Tidewater(US:TDW)2025-11-11 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 revenue reached $341.1 million, slightly above expectations, driven by higher average day rates and improved utilization [4][32] - Gross margin for Q3 was 48%, exceeding guidance by 200 basis points, although it decreased from 50% in Q2 [4][33] - Free cash flow generated in Q3 was $83 million, bringing total free cash flow for the first nine months of 2025 to nearly $275 million [5][37] - Net loss for Q3 was $806,000, impacted by a $27.1 million charge related to early debt extinguishment [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production support, comprising roughly 50% of operations, remains steady and is supported by current commodity prices [10] - EPCI and offshore construction segments are seeing increased demand, with backlog converting into vessel demand [12][36] - Average day rates for Q3 were $22,798, a 2% decrease from Q2, while utilization improved from 76.4% to 78.5% [32][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The offshore vessel market is expected to see a recovery in drilling activity towards the end of 2026, with increasing demand for offshore projects [9][10] - Day rates in Europe faced pressure, particularly in the U.K., while the Middle East saw strengthening demand and day rates [25][28] - The Americas experienced improvements in day rates and utilization, particularly in the Caribbean and Brazil [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation, with a $500 million share repurchase authorization in place, but did not repurchase shares in the last quarter due to competing priorities [7][16] - M&A opportunities are being explored, with the company open to leveraging its balance sheet for strategic acquisitions [8][17] - The long-term outlook for the offshore vessel industry remains positive, with expectations of tight vessel supply supporting pricing power [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term fundamentals of the offshore vessel market, despite short-term headwinds [31] - There is confidence in the recovery of drilling activity, with expectations for increased demand in 2026 and beyond [10][24] - The company is well-positioned to generate free cash flow and drive shareholder value through strategic capital deployment [6][41] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its debt, resulting in a more favorable capital structure with no payments due until 2030 [38] - Dry dock costs for 2025 are projected to be $105 million, with a slight decrease from previous estimates [39] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be around $30 million, down from earlier forecasts [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market outlook for 2026 and pricing leverage - Management expects a quicker recovery in pricing due to increased activity in FPSOs and EPCI, alongside vessel attrition [45] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The lack of share repurchases suggests potential M&A opportunities are being pursued, although specific details were not disclosed [46][47] Question: Guidance for 2026 and regional exposure - Guidance was provided earlier due to increased confidence, with Africa and Asia having more exposure to open capacity [51][56] Question: Customer confidence in energy policy - Customers appear more confident in their plans and are starting to move forward with projects, indicating a positive outlook [64][66] Question: Contract duration and market conditions - The average duration of contracts signed reflects current market conditions, aiming to maintain utilization while avoiding overcommitment [68][70] Question: New build fleet and attrition expectations - The current new build activity is limited, and attrition is expected to outpace new supply, maintaining a favorable market position [74][75] Question: Preference for asset types in M&A - The company prefers large PSVs and medium to large anchor handlers for potential acquisitions, focusing on the Americas [79]