Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of efficiency ratios as indicators of a company's financial health and operational efficiency [1] Efficiency Ratios - **Receivables Turnover**: This ratio measures a company's ability to extend credit and collect debts, with a higher ratio indicating better performance [2] - **Asset Utilization**: This ratio assesses how effectively a company converts its assets into sales, with higher values suggesting greater efficiency [3] - **Inventory Turnover**: This ratio indicates a company's ability to manage inventory relative to its cost of goods sold, with higher values reflecting better inventory management [4] - **Operating Margin**: This ratio measures the efficiency of a company in controlling operating expenses relative to sales, with higher values indicating better expense management [5] Screening Criteria - The screening process identified stocks with efficiency ratios above industry averages, narrowing down from over 7,906 stocks to 11 [7] - Stocks that met Zacks' criteria for superior efficiency ratios and a Strong Buy rank include Indivior, Proto Labs, Las Vegas Sands, and Oceaneering International, all of which posted double-digit average earnings surprises [8] Company Profiles - **Indivior (INDV)**: A specialty pharmaceutical company focused on treatments for addiction and related conditions, with a four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 68% [9] - **Proto Labs (PRLB)**: An online manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping, with an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 18.6% [10] - **Las Vegas Sands (LVS)**: A leading developer of integrated resorts, primarily in the U.S. and Asia, with a four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 14.5% [11] - **Oceaneering International (OII)**: A supplier of offshore equipment and technology solutions to the energy sector, with a four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 12.3% [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $634 million, up 1% or $6 million from Q2 2025, marking the highest revenue quarter in almost six years [17][19] - EBITDA for Q3 was $51 million, or 8% of revenue, marking the 14th consecutive quarter of approximately 7% EBITDA or better [17][19] - Net income attributable to DNOW for Q3 was $25 million or $0.23 per fully diluted share, with a Non-GAAP net income of $28 million or $0.26 per fully diluted share [20][19] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $39 million, elevating year-to-date free cash flow to $58 million, with expectations to approach $150 million for the full year 2025 [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue totaled $527 million, effectively flat sequentially but up $45 million or 9% year-over-year, with U.S. Energy Centers contributing approximately 73% of total U.S. revenue [18][19] - Canada revenue was $53 million, up $5 million or 10% sequentially, while international revenue was $54 million, up $2 million or 4% sequentially [18][19] - The midstream sector accounted for 24% of overall DNOW revenue, with strong demand for pipe, valves, and fittings supporting several capital projects [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., rig count decreased by 5% sequentially, and completions declined by 6% in Q3, indicating a cautious market environment [8][9] - Demand for products improved in the Haynesville region, primarily tied to new construction linked to increased demand for power generation and LNG exports [9][10] - Internationally, growth was observed in the Middle East and Singapore, driven by high demand for FPSO conversions and LNG module fabrication [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in organic growth and pursue acquisitions, particularly in process solutions, to enhance service and product offerings [16][23] - The announced merger with MRC Global is expected to generate $70 million in annual cost synergies within three years, enhancing DNOW's earnings durability and cash flow [24][25] - The focus remains on retaining top talent and leveraging combined resources to grow business with existing and prospective customers [34][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, despite macro challenges such as customer consolidations and geopolitical uncertainties [27][29] - The outlook for Q4 anticipates typical seasonal decreases in revenue, with expectations for mid-single-digit percentage growth compared to Q4 2024 [26][27] - Full year 2025 EBITDA is projected to approach 8% of revenues, with free cash flow expected to reach approximately $150 million [27] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with zero debt and a cash position of $266 million, an increase of $34 million sequentially [20][21] - Accounts receivable was $429 million with days sales outstanding improving to 62 days, while inventory was $377 million, down $6 million from Q2 2025 [21][22] - The company has completed acquisitions totaling $122 million over the last 12 months and returned $32 million to shareholders through share repurchases [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on MRC Global merger and cost synergies - Management confirmed focus on achieving the $70 million synergy target and emphasized the importance of retaining top talent to maximize performance [34][35] Question: Challenges in integration and risk management - The biggest challenge is to engage employees and promote the future of the combined company to avoid revenue leakage during integration [38][39] Question: Growth opportunities in U.S. revenue and market share - Management believes the merger will enhance growth opportunities and market share in upstream sectors [44] Question: Visibility on FlexFlow and EcoVapor growth opportunities - Management indicated plans to continue evaluating and investing in these areas for growth, particularly in midstream and adjacent markets [49][70] Question: Update on gross margins and pricing environment - Management highlighted a focus on maximizing gross margins and navigating inflationary pressures while remaining competitive [63][64] Question: Opportunities in data centers and industrial markets - Management discussed growth prospects in midstream and data center markets, emphasizing the importance of providing necessary infrastructure [71][75]

