Valaris Limited (VAL): A Bull Case Theory

Core Thesis - Valaris Limited is positioned to benefit from a recovering offshore drilling market, with a modernized fleet and minimal net debt, making it an attractive investment opportunity [2][5]. Company Overview - Valaris is a leading provider of offshore drilling rigs and crews, enabling oil and gas companies to access hydrocarbons without owning the resources [2]. - The company emerged from bankruptcy with a modernized fleet, allowing it to capitalize on market conditions [2]. Market Dynamics - The supply-demand dynamic in the offshore drilling market has led to a significant increase in day rates, with seventh-generation drillships' rates doubling from approximately $250K/day to $500K/day since 2022 [3]. - Revenue efficiency has been reported at 96–99%, contributing to revenue growth from $1.2 billion in 2021 to $2.4 billion TTM [3]. Contractual Backlog - Valaris has secured long-term contracts in key regions, building a backlog exceeding $4 billion, which indicates strong demand and profitability of its fleet [4]. - Since April 2025, the company has added over $1 billion in new contract commitments, raising the total backlog to approximately $4.7 billion [4]. Financial Health and Shareholder Returns - The company has strong cash flow and a solid balance sheet, actively returning capital to shareholders through a share repurchase program, with about 10% of its market capitalization remaining under buyback authorization [5]. - Valaris presents a compelling investment case due to its efficient operations, robust backlog, and high-margin revenue streams [5]. Recent Developments - The stock has appreciated approximately 9% since a previous bullish thesis, reflecting improving offshore demand and operational efficiency [6]. - Recent contract wins and shareholder returns have been emphasized as key factors in the ongoing positive outlook for Valaris [6].