Dubai, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vantage Drilling International Ltd. ("Vantage" or the "Company") today announced that it will host a conference call at 10:00 AM Eastern Time / 4:00 PM Oslo Time / 6:00 PM Dubai Time on May 15, 2025 to discuss operating results for the first quarter of 2025. Vantage will release earnings before the call on May 15, 2025. Vantage's earnings release will be posted to the Vantage website at www.vantagedrilling.com.To access the conference call, click on the Call Link foll ...

Contract Award - Valaris Limited has secured a contract for its ultra-deepwater Valaris DS-15 drillship for work offshore West Africa, with a total contract value of $135 million and an estimated duration of 250 days [1][2] - The contract involves drilling five wells for an undisclosed operator, expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, and includes priced options for up to five additional wells with an estimated duration of 80 to 100 days [2] Rig Upgrades and Capabilities - As part of the contract, the Valaris DS-15 drillship will undergo upgrades to add an improved managed pressure drilling system, enhancing its operational capabilities [3] - The Valaris DS-15 drillship features a GustoMSC P10,000 design and can drill to a maximum depth of 40,000 feet, positioning the company well for future opportunities in the offshore West Africa region [3] Company Ranking and Comparisons - Valaris currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable outlook compared to other energy sector stocks [4] - In contrast, Archrock, EQT Corporation, and Galp Energia have better rankings, with Archrock at Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and EQT and Galp at Rank 2 (Buy) [4]

Company Overview - Valaris has the largest offshore drilling fleet, comprising 15 high-spec floaters and 34 jackups[4] - The company boasts a revenue efficiency of 96%+ for four consecutive years[4] - As of April 30, 2025, Valaris' contract backlog stands at $4.2 billion[4] - FY 2025 EBITDA guidance is projected to be between $500 million and $560 million[4] Fleet and Market Positioning - Approximately 70% of benign environment floater demand through 2029 is expected to come from the Golden Triangle[5] - Valaris has ~$2.2 billion of floater backlog with ultra-deepwater customers in key basins[7] - The company's jackup fleet is primarily positioned in the North Sea, Middle East, and attractive niche markets[12] - Valaris has ~$1.9 billion of jackup backlog with leading IOCs, NOCs, and independent operators[14] Operational Excellence and Safety - Valaris significantly outperformed the offshore peer group average on key safety metrics in 2024[17] - The company has maintained a revenue efficiency of at least 96% for each of the past four years[19] Market Outlook and Strategy - Deepwater production is expected to grow by ~23% from 2024 to 2030[23] - Subsea tree installations are expected to be more than 40% higher in 2026-2027 compared to 2024-2025[29] - Benign environment floater demand in 2026-2027 is expected to be ~14% higher on average compared to 2024-2025[31] Financial Strategy - The company has returned $325 million to shareholders since the start of the share repurchase program in 2023[43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $621 million, up from $584 million in the prior quarter, reflecting a strong operational performance [32] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $181 million in Q1 2025 from $142 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to more operating days and higher average daily revenue for the floater fleet [32][33] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $74 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $454 million, providing total liquidity of approximately $830 million [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added over $1 billion in new contract backlog since the last conference call, including significant contracts for drillships offshore West Africa and shallow water markets [6][10] - The total backlog increased to more than $4.2 billion, a nearly 20% increase from the previous backlog of $3.6 billion [19] - Fleet-wide revenue efficiency was reported at 96% during Q1 2025, indicating strong operational performance [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global jackup fleet utilization stood at 90% at the end of Q1 2025, down from 94% in early 2024, indicating some downward pressure on day rates in certain regions [26] - Offshore Africa remains the most active area for future floater opportunities, with approximately 10 long-term programs expected to start in 2026 or 2027 [22] - The company is tracking around 25 floater opportunities, primarily related to drillships, with expected start dates in 2026 and 2027 [21][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering outstanding operational performance, executing its commercial strategy, and prudently managing its fleet and costs [14][18] - There is an emphasis on securing long-term contracts for high specification assets, particularly seventh-generation drillships, which are expected to be favored by customers for complex drilling solutions [14][15] - The company plans to continue managing costs for rigs expected to experience idle time and is willing to retire rigs when their economic benefit no longer justifies their costs [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while macroeconomic uncertainty has increased, offshore production is expected to remain a vital component of meeting global energy needs [12][18] - The company anticipates that most projects being evaluated by customers for near to medium-term commencement are expected to be economic well below current commodity prices [13] - Management remains optimistic about securing additional contracts due to the high quality of its fleet and operational performance [14][18] Other Important Information - The company received the 2024 Best Safety Performance Award for jackup rigs, highlighting its commitment to safe operations [7] - The company reported a net loss of $39 million in Q1 2025, adjusted for discrete expenses, net income was $128 million [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the 25 floater opportunities tracked for 2026 and 2027, what percentage require seventh-generation drillships? - Management indicated that the overwhelming majority of the 25 opportunities are drillship-related, with customers likely preferring seventh-generation assets due to their efficiency and capabilities [51] Question: Are customers showing interest in performance bonus structures in contracts? - Management confirmed that performance incentives are part of current contracts and are generally targeted at drilling wells ahead of the customer's AFE or reducing the number of days [52] Question: Can you comment on the pricing levels for the five-year extensions on jackups in Saudi Arabia? - Management stated that while specific day rates cannot be disclosed, the rates for the extensions are above historic levels and are considered solid contracts [73] Question: Is there a Brent price level at which offshore FIDs could start to get pushed back? - Management noted that they have not seen any programs getting pushed back based on current Brent prices, as the economics for offshore projects remain compelling [78]

