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Transocean LTD (RIG)
NYSE:RIG

Transocean (RIG) AI Stock Analysis

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RIG

Transocean

(NYSE:RIG)

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Neutral 68 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$7.00
▲(7.36% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/22/26
The score is driven primarily by improving financial momentum (strong 2025 operating and free-cash-flow rebound and declining debt) and a constructive earnings-call outlook (2026 free cash flow and liquidity targets supported by backlog and synergy/cost plans). Technicals are supportive but stretched (RSI/Stoch elevated), while valuation is constrained by ongoing losses (negative P/E and no dividend yield provided).
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow Recovery
Transocean's $626M free cash flow in 2025 reflects a structural improvement in cash generation after multi-year negatives. Sustained FCF underpins deleveraging, funds maintenance capex in a capital‑intensive fleet business, and improves resilience to cyclic demand swings if maintained.
Backlog and Scale Expansion
A multi-billion-dollar backlog plus pro forma scale from the Valaris combination materially lengthens revenue visibility and smooths utilization across basins. Higher contract coverage and identified cost synergies can lift medium-term cash flows and support sustained margin and liquidity improvements.
Operational Reliability
Near-98% fleet uptime and strong safety performance reduce downtime risk and raise dayrate capture and margin sustainability. Reliable operations foster client stickiness in harsh-environment and deepwater markets, supporting durable cash generation and competitive positioning.
Negative Factors
Large 2025 Net Loss
A massive impairment-driven loss signals past overinvestment or asset obsolescence and has eroded equity. Persistent below-the-line charges constrain return metrics and limit capital allocation flexibility until write-down effects are absorbed and sustainable net profitability returns.
Cash Flow Volatility
While 2025 FCF improved, historical swings and periods where FCF didn’t cover EBITDA expose the business to cyclical downturns. For a capital-heavy driller, inconsistent cash conversion raises refinancing and capex funding risk and complicates durable deleveraging plans.
Integration & Execution Risk
The large all‑stock Valaris combination increases regulatory, integration and execution risk through H2 2026. Realizing >£200M synergies and backlog benefits requires smooth integration; assumed idle rig time and contract timing slips could delay cash-flow and leverage targets.

Transocean (RIG) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Transocean Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionTransocean Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells worldwide. It contracts its mobile offshore drilling rigs, related equipment, and work crews to drill oil and gas wells. As of February 14, 2022, the company had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deep water and 10 harsh environment floaters. It serves integrated energy companies, government-owned or government-controlled oil companies, and other independent energy companies. The company was founded in 1926 and is based in Steinhausen, Switzerland.
How the Company Makes MoneyTransocean generates revenue primarily through contracts for drilling services offered to oil and gas companies. The company has a diversified revenue model that includes dayrate contracts, which charge clients based on the number of days a rig is in operation, and lump-sum contracts, which provide a fixed price for specific drilling projects. Key revenue streams include long-term contracts with major oil companies, which provide stability to earnings, and spot market contracts that can fluctuate based on demand and supply conditions in the offshore drilling market. Additionally, Transocean benefits from strategic partnerships and collaborations with energy firms, which enhance its market reach and operational capabilities. Factors such as global oil prices, exploration activities, and regulatory changes in the energy sector also significantly impact the company's earnings.

