Q1 2026 Revenue and Cash Generation
Q1 revenues of $288 million, operating cash flow of $62 million, and free cash flow of $59 million. Cash balance of $501 million and total liquidity of $612 million at quarter end, supporting strong near-term liquidity.
Adjusted EBITDA and 2026 Guidance
Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $32 million. Company maintained 2026 guidance: revenue $1.2B–$1.4B (in line with 2025), EBITDA $230M–$290M, CapEx $70M–$80M, and free cash flow $100M–$160M.
Operational Wins and Utilization
Strong utilization of the Q4000 at improved rates; successful workover and recommencement of production at the Thunder Hawk field; reactivation and return-to-service of Seawell resulting in a return to a two-vessel North Sea market and improved utilization expectations for 2026.
Backlog and Contract Visibility
Combined backlog around $2 billion (Helix ~ $1 billion; Hornbeck ~ $1 billion), including long-term military and specialty vessel contracts, providing multi-year revenue visibility.
Hornbeck Contribution and Fleet Scale
Hornbeck 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $288 million and adjusted EBITDA margin of 40%. Hornbeck fleet ~71 vessels with two MPSVs under construction (pro forma 73 vessels) and a fair market value cited at $2.8 billion—materially expanding combined fleet scale.
Expected Synergies and Growth Opportunities
Management estimates $75 million or more of annual cost and revenue synergies within three years post-close, driven by cross-selling, fleet optimization, procurement efficiencies and reduced third-party charters.
ROV / Robotics & Trenching Momentum
Robotics and trenching businesses are busy with booked work into 2026–2027 and contract backlog on trenching out to 2030 and bid pipeline to 2032. ROV build lead time ~6 months, allowing relatively quick capacity scaling.
Combined Financial Upside
By combining 2025 results, the transaction is projected to increase revenue and EBITDA by ~56% and ~106%, respectively, creating a larger platform with low reported funded debt on Helix ($10 million) and significant cash to support growth.