NOBLE DRILLING CORP
10-K405/A, 1997-06-27
DRILLING OIL & GAS WELLS
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<PAGE>   1
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                 FORM 10-K/A

                               AMENDMENT NO. 1


    [X]        ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
             THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required)


                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996


    [ ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
             THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required)


    For the transition period from __________________to____________________


                        Commission file number: 0-13857

                           NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION
              ----------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


          Delaware                                    73-0374541
- -----------------------------------     --------------------------------------
   (State of incorporation)             (I.R.S. employer identification number)


             10370 Richmond Avenue, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77042
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 974-3131
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.10 per share        New York Stock Exchange
     9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2006             New York Stock Exchange
 Preferred Stock Purchase Rights              New York Stock Exchange
- -------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
       Title of each class             Name of each exchange on which registered

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:


                                      NONE


     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  X     No     
                                             -----     -----

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]


     Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates as of 
March 12, 1997: $2,365,000,000

     Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 1997:
132,313,617


                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Listed below are documents parts of which are incorporated herein by
reference and the part of this report into which the document is incorporated:

     (1) Proxy statement for the 1997 annual meeting of stockholders - Part III




<PAGE>   2
        Item 14 of Noble Drilling Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996 (the "1996 Form 10-K") is amended to reflect
the filing herewith as new Exhibit 99.1 of the financial statements required by
Form 11-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 with respect to the Noble
Drilling Corporation Thrift Plan, and such Item 14 is restated as set forth on
the following page.

        The Index to Exhibits to the 1996 Form 10-K is restated in its entirety
following the signature page hereto in order to reflect the inclusion therein,
and the filing herewith, of Exhibit 99.1.
<PAGE>   3
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

   (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.

       (1)  A list of the financial statements filed as a part of this report is
            set forth in Item 8 on page 23 and is incorporated herein by 
            reference.

       (2)  Financial Statement Schedules:

            All schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or
            the required information is shown in the financial statements or
            notes thereto.

       (3)  Exhibits:

            The information required by this Item 14(a)(3) is set forth in the
            Index to Exhibits accompanying this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

       (4)  Financial Statements required by Form 11-K for the fiscal year ended
            December 31, 1996 with respect to the Noble Drilling Corporation 
            Thrift Plan are filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.    

   (b) One report on Form 8-K/A was filed by the Company during the quarter
       ended December 31, 1996. A report on Form 8-K/A dated December 30, 1996,
       which reported the sale of the land drilling assets to Nabors Industries,
       Inc., was filed on the date thereof.
<PAGE>   4

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                           NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION


Date: June 26, 1997                           By:  JAMES C. DAY
                                              -------------------------------
                                              James C. Day, Chairman, President
                                                and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   5



                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER**                            EXHIBIT
 -------- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 2.1      Assets Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 1993 (the "Western
          Assets Purchase Agreement"), between the Registrant and The Western
          Company of North America (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-67130) and incorporated
          herein by reference).

 2.2      Agreement dated as of October 7, 1993, among the Registrant, Noble
          Drilling (U.S.) Inc., Noble International Limited, The Western Company
          of North America and Offshore International Ltd., amending the Western
          Assets Purchase Agreement (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's
          Form 8-K dated October 15, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

 2.3      Assets Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 1993 (the "Portal
          Assets Purchase Agreement"), between the Registrant and Portal Rig
          Corporation (filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Registration
          Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-67130) and incorporated herein by
          reference).

 2.4      Agreement dated as of October 25, 1993, among the Registrant, Noble
          (Gulf of Mexico) Inc. and Portal Rig Corporation, amending the Portal
          Assets Purchase Agreement (filed as Exhibit 2.5 to the Registrant's
          Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended
          September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

 2.5      Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 22, 1994 among Joseph E. Beall,
          George H. Bruce, Triton Engineering Services Company and the
          Registrant (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated
          May 6, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).

 2.6      Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 13, 1994 among the Registrant,
          Chiles Offshore Corporation and Noble Offshore Corporation (filed as
          Appendix I to the joint proxy statement/prospectus of the Registrant
          and Chiles Offshore Corporation dated August 12, 1994 constituting
          Part I of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-54495) and
          incorporated herein by reference).

 2.7      Agreement of Sale and Purchase dated as of April 25, 1996 between the
          Registrant and Royal Nedlloyd N.V. and Neddrill Holding B.V. (filed as
          Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3
          (No. 333-2927) and incorporated herein by reference).

 2.8      Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 15, 1996 by and between the
          Registrant, Noble Properties, Inc. and Noble Drilling (Canada) Ltd.
          and Nabors Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's
          Form 8-K/A dated December 13, 1996 and incorporated herein by
          reference).

 2.9      Agreement dated December 13, 1996 by and among the Registrant, Noble
          Properties, Inc., Noble Drilling (Canada) Ltd., Noble Drilling (U.S.)
          Inc., and Noble Drilling Land Limited and Nabors Industries, Inc.,
          Nabors Drilling USA, Inc. and Nabors Drilling Limited (filed as
          Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated December 13, 1996 and
          incorporated herein by reference).




