MIDLAND, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:NGS), a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology and services to the energy industry, announced today that it will host a conference call to review its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 11, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (EST), 7:30 a.m. (CST). The Company’s Q3 2025 financial and operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2025 will be disseminated via press release and made av ...

Core Insights - The growing demand for natural gas presents various investment opportunities across different sectors, including producers, pipelines, power equipment, and LNG export terminals, all of which depend on compression technology [1] Industry Summary - The natural gas industry is experiencing increased demand, which is driving interest in multiple investment avenues [1] - Compression is identified as a critical component for the functioning of various businesses within the natural gas sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Tempus AI, Inc. has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its RNA-based Tempus xR IVD device, which will enhance precision medicine and patient care through advanced RNA sequencing technology [1] Company Summary - Tempus AI, Inc. is a technology company focused on integrating AI to improve precision medicine and patient care [1] - The Tempus xR IVD device is positioned as a life sciences tool aimed at supporting drug development programs [1] Industry Summary - RNA sequencing technology is highlighted for its ability to capture extensive biological information, providing deeper insights into disease mechanisms [1]

Group 1 - Energy commodities continue to be essential for countries globally despite macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions [1] - The prices of energy commodities are volatile due to changing demand and tariff issues, yet they possess significant growth potential [1] Group 2 - The logistics sector has seen increased interest in stock investing and macroeconomic analysis, particularly in the ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ markets [1] - There has been a diversification in investment strategies, with a focus on various sectors including banking, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines has influenced investment decisions since 2014, leading to a broader portfolio beyond traditional savings [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses Palo Alto Networks' platformization strategy and Next-Generation Security Offerings (NGS) based on the company's Q3 report [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Palo Alto Networks is focusing on enhancing its platformization strategy to strengthen its market position [1] - The company is actively developing its Next-Generation Security Offerings (NGS) to address evolving cybersecurity threats [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - The author has extensive experience in equity markets and holds a CFA Charter and a PhD in Finance [1] - The author is also an Honorary Associate Professor in Finance and Corporate Governance at Brunel University London [1] - The author engages in quantitative research across various financial domains, including US equities and M&A [1]

Core Viewpoint - Natural Gas Services (NGS) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates in determining stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [4]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade reflects an improvement in Natural Gas Services' underlying business, suggesting that investors may respond positively by driving the stock price higher [5]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Natural Gas Services has increased by 5.7% over the past three months, with expected earnings of $1.48 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, indicating no year-over-year change [8]. Zacks Rank System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Natural Gas Services in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Viewpoint - Natural Gas Services (NGS) shares have increased by 6.8% recently, with analysts suggesting a potential upside of 41.7% based on a mean price target of $36.25 [1][11]. Price Targets - The average price target for NGS ranges from a low of $32.00 to a high of $45.00, with a standard deviation of $5.97, indicating variability among analysts [2]. - The lowest estimate suggests a 25.1% increase, while the highest points to a 75.9% upside [2]. Analyst Sentiment - There is strong agreement among analysts regarding NGS's ability to report better earnings, which supports the expectation of an upside [4][11]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has risen by 5.7%, with no negative revisions [12]. Zacks Rank - NGS holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13]. Conclusion on Price Movement - While consensus price targets may not be entirely reliable, the direction indicated by these targets appears to be a useful guide for potential price movement [14].

