NCS Multistage(NCSM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's Q3 2025 revenue was $46.5 million, a 6% year-over-year improvement, exceeding the midpoint of guidance, including contributions from ResMetrix since acquisition [16][4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $7 million, exceeding guidance and including ResMetrix's contribution [18] - Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2025 improved by $6.8 million compared to the prior year, reaching $6.8 million after distributions to non-controlling interest [6][19] - The company reported a net income of $3.8 million for Q3, with diluted earnings per share of $1.37, compared to $4.1 million and $1.60 in the same quarter last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue increased by 26% sequentially and 54% year-over-year, with a 37% increase excluding ResMetrix [5][6] - Canadian revenue increased by 9% year-to-date despite a 6% decline in average rig count, indicating strong customer value [8] - International revenue reached 10% of total revenue, marking a significant milestone for the company [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North Sea market continues to show strong collaboration with customers, supporting technical papers and hosting workshops [9] - The Canadian market has seen a pullback in activity, with a 15% year-over-year decline in rig count, but the company remains optimistic about future growth [46][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth initiatives and new product development, aiming to maximize financial flexibility and free cash flow [7] - Core strategies include building on leading market positions, capitalizing on high-margin growth opportunities, and commercializing innovative solutions [7][10] - The integration of ResMetrix is progressing well, with early successes in operational and financial performance [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution moving into Q4 due to challenging market conditions, including stagnating U.S. rig counts and declines in Canada [21] - The company expects annual revenue for 2025 to be between $174 million and $178 million, representing 8% year-over-year growth [22] - Free cash flow expectations for the year have been increased to $11 million to $13 million, reflecting favorable working capital balances [23][24] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with total liquidity of approximately $45 million [24] - A recent legal matter in Canada was resolved favorably for the company, overturning a prior judgment against it [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the opportunity set look like for ResMetrix in the Middle East going forward? - Management highlighted that ResMetrix brought long-term contracts and expanded the company's portfolio in the Middle East, particularly in Oman and Saudi Arabia [26][27] Question: Would free cash flow expectations remain similar in a flat growth environment for 2026? - Management indicated that they typically convert 50% to 60% of adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow, suggesting a stable profile in a flat growth scenario [28][29] Question: How is the integration of ResMetrix progressing and what are the synergy expectations? - Integration is on track, with potential synergies of $1 million to $2 million expected from improved efficiencies in operations [35][36] Question: What does the pipeline look like for the North Sea going into 2026? - Management expects robust activity in the North Sea next year, with several orders already in hand for sliding sleeves [38][39] Question: Given the weakness in Canadian rigs, how will the company defend its margins? - Management noted that while there has been a pullback in activity, they have historically gained market share and will adapt their cost structure if necessary [45][48] Question: What is the competitive environment for tracer diagnostics in international markets? - Management described the competitive landscape as manageable, with a few global competitors in tracer diagnostics, allowing for a focus on value delivery [54][55]