Valaris(VAL) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for the second quarter were $615 million, a slight decrease from $621 million in the prior quarter, primarily due to the completion of a contract for Valaris DS-12 without follow-on work [29] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $201 million from $181 million in the prior quarter, driven by a favorable arbitration outcome that provided a total benefit of $24 million [30] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $63 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $516 million, contributing to total liquidity of nearly $900 million [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added over $1 billion in new contract backlog, increasing total backlog to approximately $4.7 billion, the highest in a decade [5][17] - For floaters, approximately $860 million was added to the backlog, while jackups contributed $145 million [17] - The jackup fleet maintained robust contract coverage, with over 70% of available days contracted for 2026 and 60% for 2027 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The offshore drilling market shows strong long-term fundamentals, with a healthy pipeline of more than 30 floater opportunities planned for 2026 or 2027 [10][20] - Global jackup utilization remained resilient at 90%, driven by national oil companies prioritizing energy security [11][25] - The majority of deepwater spending expected to be sanctioned in the next three years is tied to programs with breakeven prices below $50 per barrel, compared to a five-year forward price above $65 per barrel [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on delivering operational excellence, executing a commercial strategy, and maintaining disciplined cost and fleet management to drive long-term shareholder value [4][12] - The strategy includes securing long-term contracts for high-specification assets and exploring short-term gap-fill opportunities [13][44] - The company is actively managing its fleet in response to market conditions, including retiring rigs when their economic benefit no longer justifies associated costs [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the offshore production's role in meeting global energy needs, particularly in deepwater projects [9] - There is an expectation of meaningful growth in deepwater project sanctioning in 2026 and 2027, with customers prioritizing long-cycle offshore developments [10] - Management noted a more positive outlook from customers regarding contracting and development programs compared to six months ago [82] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale for recycling of three semisubmersibles, reflecting the challenged global market for this asset class [13][14] - The company remains committed to returning capital to shareholders, with strong operational performance providing flexibility for capital returns [88][90] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on short-term contracts for drillships - Management indicated that average duration for short-term contracts varies and that they are well-positioned to service these opportunities across different locations [41][42] Question: Update on planned floater opportunities - Management clarified that the pipeline remains about 30 opportunities, replenished with new work, and expressed confidence in continued contract awards [52][54] Question: Thoughts on day rates for upcoming contracts - Management expects day rates to follow utilization trends, with seventh-generation rigs leading the recovery and potentially exiting 2026 with utilization above 90% [65] Question: Timing for reactivating cold stacked drillships - Management emphasized a focus on securing contracts for active rigs before considering reactivation of cold stacked units, with good opportunities for DS-12 in 2026 [68] Question: Petrobras tendering schedule - Management expressed optimism about Petrobras maintaining a stable rig count and the potential for multiple rigs to be contracted in upcoming tenders [72][76]