Core Insights - Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. demonstrated strong performance in Q3 2025, achieving significant capital returns and maintaining a positive outlook for long-term growth [1][5][28] - The company outperformed the 2,000 small cap index in revenue and free cash flow growth over the past three years, with a notable increase in backlog by 21%, the highest since 2015 [1][5][6] - The "beat the market" strategy, focusing on new product development and targeted commercial efforts, has driven strong bookings and backlog growth [1][7] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached $196 million, nearing the top end of guidance, with offshore revenue contributing 22% of total revenue [16][19] - Free cash flow increased by 23% to $28 million, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow, with a year-to-date increase of 21% [5][24] - The company raised its full-year free cash flow guidance to between $70 million and $80 million, with net debt reduced by nearly 10% to $114 million [6][25] Market Strategy - Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. categorizes its markets into leadership and growth markets, with leadership markets valued at $1.5 billion and a 36% market share [8][10] - The growth markets, approximately $3 billion in size, present opportunities for rapid revenue increase, with a current market share of around 8% [10][12] - The company aims to double its market share in growth markets from 8% to 16%, potentially increasing revenue by $250 million in a flat market scenario [13] Product Development and Innovation - Key products such as coiled line pipe and artificial lift technologies are expected to drive future growth, with coiled line pipe revenue growing 28% sequentially [11][12] - The company is focused on expanding its product offerings, including advancements in artificial lift applications and new technologies for ROVs [43][48] - Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. is also exploring adjacent markets, including defense, to further diversify its revenue streams [48][49] Operational Efficiency - The company is consolidating manufacturing facilities to reduce overhead costs and improve efficiency, with expected annualized cost savings of approximately $15 million by 2026 [23][24] - Ongoing cost reduction initiatives and favorable product mix contributed to an increase in EBITDA margins, which improved by 150 basis points to nearly 12% [19][21] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts through pricing adjustments and leveraging its global footprint to maintain competitiveness [22][21]

Core Insights - The company achieved strong order momentum with IET orders totaling $4.1 billion in the quarter, driven by LNG equipment and record Cordon Solutions orders, leading to a record IT backlog of $32.1 billion [1][38] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $1.24 billion, reflecting operational performance and positive trends in gas technology, with a year-over-year margin increase to 17.7% [2][3] - The company expects full-year adjusted EBITDA to exceed $4.7 billion and anticipates IET orders to exceed prior guidance, with a target of at least $40 billion in IET orders over the next three years [2][5][45] Orders and Backlog - IET orders for the first three quarters reached nearly $11 billion, including $1.6 billion from New Energy, already at the high end of guidance [1] - The company secured over $800 million in LNG equipment orders this quarter, indicating strong demand in the LNG sector [6][7] - The record backlog of $32.1 billion provides strong revenue visibility for 2026 and beyond [38] Financial Performance - Total company bookings for the quarter were $8.2 billion, with free cash flow generated at $699 million [30] - The company expects free cash flow conversion of 45% to 50% for the full year [31] - The balance sheet remains strong with cash of $2.7 billion and a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.7 times [32] Market Outlook - The macro environment remains resilient, with AI-driven investments contributing significantly to U.S. GDP growth [14] - Natural gas demand is projected to grow by over 20% by 2040, with LNG demand increasing by at least 75% [19][22] - The company anticipates continued growth in LNG contracting activity, with 84 MTPA of long-term contracts signed in the first nine months of the year [20] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on integrating the Chart acquisition, which is expected to enhance its technology portfolio and drive cost synergies of $325 million [34][37] - A comprehensive evaluation of capital allocation and operations is underway to enhance shareholder value [28][76] - The company aims for total company margins of 20% by 2028, supported by ongoing operational improvements and portfolio optimization [48][68] Segment Performance - IET revenue increased by 15% year over year to $3.4 billion, with segment EBITDA rising 20% to $635 million [38] - OFSE revenue was $3.6 billion, with EBITDA of $671 million, reflecting resilience despite market challenges [40] - The company expects continued margin resilience in OFSE, focusing on cost control and productivity improvements [88]