Q2 2025 Earnings Release Overview Strong Q2 2025 results with increased rental revenue, record Adjusted EBITDA, shareholder returns, and raised guidance [Second Quarter 2025 Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Second%20Quarter%202025%20Highlights) Natural Gas Services Group reported a strong second quarter of 2025, highlighted by a 13.3% year-over-year increase in rental revenue and a 19.5% rise in Adjusted EBITDA to a record $19.7 million. The company also initiated its first quarterly cash dividend and a share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its financial health and cash generation capabilities | Metric | Q2 2025 | YoY Change | Sequential Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Rental Revenue | $39.6 million | +13.3% | +1.7% | | Net Income | $5.2 million | +20.9% | +6.9% | | Diluted EPS | $0.41 | +20.6% | +7.9% | | Adjusted EBITDA | $19.7 million | +19.5% | +1.9% | | Leverage Ratio | 2.31x | N/A | N/A | - The company initiated its first quarterly cash dividend of **$0.10 per share** and authorized a share repurchase program of up to **$6 million**, signaling a strong outlook on cash generation and a commitment to shareholder returns[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Management Commentary and Outlook](index=1&type=section&id=Management%20Commentary%20and%20Outlook) Management attributed the record-setting quarter to strong technology, customer service, and operational discipline, leading to an all-time high in utilized rental horsepower. Citing strong first-half performance and contracted deployments, the company raised its full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance. The initiation of a dividend and share buyback program is balanced with continued capital deployment into new units, supported by a strong financial position with the lowest leverage among public peers - Utilized rental horsepower reached an all-time high of **499,000**, and Adjusted EBITDA was a record **$19.7 million** for the quarter[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The company is raising its full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to **$76 - $80 million**, driven by first-half performance and scheduled large-horsepower unit deployments[4](index=4&type=chunk) - A quarterly dividend was initiated at a modest level to balance shareholder returns with capital deployment into new units, with the company noting its leverage of **2.31x** is the lowest among public peers[4](index=4&type=chunk) Corporate Guidance and Subsequent Events Updated 2025 guidance, increased Adjusted EBITDA, capex plans, dividend, share repurchase, and COO transition [Updated 2025 Corporate Guidance](index=2&type=section&id=Updated%202025%20Corporate%20Guidance) The company has increased its full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $76 million to $80 million. Capital expenditure guidance for growth is set at $95-$115 million, primarily for new units under multi-year contracts, with maintenance capex expected to be $11-$14 million. The target return on invested capital remains at a minimum of 20% | Guidance Metric | 2025 Outlook | | :--- | :--- | | **NEW** FY 2025 Adjusted EBITDA | $76 million - $80 million | | FY 2025 Growth Capital Expenditures | $95 million - $115 million | | FY 2025 Maintenance Capital Expenditures | $11 million - $14 million | | Target Return on Invested Capital | At least 20% | - Growth capital is invested only when a multi-year contract is secured for a new unit. Deployments are heavily weighted to the second half of 2025 and early 2026[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Subsequent Events](index=2&type=section&id=Subsequent%20Events) Following the end of the second quarter, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share, approved a $6 million share repurchase program, and announced that President and COO Brian Tucker will be transitioning out of his role by October 31, 2025, due to personal family reasons - On July 30, 2025, the Board declared a cash dividend of **$0.10 per share**[9](index=9&type=chunk) - On August 5, 2025, it was announced that President and COO Brian Tucker will transition out of his role due to an unexpected family loss[10](index=10&type=chunk) - On August 8, 2025, the Board approved a share repurchase program for up to **$6 million**, expiring on August 6, 2027[11](index=11&type=chunk) Q2 2025 Financial Performance Analysis Robust Q2 2025 financial performance driven by rental revenue, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, and strong operational metrics [Detailed Financial Results](index=2&type=section&id=Detailed%20Financial%20Results) The company's second quarter 2025 financial results showed strong year-over-year growth, primarily driven by a 13.3% increase in rental revenue. This led to higher gross margins, a rise in operating income to $9.9 million, and an increase in net income to $5.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew 19.5% to $19.7 million, while the company maintained a healthy leverage ratio of 2.31x [Revenue](index=2&type=section&id=Revenue) Total revenue for Q2 2025 increased by 7.5% year-over-year to $41.4 million. This growth was entirely driven by a 13.3% increase in rental revenue to $39.6 million, resulting from the addition of higher horsepower units and improved pricing. Utilized horsepower grew 9.7% to 498,651 | Revenue Type | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Rental Revenue | $39.6 million | $34.9 million | +13.3% | | **Total Revenue** | **$41.4 million** | **$38.5 million** | **+7.5%** | - Utilized horsepower increased by **9.7%** year-over-year, from **454,568 hp** to **498,651 hp**[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Gross Margins and Operating Income](index=2&type=section&id=Gross%20Margins%20and%20Operating%20Income) In Q2 2025, total gross margin rose to $15.4 million from $13.4 million in the prior year. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes depreciation, increased to $24.2 million from $21.0 million. Operating income also saw growth, reaching $9.9 million compared to $8.5 million in Q2 2024 | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross Margin | $15.4 million | $13.4 million | | Adjusted Gross Margin | $24.2 million | $21.0 million | | Operating Income | $9.9 million | $8.5 million | [Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA](index=3&type=section&id=Net%20Income%20and%20Adjusted%20EBITDA) Net income for Q2 2025 was $5.