Many of the resource-rich countries in Africa have intensified efforts to become more attractive for exploration and production (E&P) investment. Reforms in licensing rounds, production sharing contracts, and fiscal policy are improving investor returns and are set to drive $41 billion in upstream investment in 2026, the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2026 Outlook shows. From legacy oil producers Nigeria and Angola to emerging exploration hotspots such as Namibia, African resource holder ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xpro's Q1 2025 revenue was $391 million with an adjusted EBITDA of $76 million, representing 20% of revenue, marking the highest first quarter performance since merging with Frank's in October 2021 [6][32] - Revenue decreased by $46 million or about 11% compared to Q4 2024, but increased by $7 million or approximately 2% year-over-year [30][31] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by approximately $24 million or 24% sequentially but increased by $9 million or 13% year-over-year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North and Latin America (NLA), Q1 revenue was $134 million, down $5 million quarter-over-quarter, with an EBITDA margin improvement to 23% [33] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) saw Q1 revenue of $112 million, a sequential decrease of $30 million, with an EBITDA margin at 26%, down 11 percentage points [34] - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reported Q1 revenue of $94 million, up 1% sequentially, with an EBITDA margin of 37%, up 1% quarter-over-quarter [35] - Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue was $51 million, a decrease of $12 million, with an EBITDA margin at 21%, down from the prior quarter [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro outlook indicates significant near-term uncertainty and volatility in global oil markets due to tariff announcements and OPEC+ production increases [8][9] - Global oil consumption is forecasted to increase by 900,000 barrels per day in 2025, with demand reaching an average of 103.6 million barrels per day [13] - The EIA projects global liquids production to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day in 2025, reaching 104.1 million barrels per day [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xpro's strategy focuses on organic investment and M&A to enable margin expansion and improve customer relevance [7][21] - The company aims to maintain cost and capital discipline while adjusting CapEx based on awarded projects [21][29] - Xpro is positioned to benefit from long-term offshore project sanctioning, with about two-thirds of greenfield CapEx expected to be allocated to offshore developments [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive multiyear outlook for energy services despite expected near-term moderation in upstream investment [5][9] - The company anticipates that 2025 will be a transition year, with a return to healthy sanctioning activity in 2026 and beyond [16][45] - Management noted that current macro conditions are influenced more by global trade issues than energy fundamentals, which remain strong [12] Other Important Information - Xpro's backlog at the end of Q1 was approximately $2.2 billion, in line with expectations [8] - The company has a zero net debt balance sheet, providing strategic and financial flexibility [21] - Xpro's Drive 25 efficiency campaign aims to achieve significant cost savings and improve operating leverage [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on MENA segment growth and margin sustainability - Management highlighted strong anchor contracts in Saudi Arabia and Algeria, indicating stability and growth potential in the MENA region [50][51] Question: Thoughts on equity valuation and buyback strategy - Management acknowledged the depressed equity valuation and indicated a willingness to utilize share repurchase authorization while considering other capital allocation opportunities [54][56] Question: Factors influencing full-year guidance and sensitivity - Management noted cautious customer sentiment and ongoing engagement to assess project timelines, indicating a wait-and-see approach [60][61] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management clarified that while tariffs may affect activity, the overall impact on financial results is expected to be minimal, with preliminary estimates suggesting less than a $5 million impact [78][82] Question: Automation and safety technology impact - Management emphasized that technologies like Centrify enhance safety and operational efficiency, allowing for reduced personnel on rig floors [87][90] Question: M&A market dynamics - Management indicated ongoing efforts to identify suitable M&A opportunities, emphasizing patience and strategic alignment with Xpro's goals [93]