Group 1 - Seadrill Limited (NYSE: SDRL) added $1 billion in backlogs during 2024, indicating strong demand for its services [1] - The company repurchased $100 million worth of shares, reducing the total share count by 3 million [1] - Seadrill's backlog extends well into the end of the decade, providing a secure revenue stream for the company [1]

Group 1 - The Daily Drilling Report is an investment group focused on providing analysis for the oil and gas industry, featuring a model portfolio that encompasses all segments of upstream oilfield activity with weekly updates [1] - The group offers investment ideas for both U.S. and international energy companies, covering a range from shale to deepwater drillers [1] - Technical analysis is utilized to identify catalysts within the oil and gas sector [1] Group 2 - Fluidsdoc is an experienced professional in the oil industry with 40 years of experience across six continents and over twenty countries, specializing in the upstream oilpatch [2]

Revenue Contributions - Total revenues from Sonadrill accounted for 22% of consolidated operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024[51]. - Petrobras contributed 18% to total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024[51]. - The company’s revenues from customers with over 10% contribution included Var Energi at 7% and Equinor at 7% for the year ended December 31, 2024[51]. Employee and Training Initiatives - As of December 31, 2024, the company employed approximately 3,300 employees worldwide[56]. - The company is committed to enhancing employee training through the Seadrill Development Academy, which includes advanced technical and behavioral simulations[60]. Safety and Environmental Compliance - The total recordable incident rate (TRIR) for the year ended December 31, 2024, was 0.36, below the industry average of 0.44[62]. - The company’s operations are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations that can significantly affect operational capabilities and financial condition[67]. Financial Management and Risk Exposure - The company has a majority of its revenues and expenses denominated in U.S. dollars, with some exposure to foreign currencies, but does not expect significant fluctuations in net income from foreign exchange risks[359]. - The majority of the company's debt portfolio is on a fixed interest rate, minimizing interest rate risk exposure[361]. - The company intends to reduce market risks, including foreign exchange and interest rate risks, through appropriate management policies[358]. - The company has a history of utilizing derivative instruments to manage market risks when deemed appropriate[358]. - The company does not currently hedge its foreign exchange exposures, which primarily relate to cash and working capital balances[360]. Leadership and Governance - The executive team includes Simon Johnson as President and CEO, Grant Creed as CFO, and Samir Ali as Chief Commercial Officer, among others, with extensive experience in the offshore drilling industry[72][73][74][75][76][77]. - The executive team has a combined experience of over 100 years in the offshore drilling and oilfield services sectors, enhancing the company's operational capabilities[72][73][74][75][76][77]. - The company has been focusing on strategy development, investor outreach, and relationship management under the leadership of its executive team[72]. - The company has a diverse board of directors with significant experience in the energy sector, enhancing governance and strategic oversight[78]. Operational Overview - The company operates in a single, global offshore drilling market, with operations geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration areas worldwide[49]. - The backlog information is detailed in Part II, Item 7 of the financial report[48]. - The collective bargaining agreement in Brazil was successfully negotiated for the period from September 2024 to August 2025[58]. - The company has made its financial information available through SEC filings and its website, ensuring transparency for investors[79][80].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company delivered $378 million of adjusted EBITDA on $1.4 billion of revenue, with capital expenditures of $118 million [38][39] - The fourth-quarter total operating revenues were $289 million, primarily impacted by fewer operating days due to planned out-of-service time and cold stacking of rigs [40] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with gross principal debt of $625 million and cash holdings of $505 million, resulting in a net debt position of $120 million [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company returned over $500 million in capital to shareholders and had a contracted backlog of $1.3 billion, with $400 million from divesting non-core assets [8][9] - The share repurchase program returned a total of $792 million to shareholders, reducing the issued share count by 22% since September 2023 [9][44] - The West Vela secured additional work, adding $20 million to backlog, while the West Jupiter and West Telus were awarded three-year contracts with Petrobras, commencing in 2026, providing $1 billion in incremental backlog [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The drillship marketed utilization is currently in the mid-eighties, down from the high nineties in 2023, indicating a softening market [32] - The company has approximately 75% of available rig days contracted across its marketed fleet in 2025, insulating it from market volatility [32] - The market outlook indicates a slow pace of contracting in 2025 due to capital discipline and supply chain constraints, with around 30 floaters available globally without firm contracts [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a pure-play floater company, having executed a strategy to rationalize its fleet and divest non-core assets [49][50] - The focus remains on delivering safe and efficient operations while optimizing the cost base to navigate market volatility [25][140] - The company is positioned to capitalize on future demand increases, particularly in deepwater projects, which are expected to be more profitable with lower carbon emissions intensity [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future demand, although visibility remains unclear due to current market conditions [12] - The company is prepared to navigate regulatory challenges in Brazil and is actively engaging with clients and regulatory bodies to address new expectations [55][90] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining a low-cost operating structure to remain competitive in the industry [140] Other Important Information - The company reported legal matters involving Petrobras, with claims amounting to approximately $213 million related to delayed penalties from contracts dating back to 2012 [22][21] - The company intends to vigorously defend its position regarding these claims and is evaluating all options, including potential counterclaims [23][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the 50 days of downtime for the Telus? - Management confirmed the downtime was due to a protracted regulatory clearance process, not a change in rules [54][55] Question: Is the claim from Petrobras related to the Sete rigs a new claim? - Management indicated surprise at the claim and noted that penalties are capped at 10% of the contract value [57][58] Question: What is the tone of conversations with clients regarding project economics? - Management noted an increase in exploration activity and optimism for future demand, particularly for projects starting in 2026 and 2027 [66][68] Question: How will operating expenses be managed for rigs without clear work? - Management stated that they will be disciplined and may stack rigs if there is no clear line of sight for work [83] Question: What is the company's stance on share buybacks given the current uncertainty? - Management acknowledged the attractive share price but emphasized the need for cash conservation and board consultation before further buybacks [111][112] Question: How does the new leadership at ANP affect regulatory scrutiny? - Management noted that the regulatory focus can shift and emphasized the importance of adapting to new expectations [90][102]