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, a significant increase from $4.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in Q2 2024. Adjusted EBITDA grew 19.5% year-over-year to $19.7 million, primarily due to higher rental revenue and improved rental adjusted gross margin | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income | $5.2 million | $4.3 million | | Diluted EPS | $0.41 | $0.34 | | Adjusted EBITDA | $19.7 million | $16.5 million | [Cash Flows and Debt](index=3&type=section&id=Cash%20Flows%20and%20Debt) For the second quarter of 2025, cash flow from operations was $11.0 million, while cash used in investing activities was $25.7 million, including $25.8 million in capital expenditures. The company ended the quarter with $182.0 million in outstanding debt and a leverage ratio of 2.31x - Cash flow from operating activities was **$11.0 million**, while cash used in investing activities was **$25.7 million**, primarily for capital expenditures of **$25.8 million**[17](index=17&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, outstanding debt was **$182.0 million**, with a leverage ratio of **2.31x** and a fixed charge coverage ratio of **3.04x**[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Selected Financial and Operational Data](index=3&type=section&id=Selected%20Financial%20and%20Operational%20Data) Trailing five-quarter data reveals a consistent upward trend in rental revenue, which grew from $34.9 million in Q2 2024 to $39.6 million in Q2 2025. Utilized horsepower also steadily increased over the period, reaching 498,651 with a horsepower utilization rate of 83.6% in the most recent quarter | (in thousands) | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Rental Revenue** | $34,926 | $37,350 | $38,226 | $38,910 | $39,580 | | Compression Statistics | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Horsepower Utilized** | 454,568 | 475,534 | 491,756 | 492,679 | 498,651 | | **Horsepower Utilization** | 82.3% | 82.0% | 82.1% | 81.7% | 83.6% | Non-GAAP Financial Measures Definitions and reconciliations of key non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA [Adjusted Gross Margin](index=5&type=section&id=Adjusted%20Gross%20Margin) The company defines Adjusted Gross Margin as total revenue less cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization. This non-GAAP measure is used by management to focus on current operating performance. For Q2 2025, Adjusted Gross Margin was $24.2 million, reconciled from a GAAP gross margin of $15.4 million by adding back $8.9 million in depreciation - Adjusted Gross Margin is defined as total revenue less costs of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization expense). Management uses it to represent the results of key components of operations, focusing on current operating performance[23](index=23&type=chunk) | (in thousands) | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Gross margin (GAAP) | $13,430 | $14,936 | $14,630 | $15,717 | $15,350 | | Depreciation add-back | $7,572 | $7,956 | $8,349 | $8,539 | $8,873 | | **Adjusted Gross Margin** | **$21,002** | **$22,892** | **$22,979** | **$24,256** | **$24,223** | [Adjusted EBITDA](index=5&type=section&id=Adjusted%20EBITDA) Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and other specified items like stock-based compensation. Management uses it to evaluate operating performance. For Q2 2025, Adjusted EBITDA was $19.7 million, reconciled from a net income of $5.2 million - Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments, and other non-recurring or non-cash charges. It is a key measure used by management and investors to evaluate operating performance[25](index=25&type=chunk) | (in thousands) | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net income (GAAP) | $4,250 | $5,014 | $2,865 | $4,854 | $5,188 | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | **$16,456** | **$18,186** | **$18,006** | **$19,290** | **$19,665** | Appendix: Consolidated Financial Statements Condensed consolidated financial statements: balance sheets, statements of operations, and cash flows [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=8&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2025, the company's total assets stood at $525.5 million, an increase from $492.5 million at the end of 2024, driven by investment in rental equipment. Total liabilities rose to $259.3 million from $237.5 million, primarily due to an increase in long-term debt to $182.0 million. Total stockholders' equity increased to $266.2 million | (in thousands) | June 30, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Current Assets | $48,882 | $48,176 | | Rental equipment, net | $446,952 | $415,021 | | **Total Assets** | **$525,526** | **$492,528** | | Total Current Liabilities | $24,788 | $17,358 | | Long-term debt | $182,000 | $170,000 | | **Total Liabilities** | **$259,312** | **$237,471** | | **Total Stockholders' Equity** | **$266,214** | **$255,057** | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=9&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) For the three months ended June 30, 2025, total revenue was $41.4 million, up from $38.5 million in the prior-year period. Operating income increased to $9.9 million from $8.5 million, and net income grew to $5.2 million ($0.41 per diluted share) from $4.3 million ($0.34 per diluted share) year-over-year | (in thousands) | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenue | $41,382 | $38,491 | | Operating Income | $9,924 | $8,506 | | **Net Income** | **$5,188** | **$4,250** | | **Diluted EPS** | **$0.41** | **$0.34** | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=10&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the company generated $32.3 million in cash from operating activities. Cash used in investing activities was $45.0 million, largely for the purchase of rental equipment. Cash provided by financing activities was $10.9 million, resulting from net borrowings on the credit facility. The period ended with a cash balance of $0.3 million | (in thousands) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $32,263 | $31,119 | | Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | ($44,962) | ($27,881) | | Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | $10,882 | ($2,368) | | **Net Change in Cash** | **($1,817)** | **$870** |

