Noble Corp. (NYSE: NE) reported Q2 EPS of $0.91, $0.25 better than the analyst estimate of $0.66. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.2 million versus the consensus estimate of $1.19 million.

David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Corporation plc noted, "Second quarter results benefited from our strategy to shift the fleet toward a greater mix of premium rigs with contributions from two new jackup rigs, theNoble Houston Colbert and Noble Regina Allen. In addition, revenues in the quarter were supported by contractual dayrate increases on several rigs and the commencement of a contract for the Noble Paul Romano, which returned to work in May. However, due to planned regulatory inspection and maintenance shipyard projects for several rigs, revenues for the second quarter declined modestly when compared to first quarter 2014.

"As of the close of the second quarter, Noble has added nine new, technically advanced rigs to its fleet since 2011. Two additional new rigs are expected to commence operations during the third quarter with the arrival of the ultra-deepwater drillship Noble Sam Croft in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the high-specification jackup Noble Sam Turner in the North Sea. Operating performance on our new rigs has continued to improve due in part to the implementation of previously announced operational readiness procedures and crew competency measures. We believe these improvements are sustainable and should continue to drive operating performance."

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