We are a leading provider of offshore contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry. We currently own an offshore drilling rig fleet of 56 rigs, with drilling operations in almost every major offshore market across six continents. Our rig fleet includes 11 drillships, four dynamically positioned semisubmersible rigs, one moored semisubmersible rig, 40 jackup rigs and a 50% equity interest in Saudi Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling Company ("ARO"), our 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Aramco, which owns an additional seven rigs. We operate the world's largest fleet amongst competitive rigs, including one of the newest ultra-deepwater fleets in the industry and a leading premium jackup fleet.

We provide drilling services on a day rate contract basis. Under day rate contracts, we provide an integrated service that includes the provision of a drilling rig and rig crews for which we receive a daily rate that may vary between the full rate and zero rate throughout the duration of the contractual term, depending on the operations of the rig. We also may receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for the mobilization, demobilization and capital upgrades of our rigs. Our customers bear substantially all of the costs of constructing the well and supporting drilling operations, as well as the economic risk relative to the success of the well.

On August 19, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), Valaris plc (“Legacy Valaris” or “Predecessor”) and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code ("Bankruptcy Code") in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the "Bankruptcy Court") The Debtors obtained joint administration of their chapter 11 cases under the caption In re Valaris plc, et al., Case No. 20-34114 (MI) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”).

References to the financial position and results of operations of the "Successor" or "Successor Company" relate to the financial position and results of operations of the Company after the Effective Date. References to the financial position and results of operations of the "Predecessor" or "Predecessor Company" refer to the financial position and results of operations of Legacy Valaris on and prior to the Effective Date. References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this Annual Report are to Valaris Limited, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, when referring to periods following the Effective Date, and to Legacy Valaris, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, when referring to periods prior to and including Effective Date.

On the Effective Date, the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. Upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, we qualified for and adopted fresh start accounting. The application of fresh start accounting resulted in a new basis of accounting, and the Company became a new entity for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, our financial statements and notes after the Effective Date are not comparable to our financial statements and notes on and prior to that date. Furthermore, the consolidated financial statements and notes have been presented with a black line division to delineate the lack of comparability between the Predecessor and Successor.

Historically, we recognized materials and supplies on the balance sheet when purchased and subsequently expensed items when consumed. Following emergence, materials and supplies will be expensed as a period cost when received. Additionally, a customer arrangement provides that we take title to their materials and supplies for the duration of the contract and return or pay cash for them at the termination of the contract. Together with our policy change on materials and supplies, we elected to record these assets and the obligation to our customer on a net basis as opposed to a gross basis.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valaris Limited, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in operating entities in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence generally exists if we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of the investee. We account for our interest in ARO using the equity method of accounting and only recognize our portion of equity in earnings in our consolidated financial statements. ARO is a variable interest entity; however, we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate ARO.

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. As is customary in the oil and gas industry, a majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These transactions are remeasured in U.S. dollars based on a combination of both current and historical exchange rates. Most transaction gains and losses, including certain gains and losses on our prior derivative instruments, are included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Certain gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances of our non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Net foreign currency exchange gains were $8.1 million and $13.4 million, and were included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the eight months ended December 31, 2021 (Successor) and four months ended April 30, 2021 (Predecessor), respectively. Net foreign currency exchange losses, inclusive of offsetting fair value derivatives were $11.0 million and $7.4 million, and were included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 (Predecessor) and 2019 (Predecessor), respectively.

All costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, construction, major enhancement and improvement of assets are capitalized, including allocations of interest incurred during periods that our drilling rigs are under construction or undergoing major enhancements and improvements. Costs incurred to place an asset into service are capitalized, including costs related to the initial mobilization of a newbuild drilling rig. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to contract drilling expense in the period in which they are incurred. Upon the sale or retirement of assets, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and the resulting gain or loss is included in Other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

See "Changes in Accounting Policies" above for a discussion of the change in our accounting policy for property and equipment upon emergence from bankruptcy. Our property and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis, after allowing for salvage values, over the estimated useful lives of our assets. Drilling rigs and related equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from five to 35 years. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 30 years. Other equipment, including computer and communications hardware and software, is depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from two to six years.

We evaluate the carrying value of our property and equipment, primarily our drilling rigs, on a quarterly basis to identify events or changes in circumstances ("triggering events") that indicate that the carrying value of such rigs may not be recoverable. For property and equipment used in our operations, recoverability generally is determined by comparing the carrying value of an asset to the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value. Property and equipment held-for-sale is recorded at the lower of net book value or fair value less cost to sell.

