Ensco Q1 2017 revenues were $471 million in first quarter 2017 compared to $814 million a year ago, primarily due to a decline in reported utilization to 58% from 65% in first quarter 2016 as well as previously announced sales of rigs that operated a year ago. The average day rate for the fleet declined to $156,000 in first quarter 2017 from $208,000 in first quarter 2016.
Contract drilling expense declined to $278 million in first quarter 2017 from $364 million a year ago as lower personnel expense and other activity-based costs due to fewer rig operating days more than offset rig reactivation and contract preparation costs.
Depreciation expense declined to $109 million from $113 million a year ago due to the extension of useful lives for certain contracted assets. General and administrative expense increased to $26 million in first quarter 2017 from $23 million a year ago due to higher accrued performance-based compensation, partially offset by lower personnel costs from organizational restructuring and other expense management actions. (Source and image: Ensco – Ensco crew on Ensco 71)