<PAGE>   6

 2.10    Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of February 19, 1997 between the
         Registrant, Noble Drilling (U.S.) Inc., Noble Offshore Corporation, 
         Noble Drilling (Mexico) Inc. and NN-1 Limited Partnership and Pride 
         Petroleum Services, Inc.

 3.1     Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated 
         August 29, 1985 (filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant's Registration 
         Statement on Form 10 (No. 0-13857) and incorporated herein by 
         reference).

 3.2     Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
         the Registrant dated May 5, 1987 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the
         Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-67130) and
         incorporated herein by reference).

 3.3     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
         Registrant dated July 31, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 3.16 to the
         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

 3.4     Certificate of Designations of $1.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, par
         value of $1.00 per share, of the Registrant, dated as of September 15,
         1994 (filed as Exhibit 3.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
         10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
         reference).

 3.5     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
         Registrant dated September 15, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the
         Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period
         ended March 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

 3.6     Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred
         Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Registrant dated as of 
         June 29, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly 
         Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended June 30, 1995 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

 3.7     Certificate of Elimination of shares of $1.50 Convertible Preferred 
         Stock of the Registrant dated March 21, 1997.

 3.8     Composite copy of the Bylaws of the Registrant as currently in effect
         (filed as Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
         10-Q for the three-month period ended June 30, 1995 and incorporated
         herein by reference).

 4.1     Indenture governing the 9 1/4% Senior Notes Due 2003 (including form
         of Note)(filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
         Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended September 30, 1993 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

 4.2     Rights Agreement dated as of June 28, 1995 between the Registrant and
         Liberty Bank and Trust Company of Oklahoma City, N.A. (filed as
         Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated June 30, 1995 and
         incorporated herein by reference).


<PAGE>   7


 4.3     Indenture dated as of July 1, 1996 governing the 9 1/8% Senior Notes
         due 2006 (including form of Note) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
         Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 1, 1996 and incorporated herein by
         reference).

10.1     Limited Partnership Agreement between the Registrant and National
         Enerdrill Corporation dated as of January 16, 1992 (filed as Exhibit
         10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
         December 31, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2*    Noble Drilling Corporation 1991 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
         (as amended and restated on January 30, 1997, subject to the approval
         of stockholders except for Section 9(a)(i)(x)).

10.3*    Noble Drilling Corporation 1987 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
         10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
         December 31, 1986, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.4*    Directors' Option Agreement dated October 29, 1987, between the
         Registrant and Michael A. Cawley (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the
         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1988 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.5     Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of 
         October 25, 1993, among Portal Rig Corporation, Noble (Gulf of Mexico)
         Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as agent and as one of the "Banks"
         thereunder, and Marine Midland Bank, N.A., Bank of America National
         Trust and Savings Association, and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
         Association (collectively, the "Banks") (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
         Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period
         ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).
        
10.6     Assignment, Assumption and Amended and Restated Preferred Ship
         Mortgage, dated October 25, 1993, by Noble (Gulf of Mexico) Inc. to
         the Banks (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended September 30, 1993 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

10.7     Security Agreement and Assignment, dated October 25, 1993, by Noble
         (Gulf of Mexico) Inc. to the Banks (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the
         Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period
         ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.8     Noble Support Agreement, dated October 25, 1993, among the Registrant
         and the Banks (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly
         Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended 
         September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.9*    Noble Drilling Corporation 1992 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for
         Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's 
         Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-62394) and incorporated
         herein by reference).

10.10    Registration Agreement dated April 22, 1994 between the Registrant and
         Joseph E. Beall (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
         dated May 6, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).



<PAGE>   8

10.11    Employment Agreement dated April 22, 1994 between Triton Engineering
         Services Company and Joseph E. Beall (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
         Registrant's Form 8-K dated May 6, 1994 and incorporated herein by
         reference).

10.12    Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 1994 among the Registrant, First
         Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A., in its individual capacity and as
         agent, and Credit Lyonnais Cayman Island Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.1
         to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-54495)
         and incorporated herein by reference).

10.13*   Revolving Credit Note dated June 16, 1994 of the Registrant in the
         amount of $12,500,000 in favor of Credit Lyonnais Cayman Island Branch
         (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
         Form S-4 (No. 33-54495) and incorporated herein by reference).

10.14    Revolving Credit Note dated June 16, 1994 of the Registrant in the
         amount of $12,500,000 in favor of First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A.
         (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
         Form S-4 (No. 33-54495) and incorporated herein by reference).

10.15    Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 16, 1994 by and among Noble  
         Drilling (U.S.) Inc., Noble Drilling (West Africa) Inc. and Noble 
         Drilling (Mexico) Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's 
         Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-54495) and incorporated 
         herein by reference).

