Q2 2026 Hunting PLC Earnings Call

August 21, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning, everyone, and, good to have you in attendance today to listen to Bruce and I talk about our results for the first half of the year.

Jim Johnson: Good morning, everyone, and good to have you in attendance today to listen to Bruce and I talk about our results for the H1 of the year. But before we get started, as always, I just want to do a thanks out to the team at Hunting. Again, we delivered excellent results in the H1 of the year and a lot of hard work to make that happen. Special thanks today to Graham Goodall and the team in the Middle East. As everybody knows, it is a very challenging environment and a lot of stress in that area these days. I just want to say thanks for all that they do. Getting into our results today, we are very pleased with what has happened in the first 6 months of the year.

Speaker #1: Before we get started, as always, I just want to do a thanks-out to the team at Hunting again. We delivered excellent results in the first half of the year, and a lot of hard work to make that happen.

Speaker #1: A special thanks to Graham Goodall and the team in the Middle East. As everybody knows, it's a very challenging environment, and a lot of stress in that area these days.

Speaker #1: And so I just want to say thanks for all that they do. Getting into our results today: we're very pleased with what has happened in the first 6 months of the year.

Speaker #1: I think the results today show that our strategy, that we've laid out and put in place, is definitely working. We've delivered a diversified, array of results and opportunities that have come into our— into our fold.

Jim Johnson: I think the results today show that our strategy that we have laid out and put in place is definitely working. We have delivered a diversified array of results and opportunities that have come into our fold. We have performed very well, and we are not focused on just one basin or one geographic area, and it played out today with the broad positive results that we had. Today, as we get started, there are really three points that I want to get across, or three main themes, and we will go into more detail with everything throughout this report. I think the first theme is the incredible turnaround that we have seen in the performance of our Hunting Titan Perforating business.

Speaker #1: But we've performed very, very well, and we're not focused on just one basin or one geographic area. And it played out today with the broad positive results that we had.

Speaker #1: So today, as we get started, there's really 3 points that I want to get across. There are 3 main themes, and we'll go into more detail with everything throughout this report.

Speaker #1: But I think the first theme is the incredible turnaround that we've seen in the performance of our Titan perforating business. And credit to the team for all the advances that they've made from a sales point of view, from a cost point of view, supply chain point of view, and maintaining our technology lead in that field.

Jim Johnson: Credit to the team for all the advances that they have made from a sales point of view, from a cost point of view, supply chain point of view, and maintaining our technology lead in that field. As clients continue to have more challenging wells in the unconventionals regarding the length of these wells, I think the Hunting Titan products continue to be the call of choice when it comes to those type of equipment needs. Additionally, our international business with Hunting Titan has been very strong. We are looking at a 50% increase there year-over-year. The second part of the story that is amazing to me as well has been the success we have had in our subsea business. That is really a catalyst on how we have decided to change the company and change our strategy to really, again, be in markets globally.

Speaker #1: And as clients continue to have more challenging wells in the unconventionals regarding the lengths of the— lengths of these wells, I think the Titan products continue to be the call of choice when it comes to those type of equipment needs.

Speaker #1: Additionally, our international business with Titan has been very, very strong. We're looking at a 50% increase there year over year. The second part of the story that is amazing to me as well has been the success we've had in our subsea business.

Speaker #1: And that is really a catalyst on how we've decided to change the company and change our strategy to really, again, be in markets globally.

Speaker #1: So if you look at pre-2019, we had one very small segment in the subsea business. Today, with the acquisitions we've done, we've expanded that greatly.

Jim Johnson: If you look at pre-2019, we had one very small segment in the subsea business. Today, with the acquisitions we have done, we have expanded that greatly, and that has led to a higher margin profile. Even if you look at our performance so far this year, our Q2 overall margin profile increase with EBITDA range is close to 15%. A lot of that is driven by the subsea business and a lot of the optimism we have in the future because of things like energy security, reserve life, and the like, is really going to be focused on that subsea business. The third point is really to address what I would call the 800-pound elephant in the room, and that is what is going on in the Middle East and what is going on with KOC.

Speaker #1: And that has led to a higher margin profile, and even if you look at our performance so far this year, our second quarter overall margin profile increased with EBITDA ranges close to 15%.