Core Viewpoint - Seadrill reported quarterly earnings of $1.07 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.34 per share, marking an earnings surprise of 414.71% [1] - The company posted revenues of $289 million for the quarter ended December 2024, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.51% and decreased from $408 million year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - Seadrill has surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters [2] - The company has also topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.06 on revenues of $376.5 million, while for the current fiscal year, it is $3.72 on revenues of $1.46 billion [7] Market Position and Outlook - Seadrill shares have underperformed the market, losing approximately 27.7% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 1.3% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The Zacks Rank for Seadrill is currently 5 (Strong Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance in the near future [6] - The Oil and Gas - Drilling industry is currently ranked in the bottom 14% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a challenging environment for the sector [8]

Financial Performance - Fourth quarter 2024 total operating revenues were $289 million, a decrease of 18% from $354 million in the prior quarter[4]. - Contract revenues for the fourth quarter were $204 million, down 22% sequentially due to fewer operating days[4]. - Net income for the fourth quarter was $101 million, compared to $32 million in the prior quarter, reflecting a significant increase[8]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $28 million, down from $93 million in the previous quarter, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.7%[3][8]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased to $446 million, up from $300 million in 2023, representing a 48.7% growth[27]. - Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $88 million, down from $287 million in 2023, a decrease of 69.3%[27]. Cash Flow and Debt - The company finished 2024 with a cash balance of $505 million and gross principal debt of $625 million, resulting in a net debt position of $120 million[9]. - Free Cash Flow for the fourth quarter was negative $31 million, with capital expenditures of $132 million primarily for contract preparations[9]. - Free Cash Flow for Q4 2024 was negative $31 million, compared to negative $80 million in Q3 2024, an improvement of 61.3%[35]. - Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at the end of the period were $505 million, down from $728 million in 2023, a decrease of 30.7%[26]. Operational Metrics - Average number of rigs on contract decreased to 8 in Q4 2024 from 10 in Q3 2024, a reduction of 20%[33]. - Average contractual dayrates decreased to $289,000 in Q4 2024 from $304,000 in Q3 2024, a decline of 4.9%[33]. - Economic utilization for Q4 2024 was 93.0%, down from 95.3% in Q3 2024, a decrease of 2.4%[33]. Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased $100 million of shares in the fourth quarter, totaling approximately $792 million or 22% of the issued share count since September 2023[10]. Backlog and Contracts - The company secured long-term contracts for West Jupiter and West Tellus, adding $1 billion to the backlog, extending utilization into 2029[6][14]. - As of February 26, 2025, Seadrill's Order Backlog was approximately $3.0 billion, with 75% of available rig days contracted for 2025[12]. Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets decreased to $928 million in 2024 from $1,158 million in 2023, a decline of 19.8%[24]. - Total liabilities decreased to $1,238 million in 2024 from $1,235 million in 2023, a slight increase of 0.2%[24]. - Total shareholders' equity decreased to $2,918 million in 2024 from $2,983 million in 2023, a decline of 2.2%[24].

Core Insights - Seadrill Limited (SDRL) has sold its non-core asset, the West Prospero jack-up rig, for $45 million, which aligns with its strategy to optimize its rig fleet and improve financial position [2][6]. Company Overview - Seadrill is a U.S.-based offshore drilling contractor with a total backlog of $2.3 billion as of November 2024 [3]. - The West Prospero rig, constructed in 2007, has been non-operational for eight years and was previously used in offshore operations in Northeast Africa and Southeast Asia [6][7]. Industry Context - TechnipFMC plc, Oceaneering International, and Nine Energy Service are highlighted as better-ranked stocks in the energy sector, with TechnipFMC holding a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and the other two holding a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [4]. - TechnipFMC's total backlog reached $14.7 million in Q3 2024, reflecting an 11.1% increase year-over-year, indicating strong revenue growth potential [9]. - Nine Energy Service operates in key U.S. basins and is expected to benefit from sustained demand for oil and gas, positioning the company for long-term growth [10].

