Nabors Announces Second Quarter Results

HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nabors Industries Ltd. ("Nabors" or the "Company") (NYSE: NBR) today reported second quarter 2018 operating revenue of $762 million, compared to operating revenue of $734 million in the first quarter, a 4% increase.  Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nabors common shareholders for the quarter was a loss of $202 million, or $0.61 per share, compared to a loss of $144 million, or $0.46 per share, in the prior quarter.  Results for the second quarter included a loss on the sale of Middle East offshore rigs of $63.7 million (or $0.20 per share, after tax) and transaction charges of $5.9 million ($0.02 per share, after tax). 

Anthony Petrello, Nabors Chairman and CEO, commented, "The second quarter either largely matched or exceeded our expectations. We continued to make significant progress in all of our segments, with especially strong results in U.S. Drilling.  The main highlights of the quarter were numerous rate increases in the Lower 48, as contracts rolled over, with a corresponding increase in daily margins to $7,400; the startup of our MODS^TM 400 platform rig in the Gulf of Mexico; and a sharp rebound in Rig Technologies.

"We completed an equity issuance which reduced our leverage.  We also sold three of our Saudi Arabia jackups.  For these two transactions, the combined proceeds and corresponding net debt reduction was approximately $660 million.  As we had forecasted, we generated positive cash flow before these two transactions, demonstrating our commitment to capital discipline, cash generation and reducing our leverage.

"During the second quarter, we secured awards for 13 incremental rigs globally.  We signed three-year contracts for six upgraded rigs with one operator to be deployed progressively through January 2019, and received awards for three more, all for operations in the Permian.  We are in discussions for additional upgraded rigs with operators in multiple basins in the Lower 48.  In the international markets, we were awarded four incremental rigs and are negotiating with customers for additional rigs.  Across our global markets, demand for high-specification rigs is increasing.  With our inventory of readily available rigs internationally and upgradable rigs in the Lower 48, this should translate into a high success rate."

Consolidated and Segment Results

Adjusted operating income for the Company was a loss of $31 million during the quarter, compared to a loss of $45 million in the first quarter.  Quarterly consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased to $188 million compared to $168 million in the previous quarter, an 11% increase.  During the second quarter, the Company averaged 215 rigs operating at an average gross margin of $12,262 per rig day.  This compares to 228 rigs at $11,470 per rig day in the first quarter.  The reduction in rig count primarily reflects reduced seasonal activity in Canada.

The U.S. Drilling segment reported a 19% sequential increase in adjusted EBITDA, to $87 million.  Much of the increase is attributable to the April 1 commencement of full operating rate on the MODS^TM 400 deepwater platform rig in the Gulf of Mexico.  In the Lower 48, average daily gross margin increased by more than $450 to $7,400, while rig count was stable.  Higher daily operating rates and improved rig-move efficiency accounted for the margin increase.

International Drilling adjusted EBITDA decreased sequentially by $1.4 million, to $123 million.  Quarterly rig count declined by 1.5 to 93. The sale of the jackups in early June accounted for just under a one rig reduction.  The expiration of the contract for a rig in India was partially offset by the start of four rigs in Colombia, very late in the quarter.  Margin per day decreased from $16,600 to $16,350 on the partial absence of the Saudi jackup activity, including one jackup which was off rate in the shipyard.  During the third quarter, Nabors will experience the full quarter impact of the Saudi jackup sale.

Canada Drilling operations posted a seasonal decline in adjusted EBITDA to $5.0 million from $9.3 million in the first quarter.  Daily gross margin increased 14% to $6,600, due primarily to the shift toward higher-spec rigs during the spring breakup period.

In Drilling Solutions, adjusted EBITDA of $14.8 million was essentially in line with the prior quarter, despite a $2.8 million reduction in revenue.  The seasonal decline in Canada rig count had a negative impact on performance software revenue.  During the quarter the Company made significant advances on its plans to rationalize its presence in various low-margin geographies and product lines added with the Tesco acquisition.  Next quarter, the Company expects to increase adjusted EBITDA on its way to achieving its fourth quarter target.

In the Rig Technologies segment, second quarter adjusted EBITDA improved to $0.4 million compared to a loss of $8.7 million in the first quarter.  Several shipments of capital equipment – six top drives – were delayed during the first quarter and shipped during the second quarter. Aftermarket sales also increased during the second quarter.

William Restrepo, Nabors Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Net debt decreased by $681 million in the second quarter to just under $3.2 billion, primarily due to the proceeds from the issuance of equity which amounted to $581 million.  We ended the quarter with the revolving credit facility undrawn.  The sale of offshore rigs in the Middle East netted proceeds of approximately $82 million, including approximately $62 million in cash.  Excluding the impact of these transactions, Nabors generated cash flow of $18 million during the second quarter.  In early July, we redeemed the remaining $303 million of our 9.25% senior notes outstanding.  Our next debt maturities are not until the second half of 2020.  For the balance of 2018, we expect our operating results and other favorable developments will lead to positive cash flow for the full year 2018."

Mr. Petrello concluded, "Our results should continue to improve.  We are optimistic that demand in our global markets will continue to strengthen.  In the near term, Lower-48 pricing continues to increase.  We expect to add rigs to our global fleet by year end, in addition to the seasonal recovery in Canada.  Our integration and automation initiatives should continue to drive growth in our Nabors Drilling Solutions and Rig Technologies Segments."

About Nabors

Nabors Industries (NYSE: NBR) owns and operates one of the world's largest land-based drilling rig fleets and is a provider of offshore platform rigs in the United States and numerous international markets. Nabors also provides directional drilling services, performance tools, and innovative technologies for its own rig fleet and those of third parties. Leveraging our advanced drilling automation capabilities, Nabors highly skilled workforce continues to set new standards for operational excellence and transform our industry.

Forward-looking Statements

The information included in this press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as disclosed by Nabors from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, of these factors, Nabors' actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect management's estimates and beliefs as of the date of this press release.  Nabors does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.  

Non-GAAP Disclaimer

This press release presents certain "non-GAAP" financial measures.  The components of these non-GAAP measures are computed by using amounts that are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  Adjusted EBITDA is computed by subtracting the sum of direct costs, general and administrative expenses and research and engineering expenses from operating revenues.  Adjusted operating income (loss) is computed similarly, but also subtracts depreciation and amortization expenses from operating revenues. Net debt is computed by subtracting the sum of cash and short-term investments from total debt.  Each of these non-GAAP measures has limitations and therefore should not be used in isolation or as a substitute for the amounts reported in accordance with GAAP. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income (loss) exclude certain cash expenses that the Company is obligated to make.  However, management evaluates the performance of its operating segments and the consolidated Company based on several criteria, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income (loss), and net debt, because it believes that these financial measures accurately reflect the Company's ongoing profitability and performance.  Securities analysts and investors also use these measures as some of the metrics on which they analyze the Company's performance. Other companies in this industry may compute these measures differently.  A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and net debt to total debt, which are their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures, are included in the tables at the end of this press release. 

Media Contact:  Dennis A. Smith, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, +1 281-775-8038 or William Conroy, Senior Director of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, +1 281-775-2423.   To request investor materials, contact Nabors' corporate headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda at +441-292-1510 or via e-mail at [email protected]