RPC(US:RES)2025-04-24 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 1% to $333 million in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [18] - EBITDA increased to $48.9 million from $46.1 million, with EBITDA margin rising by 100 basis points to 14.7% [22] - Diluted EPS remained flat at $0.06 [22] - Operating cash flow was $39.9 million, with free cash flow of $7.6 million after capital expenditures of $32.3 million [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pressure pumping revenues accounted for 40.1% of total revenues, while downhole tools represented 28.2%, coiled tubing 9.6%, cementing 8.3%, and rental tools 4.6% [19] - Pressure pumping revenues were flat sequentially, while other service lines collectively declined by 1% [6][18] - Rental tools saw a notable gain of approximately 7% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted challenges in demand and utilization for Tier two diesel equipment, with a highly competitive pricing environment in the spot and semi-dedicated frac market [7] - The acquisition of Pentel is expected to increase the company's concentration in the Permian Basin to approximately 60% of total revenues [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to bolster less capital-intensive service lines through organic investments and acquisitions to drive growth and reduce volatility [11] - The strategic rationale for the Pentel acquisition includes improving margins, optimizing assets, and increasing operational scale through M&A [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about macro uncertainties driven by tariffs, which could impact equipment prices and overall industry capital spending [27] - Despite the challenges, the company maintains a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity to navigate volatility and pursue opportunities [28] Other Important Information - The company has filed an S-3 registration statement with the SEC for the Rollins family control group shares, which is viewed as good corporate housekeeping [25] - Steve Lewis has been elected to the Board of Directors, while Gary Rollins and Pam Rollins have retired [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the current pricing conversations in the pressure pumping market? - Management noted that while each cycle is different, customers are responding to lower oil prices, leading to discussions that are somewhat similar to prior periods of market softness [37][38] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities following the Pentel acquisition? - The focus is on accretive transactions, exposure to larger customers, and service lines with good free cash flow potential [39][40] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from the Pentel business? - Pentel generated approximately $400 million in revenue in 2024, with quarterly revenues around $100 million [41] Question: Are there shifts in customer activity towards lower CapEx projects? - Management indicated it is too early to determine any significant shifts but acknowledged that such trends have occurred in prior cycles [46] Question: What is the visibility on job timelines for fracking? - Visibility varies by customer type, with semi-dedicated customers providing several months of visibility, while spot market customers offer much less [48] Question: Is there an uptick in gas-directed activity? - Management believes any increase in gas-directed activity is likely further down the road, although there are some early signs [51] Question: What are the company's thoughts on older equipment being sold by competitors? - The company has seen opportunities but prefers not to invest in used equipment, focusing instead on reallocating assets within its service lines [58] Question: What would trigger an acceleration in capital expenditures? - Capital expenditures will be based on market conditions and the need to maintain equipment, with potential for increased spending if accretive opportunities arise [60][62] Question: Is the company focused on consolidating the Permian market or open to other basins? - Management is open to opportunities in other basins, not solely focused on the Permian, and is exploring various potential acquisitions [64][65]