10.16    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 15, 1994 between
         the Registrant and P.A.J.W. Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
         Registrant's Form 10-Q for the three month period ended September 30,
         1994 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.17*   Amendment No. 1 to the Noble Drilling Corporation 1992 Nonqualified
         Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors dated as of July 28, 1994
         (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
         for the year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
         reference).

10.18*   Guarantee dated August 26, 1994 between the Registrant and Hibernia
         Management and Development Company Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the
         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.19*   Noble Drilling Corporation Amended and Restated Thrift Restoration
         Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
         10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
         reference).

10.20*   Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan dated April 27,
         1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
         Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended March 31, 1995 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

10.21*   Noble Drilling Corporation Short-Term Incentive Plan (revised 
         April 1996).





<PAGE>   9
10.22    First Amendment dated as of June 30, 1995 to Credit Agreement dated as
         of June 16, 1994 among the Registrant, First Interstate Bank of Texas,
         N.A., in its individual capacity and as Agent, and Credit Lyonnais
         Cayman Island Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant's Annual
         Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

10.23    Second Amendment dated as of February 28, 1996 to Credit Agreement
         dated as of June 16, 1994 among the Registrant, First Interstate Bank
         of Texas, N.A., in its individual capacity and as Agent, and Credit
         Lyonnais Cayman Island Branch (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the
         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.24*   Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into between the Registrant and
         each of the Registrant's directors and bylaw officers (filed as
         Exhibit 10.46 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
         year ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.25    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996 between the 
         Registrant and Royal Nedlloyd N.V.

10.26*   Noble Drilling Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee
         Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended September 30, 1996 and
         incorporated herein by reference).

21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23.1     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

27       Financial Data Schedule.

99.1***  Financial Statements required by Form 11-K for the fiscal year ended
         December 31, 1996 with respect to the Noble Drilling Corporation Thrift
         Plan (including consent of Price Waterhouse L.L.P. regarding the 
         incorporation by reference thereof).

- ---------
*        Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be 
         filed as an exhibit hereto.

**       Filed previously, unless otherwise indicated.

***      Filed herewith.



<PAGE>   1

                                                              EXHIBIT 99.1


                           NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION
                                  THRIFT PLAN

                            FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995



<PAGE>   2



                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN


            INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
Report of Independent Accountants                                            3

Financial Statements:

    Statement of net assets available for benefits at
      December 31, 1996 and 1995                                             4

    Statement of changes in net assets available for benefits
      for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995                         5

    Notes to financial statements                                         6-15

Additional Information*:

    Form 5500 - Item 27(a) - Schedule of assets held for investment
      purposes at December 31, 1996 (Schedule I)                            16

    Form 5500 - Item 27(b) - Schedule of loans or fixed income
      obligations at December 31, 1996 (Schedule II)                        17

    Form 5500 - Item 27(d) - Schedule of reportable transactions
      for the year ended December 31, 1996 (Schedule III)                   18
</TABLE>



*    Other schedules required by Section 2520.103-10 of the Department of Labor
     Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under ERISA have been
     omitted since they are not applicable.

                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3



                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Employee Benefits Committee of the
Noble Drilling Corporation Thrift Plan

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of net assets available for benefits
and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits
present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits
of the Noble Drilling Corporation Thrift Plan at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the plan's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The additional information included in
Schedules I, II and III is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is
not a required part of the basic financial statements but is additional
information required by ERISA. Such information has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and,
in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Houston, Texas
June 26, 1997




                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4



                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN


                 STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         December 31,
                                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                                  1996                  1995
                                                                            ----------------       ---------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                    <C>            
Assets:
    Cash                                                                    $        515,317       $           114
    Investments, at fair value:
       Short-term investments*                                                     2,586,673               534,014
       Noble Drilling Corporation common stock*                                    9,530,740             3,516,867
       Noble Affiliates, Inc. common stock                                           120,398               107,132
       Other corporate stocks                                                             --               874,469
       United States government securities*                                        1,006,512             1,417,245
    Investment contract, at contract value*                                        3,573,882             1,325,142
    Securities receivable                                                             37,541               268,000
    Contributions receivable:
       Participants                                                                  253,386               103,841
       Noble Drilling Corporation                                                    155,109                64,274
    Dividends and interest receivable                                                 18,247                25,263
    Participant loans                                                                709,992                    --
                                                                            ----------------       ---------------
                                                                                  18,507,797             8,236,361
Liabilities:
    Excess contributions, refundable to employees                                     92,790                59,715
    Trust fees payable                                                                14,231                19,438
    Stock purchase payable                                                           280,691                    --
                                                                            ----------------       ---------------

Net assets available for benefits                                           $     18,120,085       $     8,157,208
                                                                            ================       ===============
</TABLE>


*    This investment represents five percent or more of the total net assets 
     available for benefits at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.



