Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Free cash flow in Q4 2024 fell short of expectations, primarily due to significant receivables in Mexico and accelerated milestone payments in Saudi Arabia [7][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter totaled $221 million, a slight decrease from $222 million in the previous quarter [45] - Revenue from operations for Q4 was $730 million, a sequential reduction of $2 million [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. drilling segment revenue declined by $13 million sequentially, or 5.2%, driven by a reduced rig count in the Lower 48 market [42] - Rig Technologies segment revenue reached $56.2 million, up $10.4 million or 22.6%, driven by increased deliveries of capital equipment and parts sales in the Middle East [45] - Technology-focused businesses, NDS and RigTech, generated combined EBITDA of over $43 million, with NDS's gross margin exceeding 54% in the quarter [28][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rig count in the Lower 48 averaged 66, a decrease of two rigs [42] - International drilling revenue was $371 million, an increase of $2.8 million, despite suspensions in Saudi Arabia [44] - The average daily gross margin for international operations was approximately $16,700, a decrease of $400 from the previous quarter [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow contributions from CapEx light segments, with NDS's contribution increasing to 19.5% of consolidated EBITDA [13] - The strategy includes a focus on international markets, with a strong pipeline of additional tenders and rig deployments expected in 2025 [10][11] - The merger with Parker Wellbore is anticipated to provide significant strategic and financial benefits, with expected annualized cost synergies of at least $35 million in 2025 [34][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a bullish outlook for international markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where natural gas activity is expected to expand [36][75] - The U.S. market remains sluggish, with limited indications of a near-term recovery in the Lower 48 drilling rig market [39] - The company anticipates a flat year in U.S. markets but growth in international markets and drilling solutions [52] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q4 were $241 million, with a forecast of $710 million to $720 million for 2025 [51][54] - The company expects to generate approximately $150 million of free cash flow outside SANAD, which will be used to reduce gross debt [67][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on free cash flow and debt reduction - Management indicated that free cash flow generation outside SANAD is expected to be around $150 million, which will be allocated to reducing gross debt [67][68] Question: Outlook on international rig count and releases - Management believes that rig count reductions in Saudi Arabia may be complete, with continued investment in new builds [70][76] Question: Working capital and cash taxes outlook - Management expects collections from Mexico to be sorted out in the first half of 2025, with working capital remaining under control [85][88] Question: Business climate in Argentina - The company has implemented a new operating model in Argentina to improve cash extraction, which has been well received by customers [89][90] Question: Full year 2025 guidance and G&A outlook - Management is working to reduce G&A costs and expects operational improvements to lead to higher EBITDA than in 2024 [97][98]