Derivatives are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. Derivatives subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements are not offset on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accounting for the gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivatives qualify for hedge accounting when they are formally designated as hedges and are effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges of the variability in expected future cash flows associated with existing recognized assets or liabilities or forecasted transactions ("cash flow hedges") are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Amounts recorded in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges are subsequently reclassified into contract drilling, depreciation or interest expense as earnings are affected by the underlying hedged forecasted transactions.

Gains and losses on a cash flow hedge, or a portion of a cash flow hedge, that no longer qualifies as effective due to an unanticipated change in the forecasted transaction are recognized currently in earnings and included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the change in the fair value of the derivative. When a forecasted transaction becomes probable of not occurring, gains and losses on the derivative previously recorded in AOCI are reclassified currently into earnings and included in Other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Historically, we would enter into derivatives that hedge the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities but do not designate such derivatives as hedges or the derivatives otherwise do not qualify for hedge accounting. In these situations, a natural hedging relationship generally exists where changes in the fair value of the derivatives offset changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged items. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized currently in earnings in other, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect at year-end. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We do not offset deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities attributable to different tax paying jurisdictions.

We operate in certain jurisdictions where tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are not well developed and change frequently. Furthermore, we may enter into transactions with affiliates or employ other tax planning strategies that generally are subject to complex tax regulations. As a result of the foregoing, the tax liabilities and assets we recognize in our financial statements may differ from the tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in our tax returns. Our tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Interest and penalties relating to income taxes are included in Current income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our drilling rigs frequently move from one taxing jurisdiction to another based on where they are contracted to perform drilling services. The movement of drilling rigs among taxing jurisdictions may involve a transfer of drilling rig ownership among our subsidiaries through an intercompany rig sale. The pre-tax profit resulting from an intercompany rig sale is eliminated from our consolidated financial statements, and the carrying value of a rig sold in an intercompany transaction remains at historical net depreciated cost prior to the transaction. Our consolidated financial statements do not reflect the asset disposition transaction of the selling subsidiary or the asset acquisition transaction of the acquiring subsidiary. The income tax effects resulting from intercompany rig sales are recognized in earnings in the period in which the sale occurs.

In some instances, we may determine that certain temporary differences will not result in a taxable or deductible amount in future years, as it is more-likely-than-not we will commence operations and depart from a given taxing jurisdiction without such temporary differences being recovered or settled. Under these circumstances, no future tax consequences are expected and no deferred taxes are recognized in connection with such operations. We evaluate these determinations on a periodic basis and, in the event our expectations relative to future tax consequences change, the applicable deferred taxes are recognized or derecognized.

We sponsor share-based compensation plans that provide equity compensation to our key employees, officers and non-employee directors. Our Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) allows our Board of Directors to authorize share grants to be settled in cash, shares or a combination of shares and cash. Compensation expense for time-based share awards to be settled in shares is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). Compensation expense for performance awards is recognized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method and is reduced for forfeited awards in the period in which the forfeitures occur. For our performance awards that cliff vest and require the employee to render service through the vesting date, even though attainment of performance objectives might be earlier, our expense under the accelerated method would be a ratable expense over the vesting period. Equity settled performance awards generally vest at the end of a three-year measurement period based on attainment of performance goals. The estimated probable outcome of attainment of the specified performance goals is based primarily on relative performance over the requisite performance period. Any subsequent changes in this estimate as it relates to performance objectives are recognized as a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost in the period in which the change in estimate occurs, except in the case of objectives based on a market condition, such as our stock price. Compensation cost for awards based on a market performance objective is recognized as long as the requisite service period is completed and will not be reversed even if the market-based objective is never satisfied. Compensation expense for share awards to be settled in cash are recognized as liabilities and remeasured each quarter with a cumulative adjustment to compensation cost during the period based on changes in our share price. Any adjustments to the compensation cost recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for awards that are forfeited are recognized in the period in which the forfeitures occur. See "Note 1 2 - Share Based Compensation" for additional information on our share-based compensation.

We measure our actuarially determined obligations and related costs for our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans, retiree life and medical supplemental plan benefits by applying assumptions, the most significant of which include long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates and mortality rates. For the long-term rate of return, we develop our assumptions regarding the expected rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, and we weight the assumptions based on each plan's asset allocation. For the discount rate, we base our assumptions on a yield curve approach. Actual results may differ from the assumptions included in these calculations. If gains or losses exceed 10% of the greater of the plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses into income over either the period of expected future service of active participants, or over the expected average remaining lifetime of all participants. We recognize gains or losses related to plan curtailments at the date the plan amendment or termination is adopted which may precede the effective date.