Transocean Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 19, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted material financial and operational improvements — strong adjusted EBITDA (+~20% YoY), best-in-several-years quarterly free cash flow, significant debt reduction, record uptime (~98%), and a strategic, transformative acquisition of Valaris with sizable pro forma backlog and identified synergies. Headwinds include some near-term assumed idle time on specific rigs, slower-than-expected award timing in late 2025, and ongoing Petrobras negotiations. Overall, the positive financial momentum, improved liquidity and clear pathway to deleveraging and higher utilization outweigh the limited near-term execution and timing risks.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Adjusted EBITDA and Margins
Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $385,000,000 with an implied margin of 37%. Full-year adjusted EBITDA of $1,370,000,000, up nearly 20% year-over-year.
Robust Free Cash Flow Generation
Q4 free cash flow of $321,000,000 (free cash flow margin 31%); full-year free cash flow of $626,000,000, described as a significant increase versus prior year.
Material Operating Cash Flow Improvement
Q4 cash flow from operations of approximately $349,000,000, a sequential increase of 42% versus prior quarter.
Revenue and Average Daily Rates
Q4 contract drilling revenues of $1,040,000,000 with average daily revenue of approximately $461,000, broadly consistent with recent quarters.
Balance Sheet Strengthening and Interest Savings
Retired about $1,300,000,000 of debt in 2025 and reduced annual interest expense by nearly $90,000,000, improving liquidity and refinancing flexibility.
Cost Reductions and Efficiency Gains
Removed $100,000,000 in costs in 2025 and targeting an additional $150,000,000 of cost reductions in 2026 through shore-based rationalization, G&A cuts and reorganization.
Operational Excellence and Safety
Achieved record fleet uptime just shy of 98%, zero operational integrity events, zero lost-time incidents, and completed five major planned out-of-service projects on time and on budget.
Fleet Optimization Actions
Recycled six rigs during 2025 with a seventh completed early in 2026, indicating active fleet high-grading and capital allocation discipline.
Strong Backlog and Acquisition-Led Scale
Standalone backlog of roughly $6,000,000,000; announced definitive agreement to acquire Valaris creating pro forma backlog near $11,000,000,000 and identified over GBP 200,000,000 of cost synergies.
Liquidity Position and 2026 Outlook
Ended Q4 with total liquidity of approximately $1,500,000,000 (including $620,000,000 unrestricted cash) and guiding to year-end 2026 liquidity of $1.6B–$1.7B (ex-opportunistic deleveraging).
Market Outlook — Deepwater Utilization
Management expects deepwater utilization to move meaningfully higher to greater than 90% through 2027, citing growing tendering activity and multiple multiyear opportunities across major basins.
Negative Updates
Near-Term Activity Assumptions and Idle Time
2026 guidance assumes slightly lower activity versus 2025 with some idle time on several rigs (KG2, Deepwater Proteus, Deepwater Skiros), creating downside to revenue if idle periods persist.
Slippage of Some Awards and Pace of Tendering
Management noted awards that slipped into 2026 and said Q4 awards (22 rig years) were below internal expectations (expected ~double), indicating uneven pace of contracting in late 2025.
Ongoing Petrobras Negotiations
Blend-and-extend negotiations with Petrobras have taken longer than expected; guidance does not assume significant incremental upside from those outcomes and management would not characterize additional upside as likely.
Restructuring and Cost Rationalization Required
Company undertook difficult restructuring (shore-based support rationalization and G&A reductions) to remove costs — positive long term but highlights past overcapacity/higher fixed costs and one-time operational adjustments.
Company Guidance
Transocean's guidance for Q1 and full‑year 2026 assumes some idle time on the KG2, Deepwater Proteus and Deepwater Skiros but still targets 2026 free cash flow in line with or better than 2025's $626 million, plans to opportunistically reduce debt beyond a remaining 2026 scheduled obligation of about $380 million (≈$130 million already paid), and expects year‑end 2026 liquidity of $1.6–$1.7 billion (current liquidity ≈$1.5 billion: cash $620M, restricted $377M, $510M undrawn). That outlook is supported by Q4 results — contract drilling revenue $1.04B, average daily revenue ≈$461K, adjusted EBITDA $385M (37% margin), cash from operations ≈$349M (+42% q/q), free cash flow $321M (31% margin) after $28M capex — plus a standalone backlog of ≈$6B (pro forma ≈$11B with Valaris), identified GBP>200M synergies, $100M of cost savings realized in 2025 and a further $150M targeted in 2026, reduced annual interest expense of ~ $90M and an expected pro forma leverage of ~1.5x within 24 months as deepwater utilization moves to >90% through 2027.

