Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for the third quarter were $596 million, down from $615 million in the prior quarter, primarily due to fewer operating days for the floater fleet [29] - Adjusted EBITDA was $163 million compared to $201 million in the prior quarter, with the decrease attributed to fewer operating days and a non-recurring benefit recognized in the previous quarter [30] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $237 million, with cash flow from operations amounting to $198 million [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The jackup segment saw increased EBITDA year over year, driven by more operating days and higher average day rates [13] - The drillship fleet added approximately $1.4 billion of backlog year to date, representing nine years of total contract duration [16] - The total backlog now stands at $4.5 billion, significantly enhancing contract coverage for 2026 and beyond [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global utilization for the jackup fleet remains around 90%, driven by national oil companies focused on energy security [12] - The offshore drilling market is expected to see a recovery in utilization rates, with seventh-generation drillships anticipated to exit 2026 with utilization levels around 90% [11] - Demand for offshore drilling services is developing, particularly in deepwater projects, with a robust pipeline of opportunities expected [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on operational excellence, commercial execution, and disciplined cost management to drive long-term value for shareholders [4] - A strategic focus on securing attractive contracts has resulted in all four drillships with near-term availability being contracted for work beginning next year [9] - The company is in advanced discussions for additional contracts, particularly for rigs scheduled to complete contracts in the second half of 2026 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the offshore drilling industry, citing a need for sustained investment in oil and gas [10] - The company anticipates meaningful growth in deepwater project sanctioning over the next few years as customers pursue exploration and development [11] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investment to offset natural field declines, with the IEA estimating a potential 8% annual decline in global oil production without continued investment [10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $75 million of shares during the quarter, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders [5] - The sale of the 27-year-old jackup Valaris 247 for $108 million was noted as part of the company's disciplined approach to cost management [14] - The company expects to receive approximately $70 million in upfront payments from customers this year for contract-specific upgrades [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Share repurchase strategy and cash utilization - Management confirmed a commitment to returning capital to shareholders and indicated that repurchases would be opportunistic based on market conditions [40][42] Question: Exploration activity and customer discussions - Management noted an increase in exploration discussions, driven by the necessity to meet future energy needs, which is seen as positive for the market [46] Question: Future asset sales and shareholder returns - Management emphasized that operational cash flow will drive capital returns, with asset sales being opportunistic to enhance financial flexibility [48][50] Question: Day rates and market outlook - Management believes day rates for high-spec ships have troughed in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, with expectations for recovery in utilization and day rates [58][59] Question: Rig contracts and market dynamics - Management expressed confidence in securing extensions for rigs in Angola and highlighted ongoing discussions for gap-fill work for idle rigs [60][61]