TETRA Technologies(TTI)2023-05-02 18:43Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6% quarter-over-quarter and by 8% year-over-year, marking the highest adjusted EBITDA since Q1 2020 [4][5] - Cash flow from operating activities was 7 million in Q4 2022 [14] - Net leverage was 2.0x at the end of Q1 2023, with unrestricted cash of 86 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Completion Fluids & Products revenue was 18 million and margins of 26.1% [8] - Water & Flowback Services revenue improved by 36% year-over-year to 12.9 million, reflecting a 57% year-over-year increase [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from international markets grew by 17% compared to Q1 2022, driven by stronger activity in Latin America [5] - The European industrial chemicals business has nearly returned to pre-Russia-Ukraine conflict levels, contributing to a strong second quarter forecast [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on margin expansion, maximizing returns on capital, and generating meaningful cash flow in 2023 [7][20] - Investments in international markets and completion fluids businesses are expected to contribute to earnings as the deepwater market recovers [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the deepwater market upcycle and anticipates a strong second quarter, projecting revenue between 175 million [16][20] - The company is working on low carbon energy initiatives and evaluating lithium and bromine resources in Arkansas, with a focus on strategic partnerships [12][29] Other Important Information - The company completed a completion fluids investment in Brazil, which will more than double its deepwater operational capacity [5] - The third early production facility in Argentina is expected to come online in Q2 2023, supporting growth in the Water & Flowback Services segment [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of water technology and competitive environment - Management provided updates on exclusive technology agreements for water desalination and expressed confidence in completing a commercial plant design by year-end [21][22] Question: Market opportunities for Neptune products - Management highlighted strong opportunities in the North Sea and potential projects in the Gulf of Mexico, with expectations for execution in 2024 [24][25] Question: EBITDA headwinds in Q3 - Management indicated that strong market conditions in deepwater completion fluids could mitigate seasonal drops in Q3 [27] Question: Impact of IRA on lithium projects - Management acknowledged the importance of the U.S. lithium market and expressed optimism about future partnerships for lithium and bromine projects [28][29] Question: Factors affecting Water & Flowback EBITDA margins - Management identified margin enhancement initiatives, including automation and new applications for SandStorm technology, as key drivers [32][33] Question: Timeline for bromine project construction - Management indicated readiness to begin construction immediately upon board approval, having already identified long lead items [37] Question: Free cash flow expectations - Management expects strong free cash flow in the second half of the year as inventory is converted to receivables [40] Question: Calcium chloride sales outlook - Management anticipates year-over-year growth in calcium chloride sales, with preparations for inventory build-up post-peak season [41][42]