Transocean Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operations and cash flow have improved meaningfully (2025 revenue +235% YoY, positive EBIT with ~17.8% margin, and strong 2025 free cash flow of $626M alongside declining debt). However, persistent net losses (including a very weak 2025 net margin of -73.5%) and historically volatile free cash flow keep financial strength only mid-range.
Income Statement
52
Neutral
Revenue has accelerated strongly in 2025 (+235% year-over-year) after steady growth in 2022–2024, and operating profitability has improved materially with positive EBIT in 2025 (17.8% margin) and solid EBITDA margins (~26–36% over the period). However, the company is still not consistently profitable at the bottom line: net income remains negative every year shown, with a particularly weak 2025 net margin (-73.5%), indicating heavy below-the-line costs (e.g., charges/interest) continue to overwhelm operating gains.
Balance Sheet
56
Neutral
Leverage looks manageable for the sector with debt-to-equity around ~0.69–0.75 across the period, and total debt has declined meaningfully by 2025 versus 2023–2024, which is a constructive trend. Offsetting this, equity and total assets have stepped down since 2021–2022, and returns on equity have been persistently negative (where provided), reflecting continued losses and limiting balance-sheet quality despite improving operations.
Cash Flow
69
Positive
Cash generation has strengthened: operating cash flow rose to $749M in 2025 from $447M in 2024 and $164M in 2023, and free cash flow turned strongly positive at $626M in 2025 after being negative in 2022–2023. Cash flow covers a meaningful portion of EBITDA (coverage improving to ~0.56 in 2025 from ~0.12–0.29 in 2022–2024), but it still does not fully cover EBITDA, and free cash flow has shown volatility across the cycle (negative in 2022–2023), which is a key risk for a capital-intensive driller.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.96B3.52B2.83B2.58B2.56B
Gross Profit900.00M1.35B872.00M907.00M871.00M
EBITDA1.36B1.14B732.00M844.00M930.00M
Net Income-2.92B-512.00M-954.00M-621.00M-591.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.64B19.37B20.25B20.44B20.68B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments997.00M560.00M995.00M683.00M976.00M
Total Debt5.66B7.25B7.85B7.82B7.69B
Total Liabilities7.53B9.09B9.84B9.64B9.47B
Stockholders Equity8.11B10.28B10.41B10.79B11.21B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow626.00M193.00M-263.00M-269.00M367.00M
Operating Cash Flow749.00M447.00M164.00M448.00M575.00M
Investing Cash Flow-33.00M-151.00M-423.00M-757.00M-233.00M
Financing Cash Flow-660.00M-350.00M263.00M-112.00M-490.00M

Transocean Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price6.52
Price Trends
50DMA
4.72
Positive
100DMA
4.25
Positive
200DMA
3.58
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.51
Negative
RSI
70.98
Negative
STOCH
87.65
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For RIG, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 6.52 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 5.49, above the 50-day MA of 4.72, and above the 200-day MA of 3.58, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.51 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 70.98 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.65 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for RIG.

Transocean Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$6.30B16.4936.35%6.81%-61.94%
68
Neutral
$6.85B-1.95-31.70%16.93%-335.82%
67
Neutral
$1.77B33.704.33%5.99%5.83%-11.86%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
64
Neutral
$1.10B4.6468.44%6.52%
62
Neutral
$2.72B89.531.18%-9.31%-91.57%
54
Neutral
$3.47B-11.29-11.41%3.24%35.89%-148.39%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
RIG
Transocean
6.52
3.19
95.80%
HP
Helmerich & Payne
35.63
9.18
34.69%
NBR
Nabors Industries
78.19
34.36
78.39%
BORR
Borr Drilling
5.95
3.07
106.60%
VAL
Valaris
95.75
54.86
134.16%
SDRL
Seadrill Limited
44.21
15.53
54.15%

Transocean Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Transocean Reports Strong 2025 Results Amid Net Loss
Neutral
Feb 20, 2026

On February 19, 2026, Transocean reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, highlighting a 13% rise in operating revenues to $3.965 billion and revenue efficiency of 96.5%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 19% to $1.37 billion, cash flow from operations jumped 68% to $749 million, free cash flow climbed to $626 million, and the company cut total debt by $1.258 billion to $5.686 billion while adding $839 million of new contract backlog.

