Release Date: April 17, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Liberty Energy Inc (LBRT, Financial) reported a solid first quarter with revenue of $977 million, net income of $20 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $168 million.
- The company achieved strong sequential improvement in utilization across its fleet, reaching new heights in operational efficiencies and safety performance.
- Liberty Energy Inc (LBRT) has excess demand for its services as customers align with top-tier providers, indicating a flight to quality in the industry.
- The company is well-positioned to navigate market uncertainties with greater scale, vertical integration, technological advancements, and a strong balance sheet.
- Strategic investments in equipment technology, digitization, and power generation have led to safer and more efficient operations with reduced fuel and parts consumption.
Negative Points
- First quarter net income of $20 million was down from $52 million in the prior quarter, and adjusted net income was $7 million compared to $17 million in the prior quarter.
- General administrative expenses increased to $66 million in the first quarter, up from $56 million in the prior quarter, partly due to stock-based compensation.
- The company faces potential challenges from tariff negotiations and OPEC+ production strategies, which could impact future outcomes.
- Liberty Energy Inc (LBRT) is experiencing market uncertainties, with potential impacts from geopolitical tensions and oil supply concerns.
- The company anticipates modest tariff-related inflationary impacts on engines and other equipment components, which could affect costs.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you elaborate on the demand for Liberty's high-quality assets and how pricing discussions are evolving?
A: Ron Gusek, President, explained that while there was a downward trend in pricing through 2023 and 2024, the pricing set during the RFP season for 2025 has remained stable. Additional inquiries are from existing customers seeking more capacity, and next-generation asset pricing remains resilient.
Q: How are raw material costs impacting maintenance CapEx for the year?
A: Michael Stock, CFO, noted that while there are inflationary pressures on raw materials like steel and iron, the company does not expect significant changes in pricing. Efforts are being made to offset costs through volume discounts and efficiency improvements.
Q: Can you provide an update on the power generation business and its pipeline of opportunities?
A: Ron Gusek highlighted that the pipeline of opportunities exceeds current capacity, with advanced discussions in electrification, data centers, and industrial development. The company remains confident in deploying assets under contract by Q1 2026.
Q: How would Liberty's operations be affected if US oil production decreases due to OPEC's actions?
A: Ron Gusek stated that a reduction in unconventional production could lead to a decrease in frac crew count from 220 to around 190, but it would not result in a catastrophic situation for pressure pumping.
Q: What is the outlook for Liberty's CapEx and buyback strategy given current market conditions?
A: Michael Stock emphasized flexibility in CapEx, particularly in the fourth quarter and into 2026. The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and will prioritize this over using debt for buybacks, especially given the current economic uncertainties.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
