Expro(US:XPRO)2025-04-30 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xpro's Q1 2025 revenue was $391 million with an adjusted EBITDA of $76 million, representing 20% of revenue, marking the highest first quarter performance since merging with Frank's in October 2021 [6][32] - Revenue decreased by $46 million or about 11% compared to Q4 2024, but increased by $7 million or approximately 2% year-over-year [30][31] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by approximately $24 million or 24% sequentially but increased by $9 million or 13% year-over-year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North and Latin America (NLA), Q1 revenue was $134 million, down $5 million quarter-over-quarter, with an EBITDA margin improvement to 23% [33] - Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) saw Q1 revenue of $112 million, a sequential decrease of $30 million, with an EBITDA margin at 26%, down 11 percentage points [34] - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reported Q1 revenue of $94 million, up 1% sequentially, with an EBITDA margin of 37%, up 1% quarter-over-quarter [35] - Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue was $51 million, a decrease of $12 million, with an EBITDA margin at 21%, down from the prior quarter [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro outlook indicates significant near-term uncertainty and volatility in global oil markets due to tariff announcements and OPEC+ production increases [8][9] - Global oil consumption is forecasted to increase by 900,000 barrels per day in 2025, with demand reaching an average of 103.6 million barrels per day [13] - The EIA projects global liquids production to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day in 2025, reaching 104.1 million barrels per day [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xpro's strategy focuses on organic investment and M&A to enable margin expansion and improve customer relevance [7][21] - The company aims to maintain cost and capital discipline while adjusting CapEx based on awarded projects [21][29] - Xpro is positioned to benefit from long-term offshore project sanctioning, with about two-thirds of greenfield CapEx expected to be allocated to offshore developments [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive multiyear outlook for energy services despite expected near-term moderation in upstream investment [5][9] - The company anticipates that 2025 will be a transition year, with a return to healthy sanctioning activity in 2026 and beyond [16][45] - Management noted that current macro conditions are influenced more by global trade issues than energy fundamentals, which remain strong [12] Other Important Information - Xpro's backlog at the end of Q1 was approximately $2.2 billion, in line with expectations [8] - The company has a zero net debt balance sheet, providing strategic and financial flexibility [21] - Xpro's Drive 25 efficiency campaign aims to achieve significant cost savings and improve operating leverage [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on MENA segment growth and margin sustainability - Management highlighted strong anchor contracts in Saudi Arabia and Algeria, indicating stability and growth potential in the MENA region [50][51] Question: Thoughts on equity valuation and buyback strategy - Management acknowledged the depressed equity valuation and indicated a willingness to utilize share repurchase authorization while considering other capital allocation opportunities [54][56] Question: Factors influencing full-year guidance and sensitivity - Management noted cautious customer sentiment and ongoing engagement to assess project timelines, indicating a wait-and-see approach [60][61] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management clarified that while tariffs may affect activity, the overall impact on financial results is expected to be minimal, with preliminary estimates suggesting less than a $5 million impact [78][82] Question: Automation and safety technology impact - Management emphasized that technologies like Centrify enhance safety and operational efficiency, allowing for reduced personnel on rig floors [87][90] Question: M&A market dynamics - Management indicated ongoing efforts to identify suitable M&A opportunities, emphasizing patience and strategic alignment with Xpro's goals [93]