Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $254 million, with a margin of 32% [13] - Contract drilling services revenue totaled $798 million for Q3 2025, showing a sequential decline due to rigs rolling off contract [13] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $139 million, excluding $87 million in disposal proceeds, resulting in a cash balance of $478 million, an increase of $140 million from the previous quarter [13][14] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance narrowed to $1.1 to $1.125 billion, with Q4 expected to be marginally lower than Q3 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog increased to $7 billion, with $2.4 billion and $1.9 billion scheduled for revenue conversion in 2026 and 2027, respectively [14] - The Noble Black Lion and Noble Black Hornet received two-year contract extensions from BP, valued at $310 million per rig [6][7] - The jackup Noble Resolute secured a one-year contract with ENI at a day rate of $125,000 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The committed UDW rig count is approximately 100 rigs, with marketed utilization slightly above 90% [9] - Deepwater contracting momentum is improving, with an average of 18 UDW rig years fixed per quarter in Q2 and Q3, up 10% compared to the previous two years [9] - The Northern Europe market for jackups has stable activity at 90% marketed utilization [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on securing additional contracts to achieve 90-100% contract coverage across its high-spec drillships by the second half of 2026 [10] - The company aims to optimize cash flow while maintaining a competitive dividend and strong balance sheet [22] - There is a strategic emphasis on deepwater exploration as a critical component of the global upstream supply stack [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about a tightening deepwater market by late 2026 and early 2027, despite some near-term challenges [19][43] - The company is closely monitoring customer budget announcements, which have been less inspiring, impacting growth expectations [20] - There is a sense of urgency for upstream reserve replacement, indicating a potential shift towards deepwater investments [21][68] Other Important Information - The company expects to incur up to $135 million in additional outlays related to the termination of BOP service and lease contracts from the Diamond Offshore Drilling acquisition [17] - The company is committed to maintaining a robust return of capital program while managing costs effectively [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on improving utilization for high-spec floater fleet - Management is optimistic about securing contracts for the Noble Viking, Jerry DeSouza, and Black Rhino, with ongoing discussions [24] Question: Details on Diamond Offshore BOP leases - The service agreement has been terminated, with a $35 million payment expected in Q4, and a maximum of $135 million in cash outlays anticipated [25][26] Question: Expectations for first half of 2026 - Management indicated that the first half of 2026 may see lower earnings and cash flow, primarily driven by idle time on floaters [30][31] Question: Confidence in deepwater utilization recovery - Confidence is based on existing contracts and ongoing discussions, with a belief that day rates have bottomed [42][43] Question: Demand in West Africa versus South America - West Africa is experiencing slower demand recovery compared to South America, with expectations for improvement in late 2026 and 2027 [72]

Core Insights - Shell plc has completed farm-out agreements in Exploration Block 4 offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, partnering with Petrobras and Galp Energia to enhance exploration and development activities in the region [1][19]. Company Structure and Partnerships - Shell retains a 30% working interest in Block 4, while Petrobras and Galp Energia each hold a 27.5% stake, with the remaining 15% held by the national oil company ANP-STP [2][19]. - The operational leadership by Shell emphasizes its commitment to technical excellence and strategic precision in exploration activities [3][19]. - The collaboration with Petrobras and Galp Energia allows for shared geological insights and regional expertise, enhancing resource allocation efficiency [3][4]. Petrobras' Strategic Moves - Petrobras has expanded its portfolio in São Tomé and Príncipe, now holding interests in four offshore blocks, reflecting its strategic focus on West African deepwater assets [5][19]. - The company secured a 45% interest in offshore Blocks 10 and 13 and a 25% stake in Block 11 earlier in 2024, showcasing confidence in the region's geological potential [5][6]. Galp Energia's Contributions - Galp Energia has established itself as a key operator in the region, managing ultra-deepwater Blocks 6 and 12, and holds a 20% interest in Block 11 [7][19]. - The successful drilling of the Jaca-1 well in 2022 confirmed an active petroleum system, validating previous geological studies and guiding further exploration strategies [8][19]. Geological Potential and Exploration Outlook - Exploration Block 4 is located in a highly prospective basin with complex geological structures and proven petroleum systems, favorable for hydrocarbon generation [11][12]. - Ongoing seismic surveys and geological analyses aim to refine subsurface understanding and identify commercially viable hydrocarbon accumulations [12][19]. Strategic Importance of the Region - The offshore blocks in São Tomé and Príncipe are becoming significant assets in the West African energy landscape, attracting global energy majors due to their untapped hydrocarbon potential [14][19]. - The collaboration among Shell, Petrobras, Galp, and ANP-STP exemplifies a model for maximizing exploration success through shared expertise and risk mitigation [15][19]. Future Commitments and Initiatives - The joint venture partners are committed to an aggressive exploration program in Block 4, including advanced seismic acquisition and potential drilling campaigns [17][19]. - The partnership emphasizes technological innovation and environmental stewardship, incorporating cutting-edge exploration tools and best practices [18][19].

Core Insights - Petrobras (PBR) is planning a strategic return to Nigeria's oil industry, focusing on deepwater exploration after a decade-long absence [1][2] - The renewed engagement aims to unlock mutual benefits for both Brazil and Nigeria, revitalizing a historical relationship dating back to the 1980s [2][12] - Petrobras' investment strategy includes a $111 billion capital expenditure plan, with $77 billion allocated specifically for exploration and production activities between 2025 and 2029 [5][14] Investment Strategy - Petrobras has increased its exploration and production budget by $4 billion, emphasizing both domestic and international growth, with Nigeria identified as a key target [5][6] - The company aims to leverage its technical expertise in deepwater production to tap into Nigeria's expansive offshore reserves [6][11] Bilateral Relations - The Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) between Nigeria and Brazil is expected to enhance collaboration and investment opportunities [3][4] - Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed Petrobras' eagerness to engage in deepwater exploration, indicating a focus on sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) [4][12] Market Dynamics - Nigeria is actively seeking to attract foreign investment to revitalize its petroleum sector and increase production levels from declining fields [7][8] - The deepwater region in Nigeria remains largely underexplored but is considered highly prospective, with past discoveries confirming its hydrocarbon richness [10][11] Strategic Partnership - The return of Petrobras could signify a strategic realignment of Nigeria's upstream oil sector, creating a dynamic alliance between the two countries [12][14] - Petrobras' reinvestment is expected to bring not only capital but also technology and innovation to Nigeria's energy sector, while Nigeria offers high-growth opportunities in a liberalizing market [13][14]