Core Insights - The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (XES) is a smart beta ETF that provides broad exposure to the Energy ETFs category, launched on June 19, 2006 [1] - The fund is sponsored by State Street Investment Management and has assets exceeding $214.01 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in the Energy sector [5] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services Select Industry Index, which represents the oil and gas equipment and services sub-industry [6] Fund Characteristics - XES has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.72%, making it one of the least expensive products in its category [7] - The fund is heavily allocated to the Energy sector, with its top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 47.77% of total assets [9] - Solaris Energy Infrastructure (SEI) is the largest holding at about 5.26% of total assets, followed by Liberty Energy Inc (LBRT) and Helmerich + Payne (HP) [9] Performance Metrics - As of October 24, 2025, XES has gained about 1.46% year-to-date and 3.46% over the past year, with a trading range between $52.84 and $87.51 in the last 52 weeks [11] - The ETF has a beta of 1.20 and a standard deviation of 35.04% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile compared to peers [11] Alternatives and Comparisons - Alternatives to XES include iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF (IEZ) and VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH), with assets of $119.22 million and $1.05 billion respectively [13] - IEZ has an expense ratio of 0.38%, while OIH charges 0.35%, providing investors with options that may better suit their investment strategies [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for the quarter was $2.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $531 million, resulting in a margin of 20.1% when excluding foreign exchange impacts [5][11] - Free cash flow generated was $448 million, with total shareholder distributions amounting to $271 million through dividends and share repurchases [5][12] - Total company backlog at the end of the period was $16.8 billion [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea revenue was $2.3 billion, a 5% increase from the previous quarter, driven by increased project activity, particularly in iEPCI projects in Africa, Australia, and the Americas [11] - Surface Technologies revenue was $328 million, up 3% sequentially, primarily due to higher activity in the North Sea and Asia-Pacific [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea orders for the quarter totaled $2.4 billion, contributing to a strong commercial performance [5][11] - The company expects to secure over $10 billion in subsea orders in 2025, reflecting confidence in the offshore market's growth [7][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing cycle times and improving project returns through innovations like Subsea 2.0 and iEPCI, which enhance project execution certainty [8][9] - The strategy emphasizes a capital-light approach, with a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders [10][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the offshore market's resilience and the company's ability to secure high-quality projects, with expectations for continued strong activity through the end of the decade [9][10] - The company anticipates a decline in revenue for the fourth quarter due to seasonal impacts but maintains a positive long-term outlook for subsea revenue growth [14][16] Other Important Information - The board authorized an additional $2 billion in share repurchases, reflecting confidence in the company's outlook and commitment to maximizing shareholder value [10] - The company reduced debt by $258 million during the quarter, ending with $438 million in gross debt [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Share repurchase authorization and cash return in 2026 - Management confirmed a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders, with expectations for strong free cash flow generation in 2026 [22][24] Question: Subsea award intake and working capital expectations - Management indicated that there are more awards to be announced, and working capital expectations will be normalized moving forward [30][31] Question: 2026 subsea guidance and backlog conversion - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 subsea guidance, highlighting strong backlog coverage and the potential for accelerated backlog conversion due to cycle time reductions [39][40] Question: Surface Technologies outlook and all-electric subsea infrastructure - Management noted that the outlook for Surface Technologies remains less certain, while progress on all-electric subsea infrastructure is ongoing, with specific applications identified [66][70] Question: Resource levels and execution capacity - Management assured that they do not take on work they cannot execute and are confident in their staffing and resource levels to meet project demands [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for the quarter was $2.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $531 million, resulting in a margin of 20.1% when excluding foreign exchange impacts [6][14] - Free cash flow generated was $448 million, with total shareholder distributions amounting to $271 million through dividends and share repurchases [7][16] - The company ended the period with a total backlog of $16.8 billion [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Subsea segment, revenue was $2.3 billion, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous quarter, driven by increased project activity, particularly in Africa, Australia, and the Americas [14][15] - Surface Technologies reported revenue of $328 million, a 3% increase from the second quarter, primarily due to higher activity in the North Sea and Asia Pacific [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea orders for the quarter totaled $2.4 billion, contributing to a strong commercial performance, particularly in South America [7][8] - The company anticipates a continued shift in capital investment towards offshore projects due to improved project economics and execution certainty [9][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing cycle times and