We measure certain of our assets and liabilities based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities ("Level 1") and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs ("Level 3"). Level 2 measurements represent inputs that are observable for similar assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included within Level 1. See "Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements" for additional information on the fair value measurement of certain of our assets and liabilities.

Third-parties hold a noncontrolling ownership interest in certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are classified as equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is presented separately in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the eight months ended December 31, 2021 (Successor), the four months ended April 30, 2021 (Predecessor), the year ended December 31, 2020 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2019 (Predecessor), all income attributable to noncontrolling interest was from continuing operations.

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for the Predecessor was calculated in accordance with the two-class method. Predecessor net loss attributable to Legacy Valaris used in our computations of basic and diluted EPS was adjusted to exclude net income allocated to non-vested shares granted to our employees and non-employee directors. Weighted-average shares outstanding used in our computation of diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock method and for the Successor includes the effect of all potentially dilutive warrants, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards and for the Predecessor includes the effect of all potentially dilutive stock options and excludes non-vested shares. In the eight months ended December 31, 2021 (Successor), the four months ended April 30, 2021 (Predecessor), the year ended December 31, 2020 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2019 (Predecessor), our potentially dilutive instruments were not included in the computation of diluted EPS as the effect of including these shares in the calculation would have been anti-dilutive.

The Predecessor previously had the 2024 Convertible Notes (as defined and more fully described in Note 9 "Debt") for which we had the option to settle in cash, shares or a combination thereof for the aggregate amount due upon conversion. On the Effective Date, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, all outstanding obligations under the 2024 Convertible Notes, were cancelled and the holders thereunder received the treatment as set forth in the plan of reorganization. However, if the Legacy Valaris average share price had exceeded the exchange price during a respective predecessor reporting period, an assumed number of shares required to settle the conversion obligation in excess of the principal amount would have been included in our denominator for the computation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method. The Legacy Valaris average share price did not exceed the exchange price during the four months ended April 30, 2021 (Predecessor) or the years ended December 31, 2020 (Predecessor) or 2019 (Predecessor).

On the Effective Date and pursuant to the plan of reorganization, the Legacy Valaris Class A ordinary shares were cancelled. In accordance with the plan of reorganization, all agreements, instruments and other documents evidencing, relating or otherwise connected with any of Legacy Valaris' equity interests outstanding prior to the Effective Date, including all equity-based awards, were cancelled. On the Effective Date and pursuant to the plan of reorganization, the Company issued 5,645,161 Warrants to the former holders of the Company's equity interests outstanding prior to the Effective Date. The Warrants are exercisable for one Common Share per Warrant at an initial exercise price of $131.88 per Warrant, in each case as may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the applicable warrant agreement. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of seven years and will expire on April 29, 2028. The exercise of these Warrants into Common Shares would have a dilutive effect to the holdings of Valaris Limited's existing shareholders.

Income Taxes - In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("Update 2019-12"), which removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim tax calculations and adds guidance to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. We were required to adopt the amended guidance in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The various amendments in Update 2019-12 are applied on a retrospective basis, modified retrospective basis and prospective basis, depending on the amendment. We adopted Update 2019-12 effective January 1, 2021 with no material impact to our financial statements upon adoption.

Reference Rate Reform - In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("Update 2020-04"), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in Update 2020-04 apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, for which an entity has elected certain optional expedients and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The provisions in Update 2020-04 are effective upon issuance and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. Our notes receivable with ARO, from which we generate interest income on a LIBOR-based rate, are impacted by the application of this standard. As the notes bear interest on the LIBOR rate determined at the end of the preceding year, the rate governing our interest income in 2022 has already been determined. We expect to be able to modify the terms of our notes receivable to a comparable interest rate before the applicable LIBOR rate is no longer available and as such, do not expect this standard to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Leases - In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-05, “Leases (Topic 842); Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments”, (“Update 2021-05”) which requires a lessor to classify a lease with entirely or partially variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease if another classification (i.e. sales-type or direct financing) would trigger a day-one loss. Update 2021-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact this amendment will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations - In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, “Accounting for Contracts Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers” (“Update 2021-08”). ASU 2021-08 requires an entity (acquirer) to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606 and provides practical expedients for acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue contracts in a business combination. The amendments also apply to contract assets and contract liabilities from other contracts to which the provisions of Topic 606 apply, such as contract liabilities for the sale of nonfinancial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. The FASB issued the update to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt Update 2021-08 in the period required and will apply it to any business combination completed subsequent to the adoption.