Speaker #1: And a lot of that's driven by the subsea business, and a lot of the optimism we have in the future because of things like energy security, reserve life, and the like, is really going to be focused on that subsea business.

Speaker #1: And then, the number 3— the third point is really to address what I would call the 800-pound elephant in the room, and that is what is going on in the Middle East and what is going on with KOC.

Speaker #1: our virtual mill concept proved how successful it could be earlier this year with a number of big tenders out from KOC. And we were in first place to receive what would have been the largest tender awards in the company's history.

Jim Johnson: Our virtual mill concept proved how successful it could be earlier this year with a number of big tenders out from KOC. We were in first place to receive what would have been the largest tender awards in the company's history, and I am talking well in excess of $300 million. As you all know, the war came on, dragging on. How do you get material through the Strait of Hormuz? Long and short of it is we were asked to reverify delivery times and pricing like our competitors and all were. Even up until the last announcement that we put out in July, we had actually received a purchase order for $20 million for one of the line items. So we felt confident that this was going to happen. What was the mill delivery going to be like?

Speaker #1: And I'm talking well in excess of 300 million dollars. As you all know, the war came on, dragging on, dragging on. How do you get material through the Strait of Hormuz?

Speaker #1: Long and short of it is, we were asked for, to re-verify delivery times and pricing like our competitors in our work. And even up until the last, announcement that we put up in July, we had actually received a purchase order for 20 million dollars for one of the line items.

Speaker #1: So we felt confident that this was going to happen. we were, you know, what was the mill delivery is going to be like, when would it fall into our P&L statement and the like.

Jim Johnson: When would it fall into our P&L statement and the like? There were still challenges there. Long and short of it is those tenders have all been canceled. So KOC has canceled everything in that tender, and it will be coming out again, we think, within the next 60 days. So at the end of the day, we performed well. We were so close to getting the award, but now it is being pushed out, and it will definitely be a 2027 event. I would say the good news about all this, if there is any good news, is the fact that as of just this week, a new tender has been placed out in the market by KOC for a different field, so this is not the redo. But this tender value alone is in that $120 to $180 million range.

Speaker #1: It was still challenges there. But long and short of it is, those tenders have all been canceled. So KOC has canceled everything in that tender, and it will be coming out again, we think, within the next 60 days.

Speaker #1: So at the end of the day, we performed well, we were so close to getting the award, but now it's being pushed out, and it'll definitely be a 27 event.

Speaker #1: I would say the good news about all this, if there isn't a good news, is the fact that as of just this week, a new tender has been placed out in the market by KOC for a different field.

Speaker #1: So this is not the redo, but this tender value alone is in that 120 to 180 million dollar range. So we will be bidding that within the next 60 days.

Jim Johnson: We will be bidding that within the next 60 days. It is for delivery starting in June of next year. With the retender process of the major projects, we still are very optimistic that giving our technology, our relationship with KOC, and in the fact that we have our virtual mill concept that can do a competitive package, that we will be successful on those tenders in 2027. Now I will get into the presentation. Again, the highlights, I have talked a lot about that already. Again, it has been a subsea story with a high margin. It has been a Titan turnaround story. It has been a steady business in North America on the OCTG side. On the accessory business, Guyana continues to be a strong part of our business. On top of all that, the good sales work being done, we continue to focus on our cost reductions.

Speaker #1: It is for delivery starting in June of next year, and with the retender process of the major projects, we still are very optimistic that giving our technology, our relationship with KOC, and in the fact that we have our virtual mill concept that can do a competitive package that we will be successful on those tenders in 27.

Speaker #1: So now I'll get into the presentation. again, the highlights: I've talked a lot about that already. I mean, again, it's been a subsea story with a high margin.

Speaker #1: It's been a Titan turnaround story. It's been a steady business in North America on the OCTG side. On the accessory business, Guyana continues to be a strong part of our business.

Speaker #1: and on top of all that, the good sales work being done, we continue to focus on our cost reductions, our consolidation of facilities is nearly complete in EMEA as far as specifically on the European assets.