                                      -4-

<PAGE>   5



                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

           STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               For the year ended
                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                           -----------------------------
                                                                               1996             1995
                                                                           ------------      -----------
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>        
Net investment income:
    Interest                                                               $    104,994      $    92,374
    Dividends                                                                     6,317           18,462
                                                                           ------------      -----------
                                                                                111,311          110,836
    Less - investment expenses                                                  (67,039)         (51,690)
                                                                           ------------      -----------
          Net investment income                                                  44,272           59,146
Net gain on investments                                                       4,919,428        1,535,234
Contributions:
    Participants                                                              1,388,299        1,306,239
    Employer                                                                    339,709          668,394
    Other                                                                        45,553               --
Withdrawals                                                                    (414,024)        (859,888)
                                                                           ------------      -----------
Net increase in net assets available for benefits
  before rollovers from other plans                                           6,323,237        2,709,125
Rollovers from other plans                                                    3,639,640               --
                                                                           ------------      -----------
Net increase in net assets available for benefits                             9,962,877        2,709,125
Net assets available for benefits, beginning of year                          8,157,208        5,448,083
                                                                           ------------      -----------

Net assets available for benefits, end of year                             $ 18,120,085      $ 8,157,208
                                                                           ============      ===========
</TABLE>


         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.


                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6



                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN


                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

Noble Drilling Corporation ("Noble Drilling" or, together with its consolidated
subsidiaries, the "Company"), is a leading provider of diversified services for
the oil and gas industry worldwide. The Company's activities include offshore
drilling services, turnkey drilling services and engineering and production
management services. The Company's drilling fleet is broadly diversified,
allowing it to work in a variety of operating conditions.

Noble Drilling was organized as a Delaware corporation in 1939. Noble Drilling
and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas
wells for others domestically since 1921 and internationally during various
periods since 1939.

NOTE 2 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN:

The Company established the Noble Drilling Corporation Thrift Plan ("the Plan"),
effective January 1, 1986. Prior to October 1, 1985, the Company was a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble Affiliates, Inc. ("NAI"). Effective as of that
date, the Company was recapitalized and its common stock was distributed to the
shareholders of NAI in a tax-free spin-off. The Company's employees had
participated in the Noble Affiliates, Inc. Thrift and Profit Sharing Plan ("the
NAI Plan") prior to October 1, 1985, and continued to participate in the NAI
Plan through December 31, 1985.

Participants in the NAI Plan carried over certain service, eligibility and
vesting benefits upon entering the Plan.

The Plan is a defined contribution plan. All domestic employees are eligible to
enroll in the Plan on the January 1 or July 1 following the date the employee
completes one year of service. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") as amended, and is
administered by the Employee Benefits Committee of the Company, whose members
are appointed by Noble Drilling's Board of Directors. The following brief
description of the provisions of the Plan is provided for general information
purposes only. The Company will make available to participants a copy of the
Plan document to provide complete information, if requested.

Significant Amendments

Effective May 1, 1996, the Chiles Offshore Corporation 401(k) Plan rolled over 
into the Plan. New accounts established within 





                                      -6-

<PAGE>   7

the Plan during 1996 for Chiles include the Chiles Matching Contribution,
Rollover, Salary Reduction and Voluntary Savings Accounts.

Effective February 14, 1996, the Plan was amended to allow the trustee of the
Plan's related trust to invest Plan assets in funds which are exempt from tax
under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 
"Code"). This includes assets invested in the Sarofim Trust Co. Employee 
Benefit Investment Trust, or any other similar trust.

Effective May 1, 1995, the Plan was amended to allow field hourly employees to
make contributions from both straight-time and overtime pay.

Effective January 1, 1994, the Plan was amended to allow for participant loans
in accordance with the terms set forth in the amended Plan. There were $431,080
of participant loans processed during 1996 and no loans processed during 1995.
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were $769,992 and $0 of participant
loans outstanding, respectively. This amount at December 31, 1996 includes
$304,793 of Chiles Offshore Corporation loans outstanding at such date which
were rolled into the Plan during 1996. Management is in the process of following
up with the respective participants who currently are in default on their loans.
These employees were notified by letter that they had the option to either pay
the outstanding amount in full, or treat the outstanding balance as a
distribution from their 401(k) account. Loans of employees failing to respond
will be automatically treated as distributions from their account. All
distributions for loans in default are subject to tax and penalty for early
withdrawal.

Contributions

Participants may contribute on a pre-tax basis up to 10 percent, up to a limit
of $9,500 and $9,240 in 1996 and 1995, respectively, of their base compensation
to the Plan. The Plan provides for the following matching contributions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Percentage of             Matching contribution
   Participant's      participant's contribution     limited to the following
 years of vesting             matched by                   percentage of
      service                 the Company           participant's compensation
 ----------------     --------------------------    --------------------------
  <S>                              <C>                            <C>
  Less than 15                      70%                           6%
  15 or more                       100%                           6%
</TABLE>

The Plan provides that matching contributions are made in the Company's common
stock. Pass-through voting rights for shares of common stock of the Company are
credited to a participant's account, whether or not vested.

