Seadrill(US:SDRL)2025-02-27 16:36Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company delivered $378 million of adjusted EBITDA on $1.4 billion of revenue, with capital expenditures of $118 million [38][39] - The fourth-quarter total operating revenues were $289 million, primarily impacted by fewer operating days due to planned out-of-service time and cold stacking of rigs [40] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with gross principal debt of $625 million and cash of $505 million, resulting in a net debt position of $120 million [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company returned over $500 million in capital to shareholders and had a contracted backlog of $1.3 billion, with $400 million from divesting non-core assets [8][9] - The share repurchase program returned a total of $792 million to shareholders, reducing the issued share count by 22% since September 2023 [9][44] - The company secured approximately 65% of the global backlog awarded to the four largest publicly traded offshore drillers, despite representing only 18% of the drillship fleet [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The drillship marketed utilization is now in the mid-eighties, down from the high nineties in 2023, indicating a softening market [32] - The company expects future demand to increase, but visibility remains unclear, with a strong balance sheet and 75% of the marketed fleet contracted for 2025 [12][32] - The company reported $3 billion in durable contract cover extending through 2028 and into 2029 [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a pure-play floater company, having executed a strategy to rationalize its fleet and divest non-core assets [49][50] - The focus remains on delivering safe and efficient operations while optimizing the cost base to navigate market volatility [25][138] - The company is committed to improving safety performance and maintaining a low-cost operating model [137][140] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the immediate outlook for 2025 is uncertain, but they expect a rapid improvement in 2026 as deferred demand intersects with major projects [66] - The company is optimistic about the exploration activities, with around 30% of rigs currently drilling exploration wells, indicating a shift in market dynamics [65][131] - Management is actively engaged in discussions with clients to navigate new regulatory expectations and minimize potential non-revenue days [55][90] Other Important Information - The company is facing legal challenges from Petrobras, with claims amounting to approximately $213 million related to delayed penalties from contracts dating back to 2012 [22][21] - The company intends to vigorously defend its position and is evaluating all options, including potential counterclaims against Petrobras [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Downtime for the Telus rig - Management confirmed 50 days of downtime due to a protracted regulatory clearance process, not due to changes in rules [54][55] Question: Petrobras litigation context - Management acknowledged the surprise regarding the $213 million claim and noted that penalties are capped at 10% of contract value [57][58] Question: Client conversations and project economics - Management indicated a mix of client responses, with some being cautious while others are ready to return to the market as day rates improve [62][68] Question: Operating expenses and guidance - Management provided insights on expected operating expenses, estimating $150k per day across the drillship fleet, excluding SG&A [75][76] Question: Share buyback program amid uncertainty - Management emphasized the importance of cash conservation while recognizing the attractiveness of current share prices for buybacks [110][111] Question: Exploration activities and client strategies - Management noted an increase in exploration activities and a growing demand for drilling in 2026 and beyond [126][131]