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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company achieved strong results with sequential growth in bookings, revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow, with revenue of $200 million at the top end of guidance range [6][18] - Free cash flow for Q2 was $23 million, totaling $30 million for the first half of the year, marking a 27% year-over-year increase [7][26] - Full year 2025 free cash flow guidance raised to between $60 million and $80 million, a $20 million increase [8][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subsea product lines saw significant bookings, particularly for ROVs and a large submersible rescue vehicle system [6][19] - Artificial lift and downhole segment revenue increased by 6%, driven by demand for higher margin products [26] - Drilling and Completion segment revenue increased by 1%, with growth in coiled line pipe offerings [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue was up 3% despite a 3% decline in rig count, while international revenue (excluding Canada) increased by 6% [19] - Bookings were up 31% from the previous quarter, with a book-to-bill ratio of 132% [20] - Company expects commodity prices to remain stable, anticipating a gradual decline in industry activity [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company has refined its strategy into leadership and growth markets, with leadership markets accounting for two-thirds of revenue and a 36% market share [10][11] - Growth markets, estimated to be twice the size of leadership markets, present significant opportunities for revenue increase [12][13] - The "Beat the Market" strategy aims to grow profitable market share through targeted competition and leveraging competitive advantages [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining momentum despite a declining rig count, supported by a strong backlog and cost reduction efforts [29][80] - The company anticipates continued strong free cash flow and plans to reduce net leverage to 1.3 times by year-end [28][29] - Management highlighted the potential for significant growth in the defense market and the importance of their operating systems in driving sales [66][69] Other Important Information - Company repurchased approximately 5% of shares outstanding in 2025, with plans to repurchase an additional 10% based on current stock price levels [8][28] - The company aims to balance capital returns with strategic investments, focusing on organic growth opportunities while remaining open to acquisitions [106] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeframe for Doubling Market Share in Growth Markets - Management indicated that achieving this goal would take three to five years, focusing on customer acquisition and geographic expansion [37][38] Question: Details on Offshore Defense Orders - Management noted a mix of short-term and long-term products, with some orders expected to deliver over the next two years [39][40] Question: Expectations for Shares Outstanding in Q3 and Q4 - Management expects to repurchase an additional 1.2 million shares, potentially reducing shares outstanding by nearly 15% by December [48] Question: Factors Contributing to Increased Free Cash Flow Guidance - The primary driver for increased cash flow is expected to be working capital reduction, with improvements in operational efficiency [50][90] Question: Competitive Positioning and Market Outlook - Management emphasized a strong balance sheet and the ability to invest in growth, positioning the company favorably against competitors [110][111]