Company Overview - Vantage Drilling International Ltd. is an offshore drilling contractor based in Bermuda, primarily engaged in contracting drilling units, related equipment, and work crews on a dayrate basis for oil and natural gas wells globally [2] Recent Developments - Alisdair Semple has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, reporting directly to CEO Ihab Toma, and will continue to operate from the Dubai office [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transocean reported an adjusted EBITDA of $244 million on contract drilling revenues of $906 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 27% [9][23] - The company experienced a net loss attributable to controlling interest of $79 million, equating to a net loss of $0.11 per diluted share [23] - Cash flow from operating activities was $26 million, while free cash flow was negative $34 million due to $60 million in capital expenditures [23][24] - Total liquidity at the end of the first quarter was approximately $1.3 billion, including $263 million in unrestricted cash [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract drilling revenues exceeded guidance primarily due to higher utilization on the Transocean Spitzbergen and Transocean Endurance [23] - Average daily revenue was approximately $444,000, with operating and maintenance expenses at $618 million, which was within guidance [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Gulf is expected to see up to six programs commence in the second and third quarters of 2026, with three expected to come from public tenders [15] - In Brazil, Petrobras is increasing its rig count and has released tenders for upcoming projects, indicating a strong market outlook [16] - The company anticipates growth in West Africa, with multi-year opportunities expected to arise in 2026 [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Transocean is focused on converting its $7.9 billion backlog into revenue and cash to create sustainable value for shareholders [22] - The company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient operations while optimizing performance and maximizing shareholder returns [6][22] - Management emphasized the importance of deepwater drilling and the strategic shift among European majors towards oil and gas investments [11][14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market volatility has not materially impacted business operations, with no planned programs delayed or canceled [13] - The outlook for deepwater drilling remains positive, with projections indicating a 40% increase in deepwater investment by 2029 [14][86] - Management expressed confidence in the future of offshore drilling, citing strong fundamentals and increasing offshore drilling activity [21][88] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately $100 million in cash cost savings for 2025, with a similar amount expected for 2026 [34][70] - There are no significant costs associated with achieving these savings, which primarily come from renegotiating contracts and utilizing local crews [72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of contract announcements - Management expects several contract announcements throughout the year, particularly in the second half, with a focus on long-term awards [44] Question: Day rates for upcoming contracts - There may be near-term pressure on day rates for short-term work, but long-term contracts are expected to remain stable [46][47] Question: Implications of Shell awards from Noble - Management believes there are still opportunities with Shell, as they anticipate additional demand in the Gulf of Mexico [54] Question: Activity assumptions for West Africa - Management sees potential growth in West Africa, with expectations for multi-year opportunities starting in 2026 [60] Question: Cost savings details - Management confirmed $100 million in identified savings for 2025, with a similar expectation for 2026, primarily from operational efficiencies [70] Question: Status of idle and cold stacked vessels - The company is actively looking for opportunities for its idle vessels and continues to assess its cold stacked fleet [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $244 million on $906 million of contract drilling revenues, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 27% [10] - The net loss attributable to controlling interest was $79 million, or a net loss of $0.11 per diluted share [25] - Cash flow from operating activities was $26 million, with free cash flow of negative $34 million reflecting $60 million of capital expenditures [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract drilling revenues exceeded guidance due to higher than anticipated utilization on specific rigs, with average daily revenue approximately $444,000 [26] - Operating and maintenance expenses were $618 million, within guidance range, but included a $34 million non-cash charge related to a customer dispute [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects up to six programs to commence in the U.S. Gulf in the second and third quarters of 2026, with three expected to come from public tenders [16] - In Brazil, Petrobras is expected to increase its rig count to over 30 active rigs by the end of the year, with ongoing tenders for new programs [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on converting its $7.9 billion backlog to revenue and cash to create sustainable value for shareholders [24] - Management emphasized the importance of deepwater drilling, with projections indicating a 40% increase in deepwater investment by 2029 [15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that market and commodity volatility has not materially impacted the business, and no planned programs have been delayed or canceled [14] - The outlook for deepwater drilling remains positive, supported by third-party projections and a strategic shift among major operators towards oil and gas investments [12][15] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately $100 million in cash cost savings expected to be realized in 2025, with a similar amount anticipated for 2026 [34] - The projected liquidity at year-end 2025 is forecasted to be between $1.45 billion and $1.55 billion [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of contract announcements - Management expects several contract announcements over the summer and into the end of the year, with the second half of the year potentially being prolific for long-term awards [45] Question: Expected day rates for upcoming contracts - There may be near-term pressure on day rates for short-term work, but long-term contracts are expected to remain stable [48][49] Question: Implications of Shell awards from Noble - Management believes there are still opportunities with Shell, and they are taking a long-term view on rates and contracts [56][59] Question: Activity assumptions for West Africa - Management sees potential growth in West Africa, with expectations for multi-year opportunities and increased rig demand in the region [61] Question: Cost savings details - The company anticipates $100 million in cost savings for 2025 and a similar amount for 2026, primarily through renegotiation of contracts and operational efficiencies [68] Question: Status of idle and cold stacked vessels - The company is actively looking for opportunities for its idle vessels and continues to assess its cold stacked fleet on a quarterly basis [74][76]