Termination

The Plan is to continue indefinitely; however, the right to terminate
participation in the Plan, subject to the provisions of ERISA, is reserved by
the Company. Upon notice of termination or 




                                      -7-

<PAGE>   8

permanent suspension of contributions, the accounts of all participants
affected thereby shall become fully vested and shall be distributed in
accordance with the provisions of the Plan.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals are permitted in the event of termination of employment,
retirement, permanent disability, death or financial hardship, as defined in
the Plan. In-service withdrawals may be made from a participant's after-tax
account. Additionally, vested participants may make in-service withdrawals from
the Company's matching account. However, only one in-service withdrawal may be
made by a participant in a 12-month period. Net assets available for benefits
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 include amounts pending distribution to
participants of $177,723 and $91,449, respectively.

Participant Accounts

Separate accounts are maintained for each participant. Participant accounts are
credited with pre-tax contributions, rollover contributions, the Company's
matching contributions and an allocation of investment earnings and losses.
Furthermore, participant accounts are adjusted for withdrawals and transfers
among investment options, if any.

Participants have an option as to the manner in which their contributions may
be invested. Separate funds are maintained and participants may direct their
investments in 10 percent increments as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Fund           Investments
  ----           -----------

<S>       <C>  
Fund A    United States government securities, highly rated corporate bonds
          and preferred stocks, commercial paper and cash deposits.

Fund B    Readily marketable common and preferred stocks.

Fund I    Guaranteed investment contracts or funds invested solely in such
          items.

Fund N    NAI common stock purchased by Plan participants prior to spin-off
          from NAI.

Fund ND   Noble Drilling Corporation common stock (limited to a maximum of 50
          percent of contributions).
</TABLE>

See Note 8 for financial information by fund.

Plan participants may not contribute to Fund N. Plan participants may, however,
convert investments in Fund N to another fund. The balance in the General Fund
represents unallocated employee forfeitures, is used to pay certain Plan 
expenses and consists of short-term, highly liquid investment in money market
funds. Unallocated forfeitures of $37,620 and $218,942 at



                                      -8-

<PAGE>   9
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, may be used to reduce future Company
matching contributions.

Vesting

A participant's contributions are 100 percent vested. Participants become fully
vested in the Company's matching contributions upon five years of credited
service. Also, a participant becomes fully vested in the Company's matching
contributions, regardless of years of service, if employment is terminated due
to normal retirement, total disability or death.

NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Basis of Accounting

The Plan's financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Investments

Investments traded on national securities exchanges are valued at closing
prices on the last business day of the year; investments traded on the
over-the-counter market are valued at an average of the last reported bid and
ask prices. The investment in the bank commingled fund is highly liquid;
therefore, the fair value approximates cost. The cost of investments sold is
determined on the basis of average cost.

The Plan invests in guaranteed investment contracts through a pooled account.
This account is credited with earnings on the underlying investments and charged
for Plan withdrawals and administrative expenses. These contracts are included
in the financial statements at contract value, which approximates fair value, as
reported to the Plan by the administrator of the pooled account. Contract 
value represents contributions made under the contract, plus earnings, less 
Plan withdrawals and administrative expenses.

Under the terms of the Plan, Exchange National Bank and Trust Company of
Ardmore, Oklahoma, as Trustee ("the Trustee"), on behalf of the Plan, acquires,
holds and disposes of securities, including the common stock of the Company
owned by the Plan.

Expenses

Plan administration expenses are paid by the Plan, unless paid by the Company,
at the Company's sole discretion. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, administrative expenses of $67,039 and $51,690, respectively, were paid
by the Plan.





                                      -9-

<PAGE>   10

Excess Contributions Refundable to Employees

Excess contributions refundable to highly compensated employees represent the
refunds necessary to meet certain nondiscrimination provisions of the Code.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 4 - TAX STATUS:

The Internal Revenue Service has determined and informed the Company by a
letter dated October 27, 1995, that the Plan and related trust are designed in
accordance with applicable sections of the Code. The Plan has been amended
since applying for the determination letter. However, the Plan administrator
and the Plan's tax counsel believe that the Plan is designed and is currently
being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code.

NOTE 5 - NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:

The Plan's investments, including investments bought, sold and held during the
year, appreciated (depreciated) as follows for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996            1995   
                                                  -----------      ----------
      <S>                                         <C>              <C>       
      Common stock                                $ 4,574,879      $1,382,174
      Guaranteed investment contracts                 278,079             - 
      United States government securities             (48,201)        101,238
      Bank commingled fund                            114,671          51,822
                                                  -----------      ----------
                                                                             
                Total net gain on investments     $ 4,919,428      $1,535,234
                                                  ===========      ==========
</TABLE>  


NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTIES:

Net assets of the Plan include investments in the common stock of Noble
Drilling Corporation and amounts invested in a pooled money market fund issued
and managed by the Trustee; as such, these investments qualify as
party-in-interest transactions. Fees paid by the Plan to the Trustee totaled
$52,682 and $30,851 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.




