Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $282 million and free cash flow of $107 million for Q2 2025, with a total revenue of €812 million [6][34] - The capital return program has returned over $1.1 billion to shareholders since Q4 2022 through dividends and share repurchases, with an additional $80 million returned this quarter [7][8] - The total backlog as of August 5 stands at €6.9 billion, with €1.1 billion scheduled for revenue conversion for the remainder of the year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured new contracts with a total contract value of $2.8 billion year-to-date, indicating strong commercial activity [15] - The Noble Stanley LaFos was extended for five additional wells, and the Noble Viking received a one-well contract valued at $34 million [10][11] - The Noble Globetrotter I secured a two-well contract in the Black Sea valued at approximately $82 million [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global contracted rig count currently stands at 97 rigs, down from a peak of 105-106 during 2023-2024 [18] - In South America, contracted UDW demand is 43 units, with a strong outlook supported by recent tenders from Petrobras [19] - U.S. Gulf demand has softened, with 21 contracted UDW rigs, down from 22-24 last year [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its fleet following the successful integration of the Diamond acquisition, achieving a $100 million synergy target ahead of schedule [8][34] - The strategy includes managing costs and active fleet posture based on current market realities, with a focus on high-end drillships [27][28] - The company anticipates a potential rebound in the deepwater market by late 2026 or 2027, supported by a credible path back to a contracted UDW rig count of around 105 [27][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted significant macro uncertainties affecting upstream spending, but remains optimistic about the long-term market outlook [17][38] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA to decline sequentially in Q3 due to contract rollovers and planned downtime, but anticipates a material rebound starting in 2026 [36][38] - Management emphasized the importance of cash flow maximization and returning capital to shareholders, with a target annualized free cash flow run rate of $400 million to $500 million by the second half of next year [40] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in various regions, including Southeast Asia and the Americas, with significant planning and coordination required for new projects [15][16] - The harsh environment North Sea market currently represents six units of UDW demand, with expectations of muted market conditions until policy-driven impediments are removed [29][30] - Recent disposals of cold stacked drillships reflect the company's commitment to maintaining a high-spec competitive fleet [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance update clarification - Management explained the revenue guidance was lowered by about 3% due to unexercised options, while EBITDA guidance was tweaked higher due to strong cost management [43][44] Question: Strategy around key rigs - Management highlighted a strong focus on the Black Rhino, Viking, and Jerry D'Souza, with ongoing discussions for contracts that could significantly impact earnings [46][47] Question: Brazil market outlook - Management expressed a positive outlook for Brazil, anticipating flat to slightly increasing rig demand, driven by Petrobras and ongoing tenders [52][54] Question: Rig sales and retirement plans - Management confirmed that the Highlander will go to a drilling project, while the Globetrotter and Reacher are not expected to be sold for drilling purposes [55][56] Question: Near-term pricing expectations - Management indicated that day rates are currently in the low to mid-400s, with expectations for stability or slight decreases due to near-term softness [63][64] Question: Timing of Exxon rig resets - Management confirmed that new rates for Exxon rigs go into effect on March 1 and September 1, with the mechanism tracking the market effectively [73][74] Question: Impact of recent jackup market consolidation - Management stated that recent M&A activity in the jackup market does not significantly change their demand outlook or strategy [78][80] Question: Economics of current contracts - Management noted that while there may be some economic leakage in contract terms, the broader pricing strategies remain unaffected [84][86] Question: Contracting behavior and lead times - Management acknowledged unusual contracting behavior with long lead times despite softer near-term demand, driven by optimism for future projects [92][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported contract drilling revenues of $988 million, aligning with guidance, with an average daily revenue of approximately $459,000 [20] - Operating and maintenance expenses were $899 million, below guidance due to lower costs from delays in maintenance and out-of-service projects [20] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $1.3 billion, including $377 million in unrestricted cash and $395 million in restricted cash [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on managing its high-spec rig portfolio in a disciplined manner to maximize value [6] - The high specification ultra deepwater and harsh environment fleet has an industry-leading backlog of approximately $7 billion [8] - The company plans to sustainably reduce cash costs by about $100 million in each of 2025 and 2026, primarily from fleet operating and maintenance expenses [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global active ultra deepwater fleet is expected to approach utilization exceeding 90% by late 2026, leading to upward pressure on day rates [13] - Deepwater and ultra deepwater development CapEx is projected to rise from $64 billion in 2025 to $79 billion in 2027, a 23% increase [13] - The company anticipates a tightening market by late 2026, with significant demand expected from Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve financial flexibility by reducing total debt and minimizing interest expenses [6] - A disciplined approach to managing the balance sheet is emphasized, with a clear path to significantly reduce debt over the next few years [10] - The company is committed to delivering best-in-class services and maintaining a competitive edge through technology and innovation [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery of utilization rates and day rates as contracting activity increases [38] - The company is focused on maximizing cash flow and converting its backlog into revenue efficiently [27] - Management noted that the current slowdown is not typical of the service drilling business cycle, attributing it to market volatility and capital discipline [66] Other Important Information - The company has removed four lower specification rigs from its fleet to maintain competitiveness [19] - The company is actively engaged in multiple conversations with customers for future contracting opportunities [11] - The company expects capital expenditures for 2025 to be approximately $120 million, slightly above prior guidance due to customer upgrades [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on leading edge day rates - Management expects utilization to bottom out in the mid-80s and anticipates rates to improve as contracting activity increases [35][38] Question: Future of drillships Proteus and Concorde in the Gulf of Mexico - Management is cautiously optimistic that these rigs will remain in the Gulf of Mexico due to customer interest [40] Question: Proceeds from rigs slated for disposal - Management indicated that proceeds from rig recycling are generally around cash breakeven, estimated at $8 to $12 million per asset [45] Question: Update on achieving 3.5 times net debt to EBITDA - Management aims to achieve this metric by late 2026 to consider shareholder distributions [49] Question: Involvement in deep sea mining - The company continues to pursue technical solutions for deep sea mining, with the Olympia asset being useful for potential future opportunities [55] Question: Spot activity and market trends - Management noted several spot jobs and tenders in regions like West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico, indicating positive market activity [60] Question: Impact of BP's Boomerang discovery on industry activity - Management sees the discovery as a positive indicator for increased exploration activity and potential future tenders [78][80]