Jim Johnson: Our consolidation of facilities is nearly complete in EMEA, as far as specifically on the European assets, and we look forward to getting more synergies as next year we move into an international presentation, international combination, and North America. Supporting the market itself, there is a strong demand out there, again, for hydrocarbon security, and one of the upsides to the events in the Middle East has been the new light, I would say, or positive outlook for more international markets and more offshore markets. On top of that, the whole AI-driven power demand issue is really playing into the strengths we have in our Titan business, as well as our North American OCTG business. Financial numbers, you all have these here. I am not going to go into a whole lot of details on them, but you can see the difference.

Speaker #1: And we look forward to getting more synergies as next year we move into an international, presentation, international combination and North America. supporting the market itself, there's a strong demand out there, again, for hydrocarbon security and one of the upsides to the events in the Middle East has been the new light, I would say, or positive outlook for more international markets and more offshore markets.

Speaker #1: On top of that, the whole AI-driven power demand issue is really playing into the strengths we have in our Titan business as well as our North American OCTG business.

Speaker #1: Financial numbers, you all have these here. I'm not going to go into a whole lot of details on them, but you can see the difference: nearly 500 million in revenue in the first half of the year.

Jim Johnson: Nearly 500 million in revenue in the H1 of the year. The key number, the 62.1 million of EBITDA in the period. We continued our share buyback. We want to continue to be shareholder friendly and take excess of cash and show that there is going to be a return with this company, hopefully through ups and downs in the market, that we remain a good place to invest. We have announced an increase in our dividend proposal. The next one will be 7 cents a share. Again, capital outlays are continuing to rise in areas like offshore the market in the US. So capital spending should be on the uptick right now due to the fact that I think people are more comfortable that we are not going to see a big reversal in oil prices anytime soon.

Speaker #1: The key number, the 62.1 million of EBITDA in the period. we continued our share buyback. We want to continue to be shareholder-friendly. And take excessive cash and show that there is going to be a return with our— with this company.

Speaker #1: Hopefully through ups and downs in the market, and we remain a good place to invest. We've announced an increase in our dividend proposal the next one will be 7 cents a share.

Speaker #1: Again, capital outlays, our continuing to rise in areas like offshore. The market in the US, so capital spending, should be on the uptick. Right now, due to the fact that I think people are more comfortable that we're not going to see a big reversal in oil prices anytime soon.

Speaker #1: This slide here really shows to the fact that what I mentioned from a revenue point of view on the diversification we've had in a product lines going back to 2019 versus today.

Jim Johnson: This slide here really shows to the fact that what I mentioned from a revenue point of view on the diversification we have had in the product lines going back to 2019 versus today. You will see the big growth in the subsea side of the business. It is again, the highest margin business that we have right now, but it is a nice balance. So one of the keys when we looked at our strategy and where we were at years ago, is we just do not want to be one basin-focused, one country-focused or one product line-focused. And fortunately, this year it is really proven out. The recovery at Hunting Titan has been strong. The international opportunities, both in OCTG and subsea, remain healthy, and our advanced manufacturing business continues to book good business, partly due to aerospace and defense as well as to power gen business. We continue to focus on cost.

Speaker #1: You'll see the big, big growth in subsea side of the business. It is, again, the highest margin business that we have right now, but it's a nice balance.

Speaker #1: So one of the keys when we looked at our strategy, and where we were at years ago, is we just don't want to be one base and focus, one country focus, or one product line focus.

Speaker #1: And fortunately, this year it's really proven out. The recovery at Titan has been strong. The international opportunities, both in OCTG and subsea, remain healthy.

Jim Johnson: Fortunately, this year it is really proven out. The recovery at Hunting Titan has been strong. The international opportunities, both in OCTG and subsea, remain healthy, and our advanced manufacturing business continues to book good business, partly due to aerospace and defense as well as to power gen business. We continue to focus on cost. As I mentioned, we have had a lean manufacturing program in. We are well into our second decade of that.

Speaker #1: And our advanced manufacturing business continues to book good business, partly due to aerospace and defense, as well as to power gen business. we continue to focus on costs, as I mentioned.

Speaker #1: We've had a lean manufacturing program in— we're well into our second decade of that. There's never a time when that ends. It's kind of in the same line of the efficiency you see in our customers drilling wells in the Permian; today they're drilling in 14 days what used to be 28.

