<HTML>
<HEAD>
     <TITLE></TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">

<HR SIZE="1" STYLE="color: Black">

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>UNITED STATES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>FORM 8-K</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>CURRENT REPORT</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported):&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><B>May 2, 2012</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><IMG SRC="image_001.gif" ALT=""></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>(Exact name of registrant as specified
in its charter)</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE ALIGN="CENTER" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; background-color: white">
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="width: 33%; text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>DELAWARE</B></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 34%; text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>1-5491</B></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 33%; text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>75-0759420</B></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>(State or other jurisdiction</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold; text-align: center">(Commission</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B> (IRS Employer</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold; text-align: center">of incorporation)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold; text-align: center">file Number)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="color: black">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE ALIGN="CENTER" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; background-color: white">
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: center">&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>2800 POST OAK BOULEVARD</B></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>SUITE 5450</B></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>HOUSTON, TEXAS</B></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<B>77056-6189</B></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>(Address of principal executive offices)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt"><B>(zip code)</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>&nbsp;</B><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt; color: black">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="color: black">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>(713) 621-7800</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>(Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number,
including area code)</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 4%; font-weight: bold"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 96%; font-weight: bold"><B>Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><B>Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 14a-12)</B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><B>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-14d-2(b))</B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-weight: bold"><B>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-13e-4(c))</B></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<!-- Field: Page; Sequence: 1 -->
    <DIV STYLE="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <DIV STYLE="page-break-before: always; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 12pt"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: left; width: 50%">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: right; width: 50%"></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <!-- Field: /Page -->
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<HR SIZE="1" STYLE="color: Black">

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Item 2.02 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">The following information is disclosed pursuant to Item 2.02
- Results of Operations and Financial Condition:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE ALIGN="CENTER" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 48px">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>On May 2,&nbsp;2012, Rowan Companies, Inc. issued a press release announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Item 9.01 - Financial Statements and Exhibits</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">(c) Exhibits</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 14%; text-align: center">Exhibit</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 84%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1.5pt solid; text-align: center">Number</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1.5pt solid; text-align: center">Exhibit Description</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; background-color: #CCEEFF">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">99</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Press release of Rowan Companies, Inc. dated May 2, 2012 announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"></P>

<!-- Field: Page; Sequence: 2; Section: Main; Options: NewSection; Value: 2 -->
    <DIV STYLE="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">-<!-- Field: Sequence; Type: Arabic; Name: PageNo -->2<!-- Field: /Sequence -->-</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <DIV STYLE="page-break-before: always; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 12pt"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <!-- Field: /Page -->
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">SIGNATURES</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 34%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 62%; text-align: right">ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>By:</TD>
    <TD><U>/s/ W. H. WELLS &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>W. H. Wells,</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Dated: May 2, 2012</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<!-- Field: Page; Sequence: 3; Section: Main; Value: 2 -->
    <DIV STYLE="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">-<!-- Field: Sequence; Type: Arabic; Name: PageNo -->3<!-- Field: /Sequence -->-</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <DIV STYLE="page-break-before: always; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 12pt"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <!-- Field: /Page -->
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 14%; text-align: center">Exhibit</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 81%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1.5pt solid; text-align: center">Number</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1.5pt solid; text-align: center">Exhibit Description</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; background-color: #CCEEFF">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">99</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Press release of Rowan Companies, Inc. dated May 2, 2012 announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<!-- Field: Page; Sequence: 4; Section: Main; Value: 2 -->
    <DIV STYLE="margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font-size: 10pt"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">-<!-- Field: Sequence; Type: Arabic; Name: PageNo -->4<!-- Field: /Sequence -->-</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <DIV STYLE="margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 12pt"><TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="width: 100%"><TR><TD STYLE="text-align: center; width: 100%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
    <!-- Field: /Page -->
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>



<P STYLE="margin: 0"></P>

</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "v311582_8k.htm", "description": "FORM 8-K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 15751}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ROWAN COMPANIES INC", "cik": "0000085408", "assigned-sic": "1381", "irs-number": "750759420", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-05491", "film-number": "12802915"}, "business-address": {"street1": "2800 POST OAK BLVD.", "street2": "SUITE 5450", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77056-6127", "phone": "7136217800"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "2800 POST OAK BOULEVARD", "street2": "SUITE 5450", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77056-6127"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "ROWAN DRILLING CO INC", "date-changed": "19711110"}, {"former-conformed-name": "ROWAN DRILLING CO", "date-changed": "19671112"}]}
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of
Report (Date of earliest event reported):
May 2, 2012
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified
in its charter)
DELAWARE
1-5491
75-0759420
(State or other jurisdiction
(Commission
(IRS Employer
of incorporation)
file Number)
Identification No.)
2800 POST OAK BOULEVARD
SUITE 5450
HOUSTON, TEXAS
77056-6189
(Address of principal executive offices)
(zip code)
(713) 621-7800
(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 14a-12)
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-14d-2(b))
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-13e-4(c))
Item 2.02 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition
The following information is disclosed pursuant to Item 2.02
- Results of Operations and Financial Condition:
On May 2, 2012, Rowan Companies, Inc. issued a press release announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.
Item 9.01 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
99
Press release of Rowan Companies, Inc. dated May 2, 2012 announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012
-
2
-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ROWAN COMPANIES, INC.
By:
/s/ W. H. WELLS
W. H. Wells,
Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Dated: May 2, 2012
-
3
-
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
99
Press release of Rowan Companies, Inc. dated May 2, 2012 announcing its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012
-
4
-