Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc (HLX)

Pretax margin

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Earnings before tax but after interest (EBT) (ttm)	US$ in thousands	7,533	32,326	-3,834	-42,533	-75,241	-112,409	-120,247	-107,657	-70,528	-36,978	12,854	33,742	3,473	11,051	16,554	31,105	65,778	44,033	36,761	35,113
Revenue (ttm)	US$ in thousands	1,289,728	1,242,387	1,119,264	973,059	873,100	753,940	662,109	661,438	674,728	665,969	678,743	715,949	733,555	744,407	763,526	766,107	751,909	739,516	739,482	742,379
Pretax margin		0.58%	2.60%	-0.34%	-4.37%	-8.62%	-14.91%	-18.16%	-16.28%	-10.45%	-5.55%	1.89%	4.71%	0.47%	1.48%	2.17%	4.06%	8.75%	5.95%	4.97%	4.73%

December 31, 2023 calculation

Pretax margin = EBT (ttm) ÷ Revenue (ttm)
= $7,533K ÷ $1,289,728K
= 0.58%

The pretax margin of Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc has shown fluctuations over the past eight quarters. In Q4 2023, the pretax margin was 0.58%, an improvement compared to the negative pretax margins in the previous three quarters. This suggests better control over operating expenses and/or improved revenue generation during the period.

Q3 2023 saw a pretax margin of 2.60%, indicating a significant increase from the previous quarter. This improvement may have been driven by higher revenues, cost-saving initiatives, or operational efficiencies.

In Q2 2023, the pretax margin was negative at -0.34%, suggesting that the company's expenses exceeded its revenues during the period. This could be attributed to various factors such as increased operating costs, lower sales, or one-time expenses.

Q1 2023 also reported a negative pretax margin of -4.36%, indicating a continued challenge in profitability during that quarter. This could be a result of ongoing operational issues or external factors impacting the company's financial performance.

Comparing the recent quarters to the same periods in the previous year, there has been a gradual improvement in the pretax margin. Specifically, Q4 2022 had a significantly lower pretax margin of -8.61%, showcasing the company's progress in enhancing its profitability.

Overall, while the pretax margin of Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc has shown variability, the recent positive trend suggests potential improvements in the company's financial performance and operational effectiveness. It will be important to monitor future quarters to assess if these positive trends continue.