Consolidated Revenue
Q1 consolidated revenue of $784 million.
Lower 48 Rig Count Growth
Working rig count in the Lower 48 increased to 66 at quarter end (added 4 rigs in Q1 and 8 rigs since Nov 2025); Lower 48 revenue up $11 million sequentially (5.9%) to $192 million; average Lower 48 rig count rose to 65.3 and currently 66 rigs working.
International Rig Expansion and SANAD Newbuilds
International drilling rig count expanded (international rig count up 16% since 2023); SANAD deployed its 15th newbuild in Q1, with 4 additional new rigs planned in 2026 (19 newbuilds) and the 20th targeted for early 2027; discussions underway to extend the program toward 25 newbuilds; each tranche expected to generate >$60 million in annual EBITDA.
PaceX Ultra Performance and Pricing Power
PaceX Ultra rigs demonstrate premium economics with daily revenue (including NDS content) well above $40,000; 1 unit working, agreements to deploy 2 more this year, and further upgrade discussions with multiple operators signaling pricing/kickback potential for high-spec rigs.
Drilling Solutions (NDS) Cash Conversion
NDS revenue of $106 million (flat sequentially) with EBITDA of $39 million and a record conversion of ~94% of EBITDA to free cash flow, underscoring low capital intensity and strong cash generation in the segment.
Free Cash Flow and Working Capital Outperformance
Consolidated adjusted free cash flow consumption of $48 million in Q1 but exceeded midpoint guidance by >$35 million; free cash flow outside SANAD was nearly breakeven, driven by better-than-expected working capital progression and CapEx below plan.
Debt Reduction and Capital Structure Progress
Redeemed remaining $379 million of senior guaranteed notes due 2028 in Q1, pushing nearest maturity to June 2029 and leaving a manageable $250 million maturity; reiterated long-term net leverage target of ~1.0x.
Guidance Improvements and Forward Expectations
Upgraded activity outlook: Q2 International Drilling average rig count expected 93–95 with average daily gross margin guiding to $17,400–$17,500; Lower 48 average rig count expected to rise to 67–68 (exit Q2 ~69) with Q2 daily adjusted gross margin ~ $13,300; company expects to exceed full-year adjusted free cash flow guidance.