ProPetro Holding Corp (PUMP) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with ...

GuruFocus.com
20 Feb
  • Revenue: Fourth quarter revenue decreased 11% to USD 321 million.
  • Net Loss: USD 17 million net loss in the fourth quarter, including a USD 24 million non-cash impairment expense.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: Decreased 26% sequentially to USD 53 million in the fourth quarter.
  • Free Cash Flow: Increased over 9 times year-over-year to USD 118 million for 2024.
  • Capital Expenditures: Reduced by 57% year-over-year; USD 25 million incurred in the fourth quarter.
  • Share Repurchase Program: USD 111 million returned to shareholders since May 2023.
  • Cash and Liquidity: USD 50 million in cash and USD 161 million in total liquidity as of December 31, 2024.
  • Active Frac Fleets: 14 active hydraulic fracturing fleets in the fourth quarter.
  • 2025 Capital Expenditures Guidance: Expected to range between USD 300 million and USD 400 million.
  • Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with PUMP.

Release Date: February 19, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • ProPetro Holding Corp (NYSE:PUMP) reported strong free cash flow generation, despite a challenging operating environment.
  • The company has successfully transitioned 75% of its fleet to next-generation gas-burning equipment, which is in high demand.
  • ProPetro's new business line, ProPWR, represents a significant growth opportunity, with plans to expand power generation capacity to between 150 and 200 megawatts by early 2026.
  • The company has maintained a strong balance sheet and liquidity position, with total liquidity of USD 161 million at the end of 2024.
  • ProPetro has returned USD 111 million of capital to shareholders through its share repurchase program since May 2023.

Negative Points

  • ProPetro's revenue declined by 11% from 2023, and the fourth quarter revenues decreased by 11% compared to the third quarter.
  • The company reported a net loss of USD 17 million in the fourth quarter, including a non-cash impairment expense of USD 24 million.
  • Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA decreased by 26% sequentially to USD 53 million.
  • The company faced typical seasonality and extended customer holiday shutdowns, impacting utilization across service lines.
  • ProPetro's wireline business experienced a weaker pricing environment in the back half of 2024.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide insights on the expected revenue and EBITDA generation from the Pro Power business with 150 to 200 megawatts of power? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) We expect the impact to be more significant in 2026 as we spend 2025 placing orders and setting up our commercial architecture. (David Schorlemer, CFO) For 150 to 200 megawatts, you can apply about $300,000 to $400,000 EBITDA per megawatt per year. These assets have longer lives, with a return on invested capital in the higher teens, leading to a three-to-four-year payback.

Q: How do you view the pricing and market dynamics in the frac business, especially with some companies reporting pricing pressures? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) Our focus is on the Permian Basin and blue-chip E&P customers, which provides a consistent and sturdy outlook. We maintain stable pricing due to our high-efficiency operations and strong customer relationships, unlike other basins or customer types.

Q: What is your outlook for the Permian Basin's frac fleet activity over the next four to five quarters? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) We expect the activity to remain relatively flat. However, efficiencies have increased, with average fleet sizes now 50% larger than five years ago. We believe that playing at the high end of the efficiency game ensures consistent work and a strong value proposition.

Q: Can you elaborate on the capital expenditures for 2025, particularly for the completion segment? A: (David Schorlemer, CFO) The $150 million to $200 million allocated for the completion segment includes refurbishment of our Tier 4 DGB equipment. It does not include anything beyond the fifth fleet.

Q: What is the current status and future potential of the Pro Power business, especially regarding contracts and market opportunities? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) We are initially focusing on oil and gas applications, with significant demand in production and midstream sectors. We expect to secure long-term contracts (three to five years) for our equipment, which will provide consistency and stability in our business.

Q: How is the AquaProp acquisition performing, and what is the pricing environment for your cementing and wireline businesses? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) AquaProp has been beneficial, although sand market conditions have impacted growth. Our cementing business is performing well, especially after divesting non-Permian operations. Wireline pricing has been weaker, but we aim to integrate it more with our frac services.

Q: How are you managing operational risks as you enter the Pro Power business? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) We are confident due to the leadership team we have built and our existing ProPetro infrastructure. We excel in managing personnel, equipment, and logistics, which will help us execute effectively in the Pro Power business.

Q: What type of equipment are you ordering for Pro Power, and how does it impact your operations? A: (Sam Sledge, CEO) We have ordered turbines (five megawatts and up) and reciprocating engines (three megawatts and up). This equipment will support our strategy to provide reliable power solutions and diversify our business.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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