Valaris Takes Delivery of Newbuild Drillships VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14

Rhea-AI Summary

Valaris Limited (VAL) exercises options and takes delivery of newbuild drillships VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 for approximately $337 million. President and CEO Anton Dibowitz expresses excitement over the addition of the two rigs, increasing the drillship fleet to 13 and reinforcing its position as one of the most technically capable in the industry. The purchase is expected to increase the Company’s fourth quarter 2023 capital expenditures by approximately $355 million, with an additional $35 million in 2024.

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 by Valaris Limited for an aggregate purchase price of $337 million signifies a strategic expansion within the drilling sector. The investment in these high-specification drillships is expected to bolster Valaris's competitive edge in the ultra-deepwater floater market, a niche segment of the oil and gas industry that involves drilling in water depths exceeding 1,500 meters.

The increased capital expenditures for Q4 2023, estimated at $355 million and the projected $35 million for 2024, primarily for mobilization, are substantial financial commitments. These figures suggest a confident market outlook by Valaris's management, betting on rising demand for advanced drilling capabilities. Stakeholders should assess the potential for increased revenue against the risks associated with the significant capital outlay and the inherently cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry.

Long-term benefits may include enhanced operational capabilities and the ability to secure lucrative contracts. However, the short-term financial strain and the costs of maintaining the rigs in a stacked condition until contracted could impact cash flow. Investors should monitor the company's ability to translate this investment into profitable contracts and the overall market conditions in the energy sector.

Industry Analyst

The drillship market is a capital-intensive segment of the oilfield services industry, where technological advancements and operational efficiency are paramount. The addition of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 could position Valaris to capitalize on the anticipated increase in deepwater exploration activities. The reference to the rigs being the 'highest specification drillships remaining at the South Korean shipyards' underscores the emphasis on advanced technology and efficiency.

However, the decision to stack the rigs in Las Palmas indicates a lack of immediate contracts, which presents a risk of delayed return on investment. The stacking strategy allows Valaris to reduce operational costs in the short term while waiting for market conditions to improve. Industry peers and investors should consider the timing of Valaris's market entry and the potential impact of oil price fluctuations on the demand for such high-spec assets.

It is essential to evaluate the company's financial resilience to withstand the period until these assets become operational and generate revenue. The ability to secure contracts against the backdrop of a competitive market will be a critical determinant of the success of this investment.

Energy Sector Economist

The energy sector is influenced by global economic trends, geopolitical events and technological advancements. Valaris's investment in new drillships is an indicator of the company's anticipation of a bullish market for ultra-deepwater drilling. This decision is likely grounded in the current upward trajectory of oil prices and a strategic move to capture future market share.

The capital expenditure involved in this transaction will have a significant impact on Valaris's balance sheet. The short-term economic implications include a potential increase in debt or a dilution of equity if the purchase is financed through loans or stock issuance. In the long term, if the market outlook proves accurate, Valaris could benefit from increased demand and higher day rates for its drilling services.

It is crucial to analyze the broader economic factors that could affect the ultra-deepwater market, such as energy policies, advancements in renewable energy sources and the pace of global economic recovery post-pandemic. These factors could either enhance or undermine the demand for offshore drilling services and, consequently, the profitability of Valaris's new assets.

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valaris Limited (NYSE: VAL) (“Valaris” or the “Company”) announced today that it has exercised its options and taken delivery of newbuild drillships VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $337 million.

President and Chief Executive Officer Anton Dibowitz said, “We are delighted to add these two rigs, the highest specification drillships remaining at the South Korean shipyards, to our fleet. These additions increase our drillship fleet to 13 rigs, reinforcing its position as one of the most technically capable in the industry.”

Dibowitz added, “Following the successful contracting of six of our stacked drillships since mid-2021, the purchase of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 increases our operating leverage to the attractive ultra-deepwater floater market. Based on our positive market outlook, growing future demand and strong customer interest in these rigs, we believe that the purchase of these high specification drillships at compelling prices will generate attractive returns.”

VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 will be mobilized from South Korea to Las Palmas, Spain, where the rigs will be stacked until they are contracted for work. The purchase of the rigs is expected to increase the Company’s fourth quarter 2023 capital expenditures by approximately $355 million, representing the purchase price for the rigs and costs associated with preparing the rigs to mobilize from South Korea to Las Palmas. In addition, the Company anticipates 2024 capital expenditures of approximately $35 million primarily related to mobilization costs.