                                     -10-
<PAGE>   11
NOTE 7 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

During the 1996 Plan year, Exchange National Bank and Trust Company ("Exchange")
performed the duties of both plan administrator and trustee for the Plan. During
1997, Milliman & Robertson, Inc. and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. will replace
Exchange as Plan administrator and trustee, respectively.

As of June 1, 1997, the Plan no longer contains a service requirement for
participation in the Plan. All full-time employees will automatically be
eligible to participate.





                                     -11-

<PAGE>   12



NOTE 8 - (PAGE 1 OF 4)

                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

            STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - BY FUND

                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Nonparticipant 
                                                  Participant directed                    directed
                                   ------------------------------------------------  ------------------
                                                                                                General
                                     Fund A      Fund B       Fund I      Fund ND     Fund N     Fund      Loans       Total
                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>        
Assets:
    Cash                           $  515,314  $        1  $        --  $         1  $      1  $     --  $      --  $   515,317
    Investments, at fair value:
       Short-term investments*        326,165   1,906,590       18,690      290,352     7,256    37,620         --    2,586,673
       Noble Drilling Corporation
         common stock*                     --          --           --    9,530,740        --        --         --    9,530,740
       Noble Affiliates, Inc. 
         common stock                      --          --           --           --   120,398        --         --      120,398
       United States government 
         securities*                1,006,512          --           --           --        --        --         --    1,006,512
    Investment contract, at   
       contract value*                     --          --    3,573,882           --        --        --         --    3,573,882
    Securities receivable                  --      29,885        7,656           --        --        --         --       37,541
    Contributions receivable:
       Participants                    47,198      51,906       97,244       57,038        --        --         --      253,386
       Noble Drilling Corporation          --          --           --      155,109        --        --         --      155,109
    Dividends and interest 
       receivable                      12,318       1,704        3,455          750        20        --         --       18,247
    Interfund transfers 
       receivable (payable)                10          10           20           49         1       (90)        --           --
    Participant loans                      --          --           --           --        --        --    709,992      709,992
                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------
                                    1,907,517   1,990,096    3,700,947   10,034,039   127,676    37,530    709,992   18,507,797
Liabilities:
    Excess contributions 
      refundable to employees           4,222          --           --       88,568        --        --         --       92,790
    Trust fees payable                  3,633       2,573        2,000        6,000        25        --         --       14,231
    Stock purchase payable                 --          --           --      280,691        --        --         --      280,691
                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------

Net assets available for benefits  $1,899,662  $1,987,523  $ 3,698,947  $ 9,658,780  $127,651  $ 37,530  $ 709,992  $18,120,085
                                   ==========  ==========  ===========  ===========  ========  ========  =========  ===========
</TABLE>


* These investments represent five percent or more of total net assets 
  available for benefits.



                                     -12-

<PAGE>   13



NOTE 8 - (PAGE 2 OF 4)

                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

            STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - BY FUND

                               DECEMBER 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Nonparticipant 
                                                          Participant directed                       directed
                                              -----------------------------------------------   ------------------
                                                                                                            General
                                                Fund A      Fund B     Fund I       Fund ND      Fund N      Fund         Total
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------   --------  -----------   ----------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>       
Assets:
    Cash                                      $       --  $       98  $       --  $    (5,606)  $     14  $     5,608   $      114
    Investments, at fair value:
       Short-term investments                     63,464     173,388  $   36,029       39,300      8,499      213,334      534,014
       Noble Drilling Corporation
         common stock*                                --      21,816          --    3,495,051         --           --    3,516,867
       Noble Affiliates, Inc. common stock            --      32,026          --           --     75,106           --      107,132
       Other corporate stocks                         --     874,469          --           --         --           --      874,469
       United States government securities*    1,417,245          --          --           --         --           --    1,417,245
    Investment contract, at contract value*           --          --   1,325,142           --         --           --    1,325,142
    Securities receivable                             --          --     268,000           --         --           --      268,000
    Contributions receivable:
       Participants                               20,312      14,650      50,644       18,235         --           --      103,841
       Noble Drilling Corporation                     --          --          --       64,274         --           --       64,274
    Dividends and interest receivable             22,863       2,203          --          172         25           --       25,263
    Interfund transfers receivable (payable)         126          93         114          296          7         (636)          --
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------   --------  -----------   ----------
                                               1,524,010   1,118,743   1,679,929    3,611,722     83,651      218,306    8,236,361
Liabilities:
    Excess contributions refundable
      to employees                                 8,873      12,381       6,285       32,176         --           --       59,715
    Trust fees payable                            11,500       7,938          --           --         --           --       19,438
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------   --------  -----------   ----------

Net assets available for benefits             $1,503,637  $1,098,424  $1,673,644  $ 3,579,546   $ 83,651  $   218,306   $8,157,208
                                              ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========   ========  ===========   ==========
</TABLE>

* These investments represent five percent or more of total net assets
  available for benefits.



