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): February 27, 2019

Rowan Companies plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

England and Wales	1-5491	98-1023315
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2800 Post Oak Boulevard Suite 5450 Houston, Texas		77056-6189
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 621-7800

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

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 240.14a-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))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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 February 27, 2019 Rowan Companies plc issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and full calendar year of 2018. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c)

Exhibits

Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

99.1		Earnings press release of Rowan Companies plc

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.

Dated: February 27, 2019	Rowan Companies plc

	By:	/s/ Stephen M. Butz
	Stephen M. Butz
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit List

Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

99.1		Earnings press release of Rowan Companies plc

ROWAN COMPANIES PLC 8-K