Aug 6, 2026, 8:05 AM ETEnergy
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. — Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Summary
Financial Performance
- Reported net income of $22.7 million ($0.15 per diluted share) for Q2 2026, compared to a net loss of $13.4 million ($0.09 per share) in Q1 2026 and a net loss of $2.6 million ($0.02 per share) in Q2 2025.
- Reported Adjusted EBITDA of $69.9 million for Q2 2026, up from $32.3 million in Q1 2026 and $42.4 million in Q2 2025.
- For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net income was $9.3 million ($0.06 per share), compared to $0.5 million ($0.00 per share) for the same period in 2025.
- Six-month Adjusted EBITDA was $102.1 million, up from $94.4 million in the prior year period.
- Revenues for Q2 2026 were $304.0 million, an increase from $251.7 million in Q2 2025 and $266.7 million in Q1 2026.
- Gross profit for Q2 2026 was $56.2 million (18% margin), compared to $13.5 million (5% margin) in Q2 2025 and $17.7 million (7% margin) in Q1 2026.
- Operating cash flows were $53.9 million in Q2 2026, compared to $(17.1) million in Q2 2025 and $61.8 million in Q1 2026.
- Free cash flow was $46.7 million in Q2 2026, compared to $(21.6) million in Q2 2025 and $59.0 million in Q1 2026.
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $652.2 million at June 30, 2026, compared to $319.7 million at June 30, 2025.
- Consolidated long-term debt was $304.3 million at June 30, 2026, resulting in negative net debt of $347.9 million.
Guidance and Future Outlook
- Withdrew previously issued annual guidance in light of the pending merger with Hornbeck.
- Expects the merger with Hornbeck to be completed promptly following the shareholder meeting scheduled for August 31, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
- Anticipates the merger transaction to be completed on September 1, 2026.
Business Segments and Product Lines
- Well Intervention: Revenues were $208.1 million in Q2 2026, a 1% decrease from Q1 2026 but a 33% increase from Q2 2025. Vessel utilization increased to 91% in Q2 2026 from 82% in Q1 2026 and 72% in Q2 2025. The Q7000 completed a Shell project in Brazil and is transiting to West Africa; the Q4000 underwent an annual out-of-service period; the Sea Helix 1 commenced a five-year docking; the Q5000 saw improved utilization following maintenance.
- Robotics: Revenues were $76.4 million in Q2 2026, a 23% increase from Q1 2026 but an 11% decrease from Q2 2025. ROV and trencher utilization increased to 67% in Q2 2026 from 56% in Q1 2026 and 62% in Q2 2025. Integrated vessel trenching increased to 171 days from 122 days in the prior quarter.
- Production Facilities: Revenues were $29.7 million in Q2 2026, a 59% increase from Q1 2026 and a 74% increase from Q2 2025. The increase was driven by the recommencement of production at the Thunder Hawk field in early April 2026 following a workover. Operating income turned positive at $15.8 million in Q2 2026 compared to a loss of $7.9 million in Q1 2026.
Market and Competitive Landscape
- Positive international activity is offsetting weaker domestic output.
- The Q7000 is mobilizing to West Africa.
- The Q5000 experienced improved utilization in the North Sea.
Risks and Challenges
- The Q7000 incurred deferred revenues and mobilization costs while transiting to West Africa.
- The Q4000 experienced gaps in its schedule and an annual out-of-service period.
- The Sea Helix 1 commenced a five-year regulatory docking mid-June.
- The Grand Canyon II transitioned to the North Sea, reducing overall vessel activity in the Robotics segment.
- The Thunder Hawk field had been shut in since 2024 prior to recommencing production in April 2026.
Management Commentary and Tone
- CEO Owen Kratz stated the company generated significant cash flows from operations and is positioned with $652 million in cash and $717 million in liquidity.
- Management noted business performance is progressing as previously outlined.
- The company is making progress toward the consummation of the merger with Hornbeck.
- No conference call or webcast will be hosted due to the pending merger; details are available on the Investor Relations website.
Other Key Points
- Sold Helix Alliance (entire Shallow Water Abandonment segment) on May 1, 2026, resulting in a gain on sale of $12.7 million (net of $3.4 million tax expense).
- Helix Alliance operations are classified as discontinued operations, generating $7.5 million net income for the three months ended June 30, 2026.
- Transaction-related costs for the Hornbeck merger totaled $8.3 million in Q2 2026, primarily legal and professional fees.
- Filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4 on June 4, 2026, which was declared effective July 31, 2026.
- Investing cash flows from discontinued operations included approximately $104.2 million in proceeds from the sale of Helix Alliance.
- Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $21.1 million in Q2 2026 (7.0% of revenue), up from $20.4 million in Q1 2026, primarily due to higher employee compensation.
- Regulatory certification costs for vessels and systems in continuing operations were $4.6 million in Q2 2026, down from $14.1 million in Q2 2025.