Liberty Energy Inc (LBRT) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Revenue Declines and ...

In This Article:

  • Full Year Revenue: $4.2 billion.

  • Full Year Net Income: $316 million.

  • Full Year Adjusted EBITDA: $922 million.

  • Return on Capital Employed: 17%.

  • Cash Return on Capital Invested: 21%.

  • Full Year Revenue Decline: 9% decrease from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $4.3 billion in 2024.

  • Fourth Quarter Revenue: $944 million, a 17% sequential decline.

  • Fourth Quarter Net Income: $52 million.

  • Fourth Quarter Adjusted Net Income: $70 million.

  • Fourth Quarter Adjusted EBITDA: $156 million.

  • General and Administrative Expenses: $56 million in the fourth quarter.

  • Net Debt: $171 million at year-end.

  • 2024 Capital Expenditures: $627 million.

  • Share Buybacks and Dividends: $127 million in share buybacks and $48 million in cash dividends in 2024.

  • 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: $700 million to $750 million.

  • 2025 Capital Expenditures Guidance: Approximately $650 million.

Release Date: January 30, 2025

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

Positive Points

  • Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) achieved strong financial performance in 2024 with revenue of $4.2 billion, net income of $316 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $922 million.

  • The company successfully executed fleet transition initiatives and cost optimization efforts using AI-enhanced digital systems.

  • Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) distributed $550 million to shareholders since July 2022 through share buybacks and dividends.

  • The company is expanding its power generation services business, leveraging its expertise to meet rising power demand in North America.

  • Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) has built strong partnerships and investments across various energy sectors, including geothermal, nuclear, and battery technologies.

Negative Points

  • Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) experienced a 9% decline in full-year revenue compared to 2023, with revenue totaling $4.3 billion.

  • The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a sequential decline in revenue by 17%, driven by market headwinds and larger-than-expected absorption.

  • Frac pricing has softened over the last year, impacting profitability, especially for older Tier 2 assets.

  • The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $700 million to $750 million, down from 2024.

  • Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) faces near-term price pressure in the completions market due to slowing activity and conventional fleet impacts.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you discuss the current state of frac pricing and how it compares to a year ago? A: Ron Gusek, incoming CEO, explained that frac pricing has softened over the past year, with a peak in mid- to late 2022. The decline has been gradual, with older Tier 2 assets being most affected. However, next-generation assets, like the digi platform, have shown resilience in pricing as they head into 2025.