Jim Johnson: As I mentioned, we have had a lean manufacturing program in. We are well into our second decade of that. There is never a time when that ends. It is kind of in the same line of the efficiency you see in our customers drilling wells in the Permian. Today, they are drilling in 14 days what used to be 28, and we look at that same kind of philosophy in our manufacturing shops to see how we can do it quicker, faster and better. We talk about, versus 2019, a 24% decrease in our headcount. The fact that we are more efficient. We are using things like AI in some back-office applications to speed up processes. And I think a key note is the fact that our treasury share purchases, we talk about a 300% increase there to fund our LTIP programs and the like.

Jim Johnson: There is never a time when that ends. It is kind of in the same line of the efficiency you see in our customers drilling wells in the Permian. Today, they are drilling in 14 days what used to be 28, and we look at that same kind of philosophy in our manufacturing shops to see how we can do it quicker, faster and better. We talk about, versus 2019, a 24% decrease in our headcount. The fact that we are more efficient. We are using things like AI in some back-office applications to speed up processes. And I think a key note is the fact that our treasury share purchases, we talk about a 300% increase there to fund our LTIP programs and the like.

Speaker #1: And we look at that same kind of philosophy in our manufacturing shops to see how we can do it quicker, faster, and better. We talk about versus 2019, a 24% decrease in our headcount.

Speaker #1: The fact that we are more efficient, we are using things like AI in some back office applications to speed up processes. And I think a key note is the fact that our treasury share purchases— we talk about a 300% increase there to fund our LTIP programs and the like, but we have not issued any shares, so there is no dilution.

Speaker #1: The buyback, as we mentioned, kind of a newer thing for us in the past year. we're continuing that, and we'll give you some more highlights on that later on.

Jim Johnson: We have not issued any shares, so there is no dilution. The buyback, as we mentioned, kind of a newer thing for us in the past year. We are continuing that, and we will give you some more highlights on that later on. And then just one other thing on the cost reduction side. I would also like to comment that our health and safety record, our quality record remains stellar. Oil and gas demand. I am a big believer that the world is going to use hydrocarbons for a long time. And if you look at the trends, especially as it relates to the need for more and more electrons globally, for things like data centers and the like, natural gas is going to be a key driver of supplying those needs. And for our business, natural gas or oil really does not matter. We also continue to play in the geothermal market.

Speaker #1: and then one— just one other thing on the cost reduction side. I would also like to comment that our health and safety record, our quality record, remains stellar.

Speaker #1: Oil and gas demand, I'm a big believer that the world's going to use hydrocarbons for a long, long time. And if you look at the trends, especially as it relates to the need for more and more electrons globally for things like data centers and the like, natural gas is going to be a key driver of supplying those needs.

Speaker #1: And for our business, it really— natural gas or oil really doesn't matter. We also continue to play in the geothermal market. We landed a successful order in OCTG in the recent months for some geothermal work on premium connections.

Jim Johnson: For our business, natural gas or oil really does not matter. We also continue to play in the geothermal market. We landed a successful order in OCTG in the recent months for some geothermal work on premium connections. We continue to supply perforating equipment in geothermal applications, and we look that as while it is small, it is an area that we want to play in and we continue to pursue.

Jim Johnson: We landed a successful order in OCTG in the recent months for some geothermal work on premium connections. We continue to supply perforating equipment in geothermal applications, and we look that as while it is small, it is an area that we want to play in and we continue to pursue. Power demand, as I mentioned earlier, most of you have probably seen these slides before. There is just a huge amount of need for, like I said, the electrons. This is not going away. All you have to do is look at the spending that is going on by the major players in the data world. This is an issue that is going to see growth internationally because you are seeing the need for data centers in Europe and other markets in Japan. All of this has to have a steady stream of electricity to make sure they do not turn off.

Speaker #1: We continue to supply perforating equipment in geothermal applications. And we looked at, as while it's small, it's an area that we want to play in, and we continue to pursue.

Speaker #1: Our power demand, as I mentioned earlier, most of you have probably seen these slides before. There is just a huge amount of need for, like I said, the electrons.