                                     -13-

<PAGE>   14



NOTE 8 - (PAGE 3 OF 4)

                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - BY FUND

                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Nonparticipant 
                                                     Participant directed                 directed
                               --------------------------------------------------   ---------------------
                                                                                                 General
                                  Fund A       Fund B       Fund I      Fund ND       Fund N       Fund       Loans        Total
                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------   ---------   --------  ------------
<S>                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>         
Net investment income (loss):
    Interest dividends         $    90,765  $     5,589  $     5,033  $     1,035   $     252   $   2,320   $     --  $    104,994
    Dividends                           --        5,915           --           --         402          --         --         6,317
                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------   ---------   --------  ------------
                                    90,765       11,504        5,033        1,035         654       2,320         --       111,311
    Less - investment expenses     (20,880)     (13,642)     (11,126)     (21,342)        (49)         --         --       (67,039)
                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------   ---------   --------  ------------
Net investment income (loss)        69,885       (2,138)      (6,093)     (20,307)        605       2,320         --        44,272
Net gain (loss) on investments     (48,201)     278,079      114,671    4,529,763      45,116          --         --     4,919,428
Contributions:
    Participants                   270,191      262,110      568,796      287,202          --          --         --     1,388,299
    Employer                            --           --           --      339,709          --          --         --       339,709
    Other                               --       37,053        8,500           --          --          --         --        45,553
Rollover of prior plan             268,615      344,294    1,499,253    1,187,968          --          --    339,510     3,639,640
Participant loans, net             (76,302)     (61,067)     (95,700)    (191,599)        202          --    424,466            --
Withdrawals                        (84,598)     (22,594)     (81,058)    (225,774)         --          --         --      (414,024)
Interfund transfers, net           (11,281)      43,514       (5,886)     158,711      (1,962)   (183,096)        --            --
                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------   ---------   --------  ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net 
  assets available for benefits    388,309      879,251    2,002,483    6,065,673      43,961    (180,776)   763,976     9,962,877
Net assets available for 
  benefits, beginning of year    1,503,637    1,098,424    1,673,644    3,579,546      83,651     218,306         --     8,157,208
                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------   ---------   ---------   --------  ------------

Net assets available for 
  benefits, end of year        $ 1,891,946  $ 1,977,675  $ 3,676,127  $ 9,645,219   $ 127,612   $  37,530   $763,976    18,120,085
                               ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========   =========   =========   ========    ==========
</TABLE>




                                     -14-

<PAGE>   15



NOTE 8 - (PAGE 4 OF 4)

                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - BY FUND

                               DECEMBER 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Nonparticipant 
                                                        Participant directed                         directed
                                       -----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                                                           General
                                          Fund A        Fund B        Fund I       Fund ND      Fund N      Fund       Total
                                       -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   --------   --------  -----------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        
Net investment income (loss):
    Interest dividends                 $    77,239   $     2,286   $     4,726   $     1,198   $    281   $  6,644  $    92,374
    Dividends                                   --        17,970            --            --        492         --       18,462
                                       -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   --------   --------  -----------
                                            77,239        20,256         4,726         1,198        773      6,644      110,836
    Less - investment expenses             (30,000)      (21,690)           --            --         --         --      (51,690)
                                       -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   --------   --------  -----------
Net investment income (loss)                47,239        (1,434)        4,726         1,198        773      6,644       59,146
Net gain on investments                    101,238       221,252        51,822     1,148,038     12,884         --    1,535,234
Contributions:
    Participants                           227,838       176,531       674,640       227,230         --         --    1,306,239
    Employer                                    --            --            --       668,394         --         --      668,394
Withdrawals                               (148,182)     (281,859)     (136,931)     (274,600)   (18,316)        --     (859,888)
Interfund transfers, net                   (56,611)        1,905        80,125       (27,992)    (9,491)    12,064           --
                                       -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   --------   --------  -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
  available for benefits                   171,522       116,395       674,382     1,742,268    (14,150)    18,708    2,709,125
Net assets available for benefits, 
  beginning of year                      1,332,115       982,029       999,262     1,837,278     97,800    199,599    5,448,083
                                       -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   --------   --------  -----------


Net assets available for benefits, 
  end of year                          $ 1,503,637   $ 1,098,424   $ 1,673,644   $ 3,579,546   $ 83,650   $218,307  $ 8,157,208
                                       ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ========   ========  ===========
</TABLE>




                                     -15-

<PAGE>   16



                                                                     SCHEDULE I


                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN


          ITEM 27(a) - SCHEDULE OF ASSETS HELD FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES

                               DECEMBER 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    (c) Description
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                                        Number                     (e) Current
  (a)     (b) Identity of issue        Asset type                       shares       (d) Cost         value
  ---  ------------------------     -----------------                 ----------   ------------   -----------

