Diamond Offshore Announces Third Quarter 2001 Earnings

Diamond Offshore Drilling reported net income for the third quarter of 2001 of $53.4 million, or $0.38 per share on a diluted basis, compared to net income for the prior year quarter of $10.5 million, or $0.08 per share on a diluted basis. Revenues for the third quarter of 2001 were $230.6 million compared to revenues of $157.3 million for the third quarter of 2000.

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2001, the Company reported net income before extraordinary items of $141.7 million, or $1.02 per share on a diluted basis compared to net income of $43.6 million, or $0.32 per share on a diluted basis for the same period in 2000. Revenue for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2001 were $663.2 million compared to revenues of $468.5 million for the first nine months of 2000. Net income after extraordinary items related to the early retirement of debt was $134.0 million, or $0.97 per share on a diluted basis, for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2001.

As of Sept. 30, 2001, there were 132.1 million common shares outstanding. Depending on market conditions, the Company may, from time to time, purchase shares of its outstanding common stock in the open market or otherwise. During the third quarter of 2001, Diamond Offshore repurchased 1.3 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $33.6 million.

Diamond Offshore is a leader in deep water drilling. The company's fleet of 45 offshore drilling rigs consists of 30 semisubmersibles, 14 jack-ups and one drillship. The fleet operates in the waters of six of the world's seven continents.