Seadrill Initiates Extension of Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Seadrill has announced the extension of its share repurchase program, further enhancing shareholder returns. The company completed a $250 million buyback initiated in December 2023 and will cancel the acquired shares. The Board has now authorized a new $500 million buyback over two years, with an initial $200 million to be purchased by September 30, 2024. This tranche will be executed via DNB Markets, using a 10b5-1 plan and a side-by-side discretionary plan. The repurchases, starting June 26, 2024, will adhere to European Market Abuse Regulation guidelines. The buyback aims to strengthen shareholder value by reducing the share count and potentially boosting earnings per share.

Positive

• Completion of $250 million share repurchase program.
• New $500 million buyback program authorized.
• First Tranche of $200 million to be completed by September 30, 2024.

Negative

• Repurchases can be discontinued or suspended without notice.
• Potential financial strain due to significant buyback expenditure.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Seadrill's extension of its share repurchase program highlights a continued commitment to $500 million for shareholder returns. This move can be seen as a positive signal, reflecting management's confidence in the company's financial strength and future prospects. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, share buybacks can increase earnings per share (EPS) and potentially boost the stock price. However, it's important to consider that the opportunity cost of the repurchase program might limit investments in other growth opportunities or debt reduction.

The initial $200 million buyback (First Tranche) with a set timeframe until September 30, 2024, demonstrates disciplined capital management. Aiding this, the involvement of DNB Markets ensures that the buybacks are done in compliance with regulatory norms, adding a layer of credibility and transparency.

From a retail investor's perspective, this move might provide short-term stock price appreciation. However, it's important to keep in mind the company's long-term strategic vision and how this allocation of capital aligns with broader market conditions.

Market Research Analyst

The share repurchase program reflects broader industry trends, where companies use buybacks to return value to shareholders. This approach contrasts with dividends, as buybacks can offer tax advantages and flexibility. It’s noteworthy that the repurchase is structured via a 10b5-1 plan and a discretionary plan, indicating a calculated and regulatory-compliant approach to market transactions.

For retail investors, understanding the impact of buybacks involves considering market sentiment and liquidity. As buybacks reduce the available shares in the market, it can lead to increased stock liquidity and potentially upward pressure on the stock price. Nonetheless, investors should remain wary of external market conditions and the company's financial health beyond the repurchase initiative.

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Seadrill Limited (“Seadrill” or the “Company”) (NYSE & OSE: SDRL) today announced that it has continued progress on its share repurchase program, as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver shareholder returns. The Company completed the $250 million share repurchase program initiated in December 2023 and will cancel the acquired shares. As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program that will run for a period of two years from the completion of the 2023 program. As an initial step under the new repurchase program, the Board has authorized the Company to purchase up to $200 million of the Company’s common shares (the “First Tranche”) by September 30, 2024, and the Company has entered an agreement with DNB Markets (“DNB”) to effect the First Tranche in open market transactions on the OSE and the NYSE.

To comply with the European Market Abuse Regulation, the Company has provided the following required information regarding the First Tranche. The Company will commence the First Tranche on June 26, 2024, and will complete the First Tranche by September 30, 2024; provided, however, that the Company may discontinue or suspend the repurchases under the First Tranche at any time without notice. Repurchases in the First Tranche will be conducted through a 10b5-1 plan and a side-by-side discretionary plan set up through the agreement with DNB. Aggregate repurchases under the First Tranche are capped at $200 million, with individual caps of $200 million under the 10b5-1 plan and $100 million under the discretionary plan. The Company cannot predict how many shares will be repurchased or the timing of any shares repurchased under the First Tranche but does not expect that it will exceed 8.0 million shares under the 10b5-1 plan and 4.0 million shares under the discretionary plan.

For the 10b5-1 plan, DNB will carry out the Company’s instructions on the acquisition of shares, and will make its trading decisions independently of, and uninfluenced by, the Company. The manner, timing, pricing and amount, if any, of any repurchases by DNB under the discretionary plan will be subject to the discretion of the Company and may be based upon a number of factors, including, market conditions, the Company’s financial position and capital requirements, financial conditions, competing uses for cash as informed by the Company’s stated capital allocation principles, the restrictions in the Company’s credit agreements, and other factors. The First Tranche will be completed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act and article 5 of the European Market Abuse Regulation.

About Seadrill

Seadrill is setting the standard in deepwater oil and gas drilling. With its modern fleet, experienced crews, and advanced technologies, Seadrill safely, efficiently, and responsibly unlocks oil and gas resources for national, integrated, and independent oil companies. For further information, visit www.seadrill.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes 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. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release, including those regarding the timing and amount of repurchases of the Company's common shares under its repurchase program, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can often, but not necessarily, be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “assumes”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “would”, “can”, “could”, “should” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These statements are based upon management’s current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s liquidity and other factors described from time to time in the reports filed or furnished by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should also keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2024, and subsequent reports on Form 6-K.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240624893668/en/

Lydia Brantley Mabry

Director of Investor Relations

ir@seadrill.com

Source: Seadrill Limited

FAQ

When did Seadrill complete its $250 million share repurchase program?

Seadrill completed its $250 million share repurchase program in December 2023.

What is the value of Seadrill's new share repurchase program?

Seadrill's new share repurchase program is valued at $500 million.

By when does Seadrill plan to complete the First Tranche of its share repurchase program?

Seadrill plans to complete the First Tranche by September 30, 2024.

How much is Seadrill spending on the First Tranche of its repurchase program?

Seadrill is spending up to $200 million on the First Tranche of its repurchase program.

What are the methods Seadrill will use to execute the First Tranche of its share repurchase?

Seadrill will use a 10b5-1 plan and a side-by-side discretionary plan to execute the First Tranche.

When will Seadrill commence the First Tranche of the share repurchase program?

Seadrill will commence the First Tranche on June 26, 2024.

How many shares does Seadrill expect to repurchase under the 10b5-1 plan?

Seadrill does not expect to exceed 8.0 million shares under the 10b5-1 plan.

What factors could influence Seadrill's discretionary plan for share repurchases?

Factors include market conditions, the company’s financial position and capital requirements, and restrictions in the company’s credit agreements.