and (iii) a debt to EBITDA ratio of not more than 2.0 to 1.0. The Revolver is secured by accounts receivable and expected to be utilized to reduce the required level of liquidity on our balance sheet.

Definitions:

Debt Service Coverage Ratio - Borrower will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal year, a ratio of (a) net income after taxes plus depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses, less any distributions during such fiscal year, to (b) current maturities of long-term debt and long-term leases of not less than 1.2 to 1.0.

Minimum Liquidity - maintain, as of the last day of each quarter, Liquidity of at least MUSD 5.0. Liquidity means total market value of Unencumbered Liquid Assets. Unencumbered Liquid Assets means assets owned by Borrower which are not subject to any lien (other than a lien in favor of Lender): (1) cash or cash equivalents held in the United States; and (ii) funds available to be advanced under the note.

Debt to EBITDA Ratio - Borrower will maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal year, a ratio of (a) Debt to (b) EBITDA of not more than 2.0 to 1.0. Notes Payable and other debt payable to NorAm Drilling AS will not be included as "Debt".

Distributions - mean all dividends and other distributions made by Borrower to its shareholder.

EBITDA - Borrower's combined earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

The Group complied with the financial covenants as of 31.12.2023.

Note 13 – Cares act

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act". The CARES Act, among other things, included provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credit, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, increased limitations on qualified charitable contributions, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvements property.

The company received approximately MUSD 1.0 in 2Q 2022 and MUSD 1.6 in 3Q 2022. The company received approximately MUSD 1.4mm in January 2023 related to the final remaining outstanding ERTC payroll credit.

Note 14 – Subsequent events

Market & Activities

WTI began 2023 around \$79 per barrel and finished 2023 near \$72 per barrel. WTI reached a high of \$90 per barrel in September 2023 and a low of \$67 per barrel in March 2023. WTI is currently trading around \$80 per barrel.

As of May 17, 2024, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 584 and 312, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 601 and 307, respectively. In comparison, as of December 31, 2022, the US land drilling active rig count and Permian rig count was 762 and 353, respectively. We currently have ten of our eleven rigs under

contract. Outlook

Based upon current commodity prices and discussions with operators who have been focused on budgets and production discipline, we expect that the recent decline in the Permian rig count has reached or is near a bottom and could start to increase during the remainder of 2024. We also expect shale oil production levels to grow at a substantially reduced pace, if at all, with the recent decline in completions, active rig counts and frac fleets.

Recent E&P acquisition announcements will continue to influence dayrates and rig counts and could impact our ability to renew working rigs and reactivate stacked rigs. As E&P operators remain focused on maintaining current production levels and with drilling but uncompleted (DUCs) wells at decade lows in the Permian basin, we believe "super spec" rigs will remain in high demand in the Permian basin and see increasing incoming interest for rigs later in 2024.

The company declared and paid dividends of MUSD 9.9 subsequent to December 31, 2023 through the date of the issuance of this report.

KPMG AS Kanalveien 11 P.O. Box 4 Kristianborg N-5822 Bergen

Telephone +47 45 40 40 63 Internet www.kpmg.no Enterprise 935 174 627 MVA

To the General Meeting of NorAm Drilling AS

Independent Auditor's Report

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of NorAm Drilling AS, which comprise:

  • the financial statements of the parent company NorAm Drilling AS (the Company), which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2023, the income statement and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and
  • the consolidated financial statements of NorAm Drilling AS and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2023, the income statement and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion

  • the financial statements comply with applicable statutory requirements,
  • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 31 December 2023, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and accounting standards and practices generally accepted in Norway, and
  • the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2023, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and accounting standards and practices generally accepted in Norway.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company and the Group as required by relevant laws and regulations in Norway and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other Information

The Board of Directors and the Managing Director (management) are responsible for the information in the Board of Directors' report. The other information comprises information in the annual report, but

© KPMG AS, a Norwegian limited liability company and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member
firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
Statsautoriserte revisorer - medlemmer av Den norske Revisorforening
---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- -- --

Offices in:

Oslo Elverum Mo i Rana Tromsø
Alta Finnsnes Molde Trondheim
Arendal Hamar Sandefjord Tynset
Bergen Haugesund Stavanger Ulsteinvik
Bodø Knarvik Stord Ålesund
Drammen Kristiansand Straume

does not include the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the information in the Board of Directors' report.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the Board of Directors' report. The purpose is to consider if there is material inconsistency between the Board of Directors' report and the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or whether the Board of Directors' report otherwise appears to be materially misstated. We are required to report if there is a material misstatement in the Board of Directors' report. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Based on our knowledge obtained in the audit, it is our opinion that the Board of Directors' report

  • is consistent with the financial statements and
  • contains the information required by applicable statutory requirements.

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and accounting standards and practices generally accepted in Norway, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company's and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern. The financial statements use the going concern basis of accounting insofar as it is not likely that the enterprise will cease operations.

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

  • identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. We design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
  • obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's and the Group's internal control.
  • evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
  • conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report.

However, future events or conditions may cause the Company and the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

  • evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves a true and fair view.
  • obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the Board of Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Bergen, 21 May 2024

KPMG AS

Bjart Roger Vie State Authorised Public Accountant (This document is signed electronically)

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Det er lett å kontrollere de kryptografiske beviser som er lokalisert inne i dokumentet, med Penneo validator - https://penneo.com/validator

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