Company Overview - Helmerich & Payne (H&P) is a premier U S driller with 141 active rigs and a strong global presence with 62 active rigs[10] - The company has exposure to all major oil and gas regions, including the U S, Middle East, North Africa, and Argentina[10] - H&P has a durable and capital light offshore business with 36 offshore rigs and management contracts[10] Financial Performance - H&P achieved a direct margin of $266 million, significantly exceeding quarterly expectations[12] - The company's consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $268 million[12] - H&P repaid $120 million in debt through July, with $200 million in repayments expected by the end of 2025[12] Operational Highlights - Approximately 50% of active rigs are utilizing performance contracts, incentivizing win-win results with customers[12] - H&P's Permian market share is up to 37%, with a focus on customer alignment delivering value[17] - The company has identified over $50 million of an upwardly revised $50 to $75 million cost reduction target[12] Future Outlook - H&P anticipates a direct margin of $230-$250 million for North America Solutions in Q4 Fiscal 2025[22] - The company expects gross capital expenditures of $380-$395 million for the full fiscal year 2025[22] - H&P is focused on debt reduction, targeting $200 million by the end of 2025[26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from operations for Q1 2025 was $736 million, a slight increase of $6 million or 1% from the previous quarter [40] - Total adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $206.3 million, down from $220.5 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting a decline of $14 million [45][46] - U.S. drilling revenue decreased by $11 million or 4.5% sequentially to $231 million [41] - Average daily rig margins in the Lower 48 came in just under $14,300, down $660 or 4% from the fourth quarter [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international drilling segment generated revenue of $382 million, an increase of $10.3 million or 3% from the prior quarter, driven by activity increases in key markets [44] - Drilling Solutions revenue increased by $17.2 million or 22.6% to $93.2 million, benefiting from the addition of Parker operations [44][52] - Rig Technologies segment revenue declined by $12 million sequentially to $44.2 million, primarily due to lower capital equipment deliveries in the Middle East [45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Lower 48 market average quarterly rig count remained stable, with Nabors exiting Q1 with 62 rigs operating [41][39] - The international rig count increased slightly from 84.8 to 85 rigs during the quarter, aided by Parker's contribution [44] - The survey of 14 operators indicated a projected 4% reduction in rig count from the end of Q1 through the end of 2025 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving $40 million in cost synergies from the Parker acquisition during 2025 [6][31] - There is a strategic emphasis on international markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where new rigs are expected to contribute positively to earnings [19][50] - The company aims to reduce debt and improve free cash flow, with a target of generating free cash in 2025 despite cash consumption [28][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment is challenging due to OPEC+ output adjustments and high U.S. shale production, but there are signs of recovery in natural gas activity [7][8] - The company expects a slight increase in rig count in Q2, driven by deployments in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait [39] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate through short-term disruptions while positioning for future growth [59] Other Important Information - The company suspended operations in Russia due to U.S. sanctions and does not expect to resume activities there [11][38] - The company has made significant progress in capturing planned synergies from the Parker acquisition, with a focus on corporate cost reductions [57][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the company started accruing any debt in the SANAD joint venture? - Management confirmed that there is no current plan to accrue debt in the SANAD joint venture [64] Question: Is Saudi Aramco finished with rig releases, or are more expected this quarter? - Management provided details on rig suspensions and additions, indicating a wait-and-see approach regarding future releases [65][66] Question: Which business segment is most affected by tariffs? - Management indicated that the impact of tariffs is more significant on spare parts and pumps rather than drill pipe, with mitigation strategies in place [72] Question: How does the company view the potential for an IPO of SANAD? - Management acknowledged that an IPO is a potential path for value realization, especially given the attractive valuations in the Middle East [77] Question: What is the expected corporate run rate for the second quarter with Parker's full contribution? - Management indicated that Parker's contribution should be in the mid-40s for the second quarter, with ongoing synergy capture [90]