About Valaris Limited

Valaris Limited (NYSE: VAL) is the industry leader in offshore drilling services across all water depths and geographies. Operating a high-quality rig fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups, Valaris has experience operating in nearly every major offshore basin. Valaris maintains an unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, with a focus on technology and innovation. Valaris Limited is a Bermuda exempted company (Bermuda No. 56245). To learn more, visit our website at www.valaris.com.

Cautionary Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "plan," "project," "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and similar words and specifically include statements regarding expected financial performance; expected utilization, day rates, revenues, operating expenses, cash flows, contract status, terms and duration, contract backlog, capital expenditures, insurance, financing and funding; the offshore drilling market, including supply and demand, customer drilling programs, stacking of rigs, effects of new rigs on the market and effect of the volatility of commodity prices; expected work commitments, awards, contracts and letters of intent; scheduled delivery dates for rigs; performance of our joint ventures, including our joint venture with Saudi Aramco; timing of the delivery of the Saudi Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling Company ("ARO") newbuild rigs and the timing of additional ARO newbuild orders; the availability, delivery, mobilization, contract commencement, availability, relocation or other movement of rigs and the timing thereof; rig reactivations; suitability of rigs for future contracts; divestitures of assets; general economic, market, business and industry conditions, including inflation and recessions, trends and outlook; general political conditions, including political tensions, conflicts and war (such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine); cybersecurity attacks and threats; impacts and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; future operations; ability to renew expiring contracts or obtain new contracts, including for VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14; increasing regulatory complexity; targets, progress, plans and goals related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters; the outcome of tax disputes; assessments and settlements; and expense management. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated, including cancellation, suspension, renegotiation or termination of drilling contracts and programs; our ability to obtain financing, service our debt, fund capital expenditures and pursue other business opportunities; adequacy of sources of liquidity for us and our customers; future share repurchases; actions by regulatory authorities, or other third parties; actions by our security holders; internal control risk; commodity price fluctuations and volatility, customer demand, loss of a significant customer or customer contract, downtime and other risks associated with offshore rig operations; adverse weather, including hurricanes; changes in worldwide rig supply, including as a result of reactivations and newbuilds; and demand, competition and technology; supply chain and logistics challenges; consumer preferences for alternative fuels and forecasts or expectations regarding the global energy transition; increased scrutiny of our ESG targets, including our Scope 1 emissions intensity reduction target, initiatives and reporting and our ability to achieve such targets or initiatives; changes in customer strategy; future levels of offshore drilling activity; governmental action, civil unrest and political and economic uncertainties, including recessions, volatility affecting the banking system and financial markets, inflation and adverse changes in the level of international trade activity; terrorism, piracy and military action; risks inherent to shipyard rig reactivation, upgrade, repair, maintenance or enhancement; our ability to enter into, and the terms of, future drilling contracts; suitability of rigs for future contracts; the cancellation of letters of intent or letters of award or any failure to execute definitive contracts following announcements of letters of intent, letters of award or other expected work commitments; the outcome of litigation, legal proceedings, investigations or other claims or contract disputes; governmental regulatory, legislative and permitting requirements affecting drilling operations; our ability to attract and retain skilled personnel on commercially reasonable terms; environmental or other liabilities, risks or losses; compliance with our debt agreements and debt restrictions that may limit our liquidity and flexibility; cybersecurity risks and threats; and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition to the numerous factors described above, you should also carefully read and consider "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II of our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, which is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov or on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.valaris.com. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220321744/en/

Investor & Media Contacts:

Darin Gibbins

Vice President - Investor Relations and Treasurer

+1-713-979-4623

Tim Richardson

Director - Investor Relations

+1-713-979-4619

Source: Valaris Limited

FAQ

What did Valaris Limited (VAL) announce?

Valaris Limited (VAL) announced the exercise of options and the delivery of newbuild drillships VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $337 million.

Who is the President and CEO of Valaris Limited (VAL)?

Anton Dibowitz is the President and CEO of Valaris Limited (VAL).

How many rigs does Valaris Limited (VAL) have after the addition of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14?

Valaris Limited (VAL) now has 13 rigs in its drillship fleet after the addition of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14.

Where will the VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 be mobilized to?

The newbuild drillships VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 will be mobilized from South Korea to Las Palmas, Spain.

How much is the expected increase in Valaris Limited's (VAL) capital expenditures due to the purchase of the new rigs?

The purchase of VALARIS DS-13 and DS-14 is expected to increase the Company’s fourth quarter 2023 capital expenditures by approximately $355 million, with an additional $35 million in 2024.