Helmerich & Payne Q1 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Insights - Helmerich & Payne reported $1.0 billion in revenue for the fiscal first quarter of 2026, marking the third consecutive quarter at this revenue level, despite a net loss of $0.98 per diluted share due to a $103 million non-cash impairment charge and other unusual items [1][6] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA was $230 million, exceeding expectations, supported by strong results in North America Solutions and Offshore Solutions, as well as better-than-anticipated performance in International Solutions [2][6] - The company generated strong free cash flow of $126 million, with capital expenditures of $68 million for the quarter, and reduced its fiscal year capex guidance to $270–310 million [4][7][19] Operational Highlights - North America Solutions averaged 143 rigs working, with a direct margin of $239 million, driven by a higher rig count and gross margin above $18,000 per day [8] - International Solutions outperformed expectations with 59 rigs working and direct margins of approximately $29 million, attributed to lower-than-expected Saudi reactivation costs [9] - Offshore Solutions generated about $31 million in direct margin with 3 active rigs, maintaining stable operations [10] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a sequential margin step-down in the second quarter due to seasonal impacts and the timing of rig reactivation costs, with North America Solutions margins expected to range from $205 million to $230 million [5][16] - International Solutions is projected to average 57 to 63 rigs in the second quarter, with direct margins of $12 million to $22 million, reflecting the shifting of Saudi reactivation costs [17] - Offshore Solutions is expected to average 30 to 35 operating rigs, with second-quarter direct margin guidance of $20 million to $30 million [18] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on FlexRobotics technology to automate rig floor tasks, which has shown promising results in initial deployments [15] - Geothermal interest remains high, with contract awards in Europe and additional rigs added in North America [14] Leadership Transition - CEO John Lindsay will be succeeded by Trey Adams next month, with Lindsay expressing confidence in the leadership team to execute the company's strategy [4][20]