Jim Johnson: Power demand, as I mentioned earlier, most of you have probably seen these slides before. There is just a huge amount of need for, like I said, the electrons. This is not going away. All you have to do is look at the spending that is going on by the major players in the data world. This is an issue that is going to see growth internationally because you are seeing the need for data centers in Europe and other markets in Japan. All of this has to have a steady stream of electricity to make sure they do not turn off.

Speaker #1: This isn't going away. All you have to do is look at the spending that's going on by the majors, players in the data world.

Speaker #1: And this is a— this is an issue that's going to see growth internationally, because you're seeing the need for data centers. In Europe, in other markets, in Japan, all of this has to have a steady stream of electricity to make sure they don't turn off.

Speaker #1: One of the main parts of our story are our thesis on why I think we're in kind of the earlier days of a really upswing in activity, is this page here.

Jim Johnson: One of the main parts of our story, or our thesis on why I think we are in kind of the earlier days of a really upswing in activity, is this page here. What it really shows is the fact that we have had a lost decade or so when it comes to exploration. Across the board, the majors are out there right now saying, "Where are we going to extend our reserve life?" We know what is there in the unconventionals in places like North America. The alternative is more unconventional development in areas from Algeria to obviously Argentina, Mexico. Literally, there is not an area around the world where there is not unconventional opportunities. On top of that, one of the big drivers, and you see the names up there like the Petrobras', the Exxons, the Chevrons, the Shells, it is offshore.

Speaker #1: And what it really shows is the fact that we've had a loss decade or so when it comes to exploration. And across the board, the majors are out there right now saying, "Where are we going to extend our reserve life?" We know what's there in the unconventionals in places like North America.

Speaker #1: So what the alternative is more unconventional development in areas from Algeria to obviously Argentina, Mexico, literally there's not an area around the world where there's not unconventional opportunities.

Jim Johnson: Literally, there is not an area around the world where there is not unconventional opportunities. On top of that, one of the big drivers, and you see the names up there like the Petrobras', the Exxons, the Chevrons, the Shells, it is offshore. That plays into the strength of our subsea business. It is a trend that these companies need to correct because they cannot produce themselves out of business. With that, I am turning it to Bruce.

Speaker #1: On top of that, one of the big drivers, and you see the names up there like the Petrobrases, the Exxons, the Chevrons, the Shells, it's offshore.

Speaker #1: And that plays into the strength of our subsea business. But it's a trend that these companies need to correct because they can't produce themselves out of business.

Jim Johnson: That plays into the strength of our subsea business. It is a trend that these companies need to correct because they cannot produce themselves out of business. With that, I am turning it to Bruce.

Speaker #1: And with that, I'm turning it to Bruce.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Jim. I'm pleased to talk to a strong set of results for the first half of the year. As Jim mentioned, EBITDA for the first half was 2062.1 million.

Bruce Ferguson: Thanks, Jim. I am pleased to talk to a strong set of results for the H1 of the year. As Jim mentioned, EBITDA for the H1 was GBP 62.1 million, with an EBITDA margin of 12%. These results do not include the QOC results we saw in last year. Pleasing to see the non-oil and gas revenues increase year-on-year to GBP 38 million. Our EPS slightly down from GBP 0.196 to GBP 0.152. That reflects the lower profitability. Order book normalized now. We do not have the KOC order through there, but 386. GBP 260 of that will get booked in 2026, which supports the 2026 outturn as well. It is important to us to see that dividend increase. That is up 13% to GBP 0.07 declared for the H1. Return on capital, key metric for us.

Speaker #2: with an EBITDA margin of 12. Now, 12%. These results don't include the KOC results we saw in last year. pleasing to see the non-oil and gas revenues increase year-on-year to 38 million.

Speaker #2: Our EPS, slightly down from 19.6 cents to 15.2. That reflects the lower profitability. Order book, normalized now. We don't have the KOC order through there, but 386.

Speaker #2: 260 of that will get booked in 26, which supports the 26 outturn as well. It's important to ask to see that dividend increase. That's up 13% to 7 cents, declared for the first half.

Speaker #2: Return on capital, key metric for us. that's slightly down at 9.1% for the first half of the year, but we see that improve as our phasing, our activity improves the second half, and actually get us back to over 10% by the end of the year.