improving project returns through innovations like Subsea two point zero and the integrated execution model iEPCI [11][12] - The management believes that offshore projects will increasingly attract capital investment, driven by advancements in technology and project execution [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving over $10 billion of Subsea orders in 2025 and maintaining strong activity levels through the end of the decade [8][12] - The company has increased its share repurchase authorization by $2 billion, reflecting confidence in future performance and commitment to shareholder value [13][21] Other Important Information - The company reduced its debt by $258 million during the quarter, ending with $438 million of gross debt [17] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance has been increased to approximately $1.83 billion, excluding foreign exchange impacts [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Share repurchase authorization and cash return in 2026 - Management confirmed a commitment to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders, maintaining the same level as in 2025 [25][27] Question: Subsea award intake and working capital expectations - Management indicated that there are still more awards to be announced, and the strong inbound order intake reflects the company's differentiated position in the market [32][35] Question: Subsea revenue guidance and backlog conversion - Management expressed confidence in the 2026 revenue guidance, emphasizing strong backlog coverage and the ability to convert backlog into revenue efficiently [40][42] Question: Surface Technologies outlook and margin drivers - Management noted that while the outlook for Surface Technologies is less certain, they are well-positioned with key clients and technology offerings [74][76] Question: Electric subsea infrastructure opportunities - Management highlighted progress in all-electric subsea projects and identified key areas such as carbon capture and storage that will benefit from this technology [78][80]

Earnings Overview - Earnings season is underway with major companies like Tesla, Netflix, General Motors, and Ford reporting results this week [1] - As of October 17, 12% of S&P 500 companies have reported, with analysts expecting an 8.5% increase in earnings per share for Q3, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of positive growth but a slowdown from 12% in Q2 [1][2] Company-Specific Highlights - **Netflix**: Stock fell after missing earnings estimates, with operating profit impacted [8] - **Thermo Fisher Scientific**: Reported Q3 earnings of $5.79 per share, exceeding estimates of $5.50, and revenue of $11.1 billion, above expectations of $10.9 billion [11] - **Mattel**: Stock dropped nearly 6% after reporting earnings of $0.89 per share, below the expected $1.03, and revenue of $1.73 billion, short of the $1.83 billion forecast [13][14] - **GE Vernova**: Stock rose nearly 4% with orders up 55% to $14.6 billion, although profits of $1.64 per share were below expectations of $1.86 [16][17] - **Hilton**: Adjusted earnings per share of $2.11 beat expectations of $2.05, despite a 1.1% decline in revenue per available room [19][20] - **AT&T**: Surpassed subscriber estimates due to strong demand for bundled services, leading to a nearly 2% stock rise [21] - **Intuitive Surgical**: Stock jumped 15% after beating earnings estimates due to strong demand for surgical robots [22] - **Texas Instruments**: Stock fell 7% on a weaker-than-expected Q4 outlook, with projected sales of $4.22 billion to $4.58 billion [23][24] - **Capital One**: Reported a 23% increase in net revenue to $15.4 billion, with earnings per share of $4.83, above expectations [26] - **Philip Morris**: Stock fell 8% after reporting a 3.2% decline in cigarette shipments, although smokeless product sales increased by 16.6% [28][29] - **3M**: Raised its annual earnings outlook after reporting sales of $6.3 billion, slightly above estimates [31][32] - **Halliburton**: Stock rose over 5% after reporting adjusted earnings of $0.58 per share, exceeding estimates [33][34] - **GE Aerospace**: Stock rose over 2.5% after reporting adjusted earnings per share of $1.66, above estimates of $1.47 [36][37] - **Northrop Grumman**: Raised its 2025 profit forecast due to increased demand for defense products [41] - **Elevance Health**: Stock rose 6% after beating quarterly profit estimates [42]

Final trade time. Steve >> Horn's got some tailwind wins here. >> Karen, >> yes.You know, I would say if it's good enough for the FB block, then it's good enough for the final trade. So, I'm going with Hallebert. >> I think banks and Capital One have kind of given you early indication.I think Mastercard trades into the print. >> In the state of South Carolina, Gail Ford is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday from all of us here at the NASDAQ and Fast Money.Uh, Gilead, >> thank you for watching Fast Madam ...

Core Viewpoint - Chart Industries, Inc. has received shareholder approval for its acquisition by Baker Hughes, with shareholders set to receive $210.00 per share in cash upon completion of the transaction [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The majority of Chart's outstanding shares voted in favor of the merger agreement during a special meeting [1]. - The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-year 2026, pending customary conditions and regulatory approvals [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Chart Industries is a global leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling [3]. - The company provides technology, equipment, and services related to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, biogas, and CO2 capture, among other applications [3]. - Chart operates 65 global manufacturing locations and over 50 service centers across various regions, emphasizing accountability and transparency [3].