Industry Overview - The Zacks Oil and Gas - Mechanical and Equipment industry includes companies that supply essential oilfield equipment such as production machinery, pumps, and drilling appliances to exploration and production firms [3] - The industry's performance is closely linked to the capital expenditures of upstream energy companies, which are influenced by oil prices and demand for drilling equipment [3] Current Market Conditions - Increasing oil stockpiles are expected to lead to lower crude prices, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration projecting West Texas Intermediate Spot Average prices of $63.58 per barrel in 2025 and $47.77 per barrel in 2026, down from $76.60 per barrel in 2024 [4] - This pricing environment is likely to discourage exploration and production activities, resulting in reduced demand for drilling and production equipment [4] Capital Expenditure Trends - Exploration and production companies are adopting a more conservative approach to capital spending, prioritizing shareholder returns over increased production expenditures, which is anticipated to further diminish demand for drilling and production equipment [5] Dividend Yield and Investment Sentiment - Stocks in the Zacks Oil and Gas - Mechanical and Equipment industry have consistently generated lower dividend yields compared to the broader oil energy sector over the past five years, potentially deterring income-focused investors [6] Industry Ranking and Performance - The Zacks Oil and Gas - Mechanical and Equipment industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 156, placing it in the bottom 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a bleak outlook [7][8] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed both the broader Zacks Oil - Energy sector and the S&P 500, with a gain of only 2.8% compared to 4.1% and 21% for the sector and S&P 500, respectively [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 5.46X, which is lower than the S&P 500's 17.66X but higher than the sector's 4.79X [13] - Historical trading ranges for the industry have varied from a high of 43.84X to a low of 1.78X over the past five years, with a median of 10.37X [13] Company-Specific Insights - Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) is positioned to benefit from increased demand for its compression equipment as the U.S. exports more liquefied natural gas (LNG) [15] - Solaris Energy Infrastructure, Inc. (SEI) is expected to maintain or grow its market share due to its advanced equipment that supports higher completion intensity, even in a weaker oil price environment [18] - Oil States International, Inc. (OIS) has secured $363 million in orders, marking its largest backlog in nearly a decade, indicating strong customer demand and future revenue growth potential [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $41.4 million, an increase of 8% from $38.5 million in the prior year quarter [18] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $19.7 million, up $3.2 million year over year [19] - Net income was $5.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of $900,000 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue increased by 13% year over year to $39.6 million [18] - Rented horsepower ended the quarter at approximately 499,000, up from roughly 455,000 in the prior year quarter, marking a 10% increase [20] - Fleet utilization improved to 83.6%, an increase of 130 basis points year over year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 80% of total rented horsepower is on term contracts, up from about 67% a year ago [20] - Demand for natural gas is expected to grow by more than 30% over the next five years, driven by LNG exports and power generation [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing shareholder returns through a quarterly dividend and a share repurchase program [5][6] - There is a strong emphasis on organic growth while remaining open to M&A opportunities [6] - The company aims to optimize fleet assets and improve operational efficiency through technology upgrades [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in raising the 2025 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $76 million to $80 million, citing strong performance and customer commentary [27] - Despite ongoing market volatility, the company remains optimistic about future growth driven by stable production and increasing demand for compression [9][10] - Management noted that labor challenges, particularly in the Permian Basin, are a key concern [64] Other Important Information - The Midland fabrication facility is now classified as held for sale, indicating a focus on monetizing real estate assets [22] - The company is experiencing a transition in leadership with the President and COO stepping down due to personal reasons [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on the opportunity pipeline for 2026? - Management indicated that most new unit opportunities are focused on 2026, with significant activity in the Permian Basin [34] Question: What is the outlook for rental gross margins? - Management believes that rental gross margins are sustainable, having remained in the low 60s over the past year [38] Question: How is the company taking market share? - Management noted that the growth in their capital expenditures compared to larger competitors indicates market share gains [43] Question: What is the current mix of inquiries from new versus existing customers? - The majority of inquiries are from existing customers, but there are new customer opportunities arising from industry consolidation [60] Question: What are the greatest stress points for the company? - Management identified labor challenges and macroeconomic factors as key stress points, emphasizing the importance of focusing on controllable factors [64]