Despite these operational gains, Transocean posted a 2025 net loss attributable to controlling interest of $2.915 billion, or $3.04 per diluted share, largely driven by $3.036 billion in asset impairment and a $99 million loss on debt conversion, partially offset by discrete tax benefits. Excluding these items, the company generated adjusted net income of $37 million and ended 2025 with 1.1 billion shares outstanding, as management emphasized record uptime, balance sheet strengthening ahead of its 2026 centennial, and strategic benefits from its planned combination with Valaris to expand its high-spec fleet and enhance cash flow and financial flexibility.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $6.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Transocean Expands Norwegian Backlog With New Rig Contracts
Positive
Feb 11, 2026

Transocean Ltd. has secured new contract fixtures for two of its harsh environment semisubmersible rigs operating in Norway, adding approximately $184 million to its firm contract backlog. The Transocean Encourage received a seven-well contract extension expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, in direct continuation of its current program, contributing about $152 million in backlog and enhancing the company’s long-term revenue visibility in the region.

In addition, two one-well options were exercised for the Transocean Enabler, adding roughly 70 days of incremental work and around $32 million in backlog while keeping the rig committed through December 2027. These awards bolster Transocean’s position in the Norwegian harsh-environment market, extend utilization of key assets, and provide improved operational certainty for both the company and its offshore customers over the coming years.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $5.30 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
Transocean to Acquire Valaris in All-Stock Merger
Positive
Feb 10, 2026

On February 9, 2026, Transocean and Valaris agreed to an all-stock business combination in which Transocean will acquire all outstanding Valaris shares via a Bermuda court-approved scheme of arrangement, offering 15.235 Transocean shares for each Valaris share. Post-closing, existing Transocean and Valaris investors are expected to own roughly 53% and 47% of the combined company, respectively, with two Valaris directors joining the Transocean board and key Valaris equity awards and warrants converted into Transocean securities.

The deal, unanimously approved by both boards, is framed as a transformational merger that creates what management describes as the most technologically advanced and diversified offshore drilling fleet, spanning high-spec floaters, harsh-environment rigs and a large modern jackup portfolio. Management highlighted over $200 million in identified cost synergies, a pro forma contract backlog above $10 billion and a targeted reduction in leverage to about 1.5 times within 24 months of closing, while noting that the transaction remains subject to customary shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, with support agreements already secured from sizable shareholder blocs at both companies.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $5.30 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Transocean to Acquire Valaris in All-Stock Merger
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

On Feb. 9, 2026, Transocean and Valaris unveiled a definitive all-stock merger agreement in which Transocean will acquire all Valaris shares in a deal valued at about $5.8 billion, creating a combined offshore driller with an enterprise value near $17 billion. The transaction, backed unanimously by both boards and key shareholders and slated to close in the second half of 2026 pending approvals, will unite 73 rigs across deepwater, harsh-environment and jackup segments, supported by a $10 billion backlog and over $200 million in planned cost synergies.

Post-merger, Transocean holders are expected to own roughly 53% of the enlarged group and Valaris investors 47%, based on a fixed exchange ratio of 15.235 Transocean shares per Valaris share. The company, which will remain Swiss-incorporated with its primary office in Houston and be led by Transocean’s existing leadership and a board blending nine Transocean and two Valaris directors, aims to strengthen its financial flexibility, accelerate deleveraging and bolster its competitive standing and liquidity in global capital markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $5.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Transocean Expands Offshore Backlog With Brazil and Norway Contracts
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

Transocean Ltd. reported it has secured a new contract in Brazil and an extension in Norway for two of its offshore drilling rigs, adding approximately $168 million in firm backlog. The Deepwater Mykonos was awarded a 302-day drilling campaign with bp in Brazil, expected to start in the third quarter of 2026 and contribute about $120 million in backlog, while three additional one-well options exercised for the Transocean Enabler in Norway will add roughly 105 days of continuous work, $48 million in backlog, and keep the rig committed through September 2027, bolstering the company’s revenue visibility and utilization in two key offshore markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $4.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Transocean Secures Major Australian Drillship Contract
Positive
Dec 8, 2025

Transocean Ltd. has secured a six-well contract in Australia for its Deepwater Skyros drillship, expected to start in the first quarter of 2027. This contract will add approximately $130 million to the company’s backlog and includes options that could extend operations into early 2030, indicating a strong future presence in the Australian market.

The most recent analyst rating on (RIG) stock is a Hold with a $4.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Transocean stock, see the RIG Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 22, 2026