Seadrill Limited (SDRL) Contracts and Market Position - Seadrill Limited secured a contract from Petrobras for its West Tellus drillship to work on the Sépia and Atapu fields in the Santos Basin, Brazil [1] - The West Tellus contract has a duration of 1,095 days and is expected to contribute approximately $498 million to the company's order backlog, excluding a $41 million mobilization fee [8] - Seadrill also secured a contract for its West Jupiter drillship with Petrobras, valued at $493 million over 1,095 days, excluding a $31.5 million mobilization fee [9] - The new contracts add approximately $1 billion to Seadrill's order backlog, potentially boosting earnings and free cash flow in 2026 [5] - Seadrill operates six drillships in Brazil, positioning the company strongly in the deepwater market with long-term contracts ensuring steady earnings [10] Energy Sector and Competitors - TechnipFMC plc (FTI) and Oceaneering International (OII) hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while Nine Energy Service (NINE) holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6] - Nine Energy Service provides onshore completion and production services across key basins in the US and Canada, with anticipated growth due to sustained demand for oil and gas [7] - Oceaneering International delivers integrated technology solutions for the offshore oilfield lifecycle, supporting steady revenue growth through client retention and new business opportunities [11] - TechnipFMC's total backlog reached $14.7 million in Q3 2024, an 11.1% increase year-over-year, indicating strong revenue growth prospects [12] Industry Outlook - The offshore drilling market remains resilient, with Seadrill's contracts highlighting the continued demand for deepwater drilling services [1][5][10] - Companies like Nine Energy Service and Oceaneering International are well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing demand for oil and gas services [7][11]

Seadrill Ltd. (SDRL) , an offshore drilling contractor, is preparing for its upcoming assignment with Petrobras offshore Brazil, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The West Auriga and West Polaris drillships have rejoined the company’s fleet and are undergoing the final preparations, including inspections and maintenance, ahead of their campaign in Brazil. Prior to this, the drillships were supervised by third-party managers.Details of the DrillshipsThe West Auriga is a seventh-generation ult ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2024, Seadrill reported total operating revenues of $354 million, a decrease from $375 million in the prior quarter [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $93 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.5% [28] - The company increased its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $375 million to $395 million, with a midpoint of $385 million, reflecting a 13% increase from previous guidance [7][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract drilling revenues remained flat at $263 million, supported by the Sevan Louisiana's full quarter contribution at a higher average rate [25] - Management contract revenues declined to $62 million, while leasing revenues were $9 million, reflecting adjustments from previous quarters [26] - Total operating expenses rose to $307 million from $290 million, driven by increased vessel operating expenses and management contract expenses [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Drillship marketed utilization has slipped below 90%, currently hovering in the high 80s, indicating a softening market [19] - Seadrill has secured 70% contract utilization for its fleet in 2025, with expectations for improvement as customer discussions convert to contracts [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to operate a floater-focused fleet with strong contract coverage while maintaining a solid balance sheet [11] - Seadrill is focused on optimizing operations and reducing bureaucracy to enhance efficiency and empower senior leaders [15] - The strategy includes refining the fleet and pursuing share repurchase programs, having reduced the issued share count by 19% since September 2023 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying industry fundamentals despite temporary market imbalances [11] - The company is cautious about the competitive landscape in 2025, anticipating increased competition and downward pressure on rates [20] - Management highlighted the importance of cash flow generation over headline day rates when bidding for contracts [45] Other Important Information - Seadrill has integrated Aquadrill drillships into its fleet and successfully navigated complex rig management agreements [10] - The company has maintained a healthy balance sheet and continued its share repurchase program, returning $692 million to shareholders by the end of Q3 2024 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for drillships in Brazil - Management emphasized Brazil as a resilient market and expressed optimism about recontracting rigs, noting recent recognition from Petrobras [38] Question: Potential for sixth to seventh gen upgrades - Management indicated that while upgrades are considered, they will only proceed if a return on investment is evident [40][41] Question: Market dynamics and cash margins - Management stated that cash flow generation is prioritized over headline day rates, with a focus on maximizing cash margins [45] Question: Share repurchase plans for 2025 - Management noted that future buybacks will depend on the outlook for contracts and overall financial health [48] Question: Opportunities in Southeast Asia - Management is currently focused on securing work in the region where the Capella is operating, with potential for future relocation [52] Question: Impact of oil prices on customer negotiations - Management highlighted that uncertainty in commodity prices and capital allocation decisions are causing clients to defer contract decisions [60] Question: Plans for operational optimization in 2025 - Management plans to adjust costs and capital programs in real-time to reflect market conditions, emphasizing agility and lean operations [65]