TETRA Technologies(US:TTI)2025-02-26 16:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margins improved to 17% from 16.6% in the third quarter and 15.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023, despite lower revenue quarter on quarter and year on year [6][5] - For the full year, the Completion Fluids and Products segment revenue was down 1%, but EBITDA grew by 2% year over year, with total revenue of $311 million, the second highest since 2015 [7][8] - The Industrial Chemicals business achieved record revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter, with a revenue growth of over 9% in 2024 compared to 2023, representing 22% of TETRA's total revenue [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Water and Flowback segment achieved EBITDA margins of 13.8%, impacted by a year-end completion slowdown, with rig count and frac fleet count down more than double digits from last year [6][10] - The Industrial Chemicals segment is expected to ramp up meaningful volumes of zinc bromide-based electrolyte, contributing to future revenue growth [8][9] - The Water and Flowback Services segment is expected to maintain flat revenue in 2025 while increasing margins through operational efficiencies [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record volume of 89 million barrels of treated and recycled produced water for frac reuse in the fourth quarter [7] - The company is focusing on expanding its market presence in Northern Europe and the U.S., which provides stable markets with predictable revenue and earnings [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is making strategic investments in Brazil to support a large Deepwater Completion Fluids Award starting in Q2 2025, and is also increasing deepwater activity in the Gulf of America [9][10] - The company is prioritizing desalination solutions for produced water treatment and recycling, aiming to position itself as an industry leader in this area [11][12] - The company is exploring capital-efficient alternatives for its bromine project and lithium opportunities, focusing on cash flow generation and minimizing debt [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the U.S. business performance, driven by strong activity in the Gulf of America and the calcium chloride business [21] - The company projects net income before taxes between $19 million and $34 million and adjusted EBITDA between $55 million and $65 million for the first half of 2025, indicating a strong start to the year [14][24] - Management highlighted the importance of automation and desalination in improving margins and cash flow generation in the Water and Flowback segment [11][13] Other Important Information - The company eliminated the valuation allowance for deferred taxes, reflecting confidence in utilizing net operating loss carryforwards, potentially saving approximately $97.5 million in cash taxes [20][21] - The company reported cash on hand of $37 million and total liquidity of nearly $27 million as of December [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on growth opportunities for 2025 - Management indicated that the first half of 2025 will benefit from long-term projects, with expectations for increased volumes from Eos Energy and pilot operations in desalination [32][33] Question: Variances in EBITDA projections for the second half of 2025 - Management noted that while visibility is limited for the second half, they expect continued performance improvement driven by deepwater projects and electrolyte sales [38] Question: Capacity for pilot projects in desalination - Management confirmed high confidence in multiple pilot projects for 2025, with ongoing discussions and potential orders for additional pilot units [43][61] Question: Revenue recognition timeline for shipments to Eos - Revenue is recognized when the product leaves the facility, with a short timeframe for the product to be used in batteries [78] Question: Future structure of the company - Management anticipates a continued focus on industrial chemicals and deepwater services, with potential evolution of the water and flowback business towards desalination [75][76]