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Seadrill(SDRL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
SeadrillSeadrill(US:SDRL)2025-05-12 14:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Seadrill reported total operating revenues of $335 million for Q1 2025, an increase of $46 million from the prior quarter [25] - Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, up from $28 million in the previous quarter [27] - Economic utilization for the quarter was 84%, impacted by downtime in three rigs in Brazil [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contract drilling revenues increased by $44 million sequentially to $248 million due to additional operating days [25] - Vessel and rig operating expenses rose by $15 million to $179 million due to increased operating days across the fleet [26] - Management contract expenses decreased by $6 million to $45 million, largely due to timing of project spending [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global macro uncertainty and OPEC's decision to increase supply have negatively impacted commodity prices and client investment confidence [8] - Offshore sanctioning activity is forecasted to double in 2026 and 2027 compared to 2025, with a significant portion of projects being economically viable above $50 per barrel [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to prioritize margins and cash flow over utilization to create long-term value for shareholders [12] - Seadrill is focused on high specification floaters and deepwater basins, maintaining a strong balance sheet and durable backlog [30] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in the second half of 2025 and 2026, despite current market volatility [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future demand for deepwater drilling, citing the need for investment to offset depletion [9] - The company is encouraged by ongoing dialogues with clients for upcoming contract opportunities [8] - Management acknowledged the current market's volatility but remains optimistic about securing contracts for their rigs [61] Other Important Information - Seadrill closed Q1 2025 with cash of $430 million and a backlog of $2.8 billion extending through 2028 and into 2029 [12] - The company is engaged in voluntary mediation with Petrobras regarding delayed penalty notices [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shift in client interest towards performance-based contracts - Management noted that performance-based contracts are not new and they are open to such arrangements for the right clients and rigs [36] Question: Costs associated with stacking the Capella rig - Management indicated they are currently reducing costs while pursuing contracting opportunities and have not yet moved to cold stack the rig [38] Question: Decision process for stacking versus keeping a rig warm - Management emphasized the importance of being decisive and disciplined in removing supply from the market when necessary [41] Question: Confidence in securing contracts for the second half of 2025 - Management expressed confidence in their assets and the ongoing market dynamics, indicating they are actively pursuing opportunities [61] Question: Need to compete on price - Management stated that performance remains a key differentiator and they are not feeling pressured to lower prices significantly [63]