Nabors Q1 Loss Wider Than Expected, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Nabors Industries Ltd. reported a wider-than-expected adjusted loss in Q1 2025, primarily due to lower operating income from its U.S. Drilling segment, despite beating revenue estimates driven by international operations [1][2]. Financial Performance - The adjusted loss per share was $7.5, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $2.64 and a loss of $5.16 in the same quarter last year [1]. - Operating revenues were $736.2 million, exceeding the estimate of $718 million but down from $743.9 million year-over-year [1]. - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $206.3 million from $221 million a year ago, missing the model estimate of $221.6 million [2]. Segmental Performance - U.S. Drilling revenues were $230.7 million, down 15.2% from $272 million year-ago, but above the estimate of $221.6 million. Operating profit was $31.6 million, down from $50.5 million [7]. - International Drilling revenues increased to $381.7 million from $349.4 million year-ago, beating the estimate of $357.1 million. Operating profit rose to $33 million from $22.5 million [8]. - Drilling Solutions segment revenues totaled $93.2 million, up 23.3% from $75.6 million year-ago, exceeding the estimate of $78.7 million. Operating income increased to $32.9 million from $26.9 million [9]. - Rig Technologies revenues were $44.2 million, down 11.9% from $50.2 million year-ago, missing the estimate of $47.6 million. Operating profit was $4.3 million, slightly up from $4.2 million [10]. Strategic Developments - Nabors finalized the acquisition of Parker Wellbore, enhancing its portfolio with complementary assets and expected to be accretive to free cash flow in 2025 [3]. - The SANAD joint venture deployed new rigs, expected to significantly boost adjusted EBITDA and support natural gas development [4]. - A strategic alliance with Corva AI was expanded to integrate AI-driven analytics into Nabors' RigCLOUD platform, enhancing operational performance [5]. Financial Position - Total costs and expenses decreased to $670.6 million from $736.9 million year-ago, below the prediction of $711.4 million [12]. - As of March 31, 2025, Nabors had $404.1 million in cash and short-term investments, with long-term debt of approximately $2.7 billion [12]. Guidance and Outlook - For Q2 2025, Nabors expects U.S. Drilling rig count to range from 63-64 rigs with a daily adjusted gross margin of about $14,100 [14]. - International rig count is anticipated to be 85-86 rigs, with a daily adjusted gross margin of approximately $17,700 [15]. - Capital expenditures for Q2 2025 are projected to be between $220 million and $230 million, with full-year expectations of $770-$780 million [17]. - Adjusted free cash flow for the full year is expected to be around $80 million, with SANAD consuming about $150 million [18]. - The SANAD Joint Venture's 2025 EBITDA is expected to exceed $300 million, with plans for an IPO under review [19].