<S>                                 <C>                                <C>         <C>            <C>         
   *   ENB Pooled MM Fund           Money market fund                  1,355,375   $  1,355,375   $  1,355,375
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
       Goldman Sachs MM Fund        Money market fund                      1,646          1,646          1,646
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
   *   Noble Drilling Corporation   Common stock                         478,783      2,960,690      9,530,740
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
       Noble Affiliates, Inc.       Common stock                           2,515         40,470        120,398
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Interest   Maturity      Principal
                               Asset type      rate %      date         amount
                              -----------     --------   --------      ---------
 <S>                          <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>                <C>            <C>    
 United States 
  government securities:
   U.S. Government            Treasury Note     7.500     11/15/01   $   300,000        317,047        315,844
   U.S. Government            Treasury Note     7.250     08/15/04        60,000         62,817         63,167
   U.S. Government            Treasury Note     7.500     02/15/05        80,000         87,561         85,576
   U.S. Government            Treasury Note     6.875     08/31/00       530,000        545,983        541,925
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
        Total United States government securities                                     1,013,408      1,006,512
                                                                                   ------------   ------------
 Institutional Investor's
   GIC Fund                   Mutual fund                                             3,361,344      3,573,882
 Westcore Midco Growth        Mutual fund                                               390,000        402,291
 Sarofim Equity Fund          Equity fund                                               680,842        827,361
                                                                                   ------------   ------------

        Total assets held for investment purposes                                  $  9,803,775   $ 16,818,205
                                                                                   ============   ============
</TABLE>


*  Indicates party-in-interest transaction.





                                     -16-
<PAGE>   17



                                                                    SCHEDULE II


                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN


           ITEM 27(b) - SCHEDULE OF LOANS OR FIXED INCOME OBLIGATIONS

                               DECEMBER 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              (b)                          (d) Amount      (e) Amount of    (f) Unpaid  
           Identity        (c) Original   of principal   interest received   balanced                     (h) Amount   (i) Amount
          and address         amount       received in     in reporting       at end    (g) Description  of principal  of interest
(a)       of obligor          of loan    reporting year        year           of year       of loan         overdue      overdue
- ---       -----------      ------------  --------------  -----------------  ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------

<S>  <C>                    <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>         <C>               <C>          <C>      
*    E. L. Peterson         $    17,000    $     439         $    227       $   14,465  10.02%, issued    $   2,418    $   1,123
     5535 Galaxy Dr.                                                                    5/16/95, final
     Crestview, FL  32536                                                               payment due
                                                                                        12/21/99

*    Darrell J. Hammors          16,300        1,056              653           15,244  10.03%, issued        1,101          491
     22170 Ponchoville Rd.  -----------    ---------         --------       ----------  4/30/96, final    ---------    ---------
     Jennings, LA  70546                                                                payment due
                                                                                        5/01/01

             Total          $    33,300    $   1,495         $    880       $   29,709                    $   3,519    $   1,614
                            ===========    =========         ========       ==========                    =========    =========
</TABLE>


*  Indicates party-in-interest transaction.





                                     -17-
<PAGE>   18



                                                                   SCHEDULE III


                     NOBLE DRILLING CORPORATION THRIFT PLAN

                ITEM 27(d) - SCHEDULE OF REPORTABLE TRANSACTIONS

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      (h) Current value
                                                                                                         of asset on
    (a) Identity of       (b) Description     Number    Number   (c) Purchase  (d) Selling  (g) Cost of  transaction    (i) Net
     party involved           of asset      purchases  of sales      price        price      asset sold      date     gain (loss)
    ---------------       ---------------   ---------  --------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

<S>                      <C>                   <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Exchange National Bank   ENB Pooled MM Fund    204        192     $ 3,259,734  $ 2,454,696  $ 2,454,696  $ 2,454,696   $     --

U.S. Treasury Note       6.50%, 9/30/96          2          1         653,284      650,000      653,294      650,000   $  (3,294)

U.S. Treasury Note       7.25%, 11/15/96         1          3         651,701      650,155      651,701      650,155      (1,546)

Institutional Investors  GIC Fund                1         --       1,500,000          --           --           --          --
</TABLE>

- -----------------------------------
As defined by Section 2520.103-6 of the Department of Labor Rules and
Regulations governing reporting and disclosure under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the above are reportable transactions
of the Noble Drilling Corporation Thrift Plan. Columns (e) and (f) have been
omitted because they are not applicable.




                                     -18-

<PAGE>   19





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 33-3289),
Form S-8 (No. 33-15269), Form S-8 (No. 33-18966), Form S-8 (No. 33-46724), Form
S-8 (No. 33-50270), Form S-8 (No. 33-50272), Form S-8 (No. 33-62394), Form S-8
(No. 33-57675), Form S-8 (No. 333-25857) and Form S-8 (No.
333-17407) of Noble Drilling Corporation of our report appearing in this Form
10-K/A (Amendment No. 1).



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Houston, Texas
June 26, 1997



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