Core Viewpoint - Transocean Ltd. reported a net loss of $79 million for Q1 2025, reflecting challenges in contract drilling revenues and increased operating expenses, while maintaining a backlog of $7.9 billion [2][3][8]. Financial Performance - Contract drilling revenues for Q1 2025 were $906 million, a decrease of $46 million from the previous quarter and an increase of $143 million year-over-year [3][21]. - Revenue efficiency improved to 95.5% in Q1 2025 from 93.5% in Q4 2024, indicating better revenue generation relative to maximum potential [3][28]. - Operating and maintenance expenses rose to $618 million in Q1 2025, up from $579 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to legal costs and increased shipyard expenses [4][21]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $244 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.9%, down from 33.9% in the previous quarter [8][37]. Earnings and Losses - The net income attributable to controlling interest was a loss of $79 million, translating to a diluted loss per share of $0.11 [2][21]. - Adjusted net loss for Q1 2025 was $65 million, or a loss of $0.10 per diluted share, after accounting for unfavorable discrete tax items [2][33]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash provided by operating activities was $26 million, a decrease of $180 million compared to the prior quarter, largely due to reduced customer collections [7][43]. - Capital expenditures increased to $60 million in Q1 2025 from $29 million in Q4 2024, focusing on upgrades for certain rigs [8][43]. Balance Sheet and Debt Management - The company repaid $210 million in outstanding debt during the quarter, improving its balance sheet despite ongoing market volatility [8][43]. - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $19.019 billion, down from $19.371 billion at the end of 2024 [24][25]. Fleet and Operational Statistics - Transocean operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, with a focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling [11][12]. - The average daily revenue for ultra-deepwater floaters was $443,600 in Q1 2025, while for harsh environment floaters it was $443,600, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous quarter [28][29].

Core Insights - Petrobras has extended its partnership with Noble Corporation, reaffirming its commitment to offshore drilling operations in Colombia [1][2] - The extension involves the Noble Discoverer rig, which will now operate until August 14, 2026, following a successful performance in deepwater drilling [2] - An unpriced option for further extension could keep the Noble Discoverer operational through the third quarter of 2027, indicating a long-term investment in offshore drilling technology [5] Company and Industry Overview - The Noble Discoverer, built in 2009, is designed for extreme deepwater conditions, with a maximum drilling depth of 40,000 feet (12,192 meters) and operational efficiency in water depths of up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) [3][4] - The partnership between Petrobras and Noble Corporation is crucial for meeting the rising energy demands and driving innovation in offshore drilling technology [7][8] - This collaboration exemplifies the importance of long-term partnerships in the oil and gas sector, ensuring smooth and efficient offshore projects [10][12] Strategic Implications - The renewed contract strengthens Petrobras' position as a leader in offshore energy exploration, particularly in Latin America [11] - The partnership is essential for maintaining efficiency, reliability, and technological advancement in offshore drilling operations [12] - Petrobras' ongoing investment in offshore energy development highlights the need for reliable drilling equipment to meet modern exploration challenges [6]

Core Viewpoint - J.P. Morgan analyst Arun Jayaram has reiterated an Underweight rating on Valaris Limited, lowering the price forecast from $40 to $38, indicating concerns about the company's ability to meet its EBITDA guidance for 2025 despite fleet rationalization efforts [1] Financial Projections - The analyst has revised the 2025 EBITDA estimate down to $522 million from $539 million and the 2026 estimate to $656 million from $698 million, which are 0.8% and 2.8% below Wall Street's expectations respectively [4] - Free cash flow is now projected at $28 million for 2025 and $132 million for 2026, with capital expenditures estimated at $369 million for 2025 and $277 million for 2026 [4] Operational Challenges - There are concerns regarding a potential slowdown in demand in the ultra-deepwater market, utilization gaps from expiring contracts, and reduced opportunities for certain rigs [2] - An incident causing two weeks of downtime on the DS-17 drillship in Q1 2025 may impact operations, although reduced downtime could lead to a slight EBITDA beat compared to forecasts [2][3] Market Dynamics - The potential for more rig suspensions in Saudi Arabia exists, although some rigs leased to ARO are still operating under short-term extensions while longer-term agreements are being negotiated [3] - Investors may shift focus towards companies with a higher concentration of committed floater backlog due to ongoing challenges in the market [5]