Bruce Ferguson: That's slightly down at 9.1% for the H1 of the year, but we see that improve as our phasing, our activity improves the H2, and actually get us back to over 10% by the end of the year. Working capital, our phasing for the H1 of the year, we had $24 million EBITDA for Q1, 38 for the Q2. So we've got a bit of a build there. June was a good month in terms of sales, so those receivables are sitting on the balance sheet, and that's up the working capital ratios there, but will unwind over the H2 of the year. In terms of the income statements, we've got our revenue sitting there at 497. 38 million of that is the non-oil and gas. Gross profit sitting at fairly steady at 27%.

Speaker #2: Working capital, our phasing for the first half of the year, we had 24 million EBITDA for quarter one, 38 for the second quarter. So we've got a bit of a build there.

Speaker #2: June was a good month in terms of sales, so those receivables are sitting there on the balance sheet, and that's up the working capital ratios there, but will unwind over the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: In terms of the balance— in terms of the income statements, we've got our revenue sitting there at 497. 38 million of that is the non-oil and gas.

Speaker #2: gross profit sitting at fairly steady at 27%. we've seen an improvement in terms of margins coming through perforating. In terms of the volumes coming through.

Bruce Ferguson: We've seen an improvement in terms of margins coming through perforating, in terms of the volumes coming through, in terms of the international business coming through as well, which tends to be at a higher margin. If you go through to the profit after tax at 24.8 million, that gives us an EPS of 15.2 with the dividend sitting at GBP 0.07. One of the reasons for the strong performance was in terms of the segments. We've got two strong segments there in terms of Hunting Titan. We saw that the revenues increased 45% year-on-year. That's a combination of a strong US market. We've seen the rig count increase 45%. We've seen international sales double in the likes of Argentina and into the Middle East as well. So that's really a really stellar performance into Hunting Titan. North America, steady. Subsea, fantastic growth there.

Speaker #2: In terms of the international business coming through as well, which tends to be a higher margin. we've also got our— if you go through to the, profit after tax, 24.8 million.

Speaker #2: That gives us an EPS of 15.2, with a dividend sitting at 7 cents. One of the reasons for the strong performance was in terms of the segments.

Speaker #2: We've got two strong segments there in terms of Titan. We saw the revenues increase 45% year-on-year. that's a combination of a strong US market.

Speaker #2: We've seen the rig count increase 45%. We've seen international sales double. In the likes of Argentina and into the Middle East as well. So that's really a really stellar performance into Titan.

Speaker #2: North America steady. Subsea fantastic growth there. We're looking at 95% year-on-year. 15 million is that of that comes from a recent acquisition in terms of FES.

Bruce Ferguson: We're looking at 95% year-on-year. 15 million of that comes from our recent acquisition in terms of Flexible Engineered Solutions. So really good to see there, but really good activity in our subsea key markets there. The likes of Guyana are picking up really well. EMEA, again, lots of restructure been going on, lots of disruption in terms of the Middle East, but they're getting through that. We believe the H2 of the year will be stronger, and we seem to likely be profitable as well. Asia Pacific, you'll see the difference between this time last year and H1 this year. That's basically the absence of Kuwait Oil Company. And then that gives us the 497 for the H1. If we look at the balance sheet, balance sheet's in great order. Not much difference in terms of our assets, our depreciation, our CapEx tend to wash each other out.

Speaker #2: So really good to see there, but really good activity in our subsea key markets there, the likes of Guyana, picking up really well. EMEA, again, lots of restructure been going on, lots of disruption in terms of the Middle East, but they're getting through that.

Speaker #2: We believe the second half of the year will be stronger. we've seen July being profitable as well. Asia-Pac, you'll see the difference between this time last year and the first half this year.

Speaker #2: That's basically the absence of KOC. and then that gives us the 497 for the first half. If we look at the balance sheet, balance sheet's in great order.

Speaker #2: not much difference in terms of our assets. Our depreciation, our capex tend to wash each other out. working capital build is probably a key feature of this.

Speaker #2: We're 60 million higher in terms of working capital. That has affected cash flow, but that's a timing issue, and that will unwind over the second half of the year as well.

Bruce Ferguson: Working capital build is probably a key feature of this. We're 60 million higher in terms of working capital. That has affected cash flow, but that's a timing issue, and that will unwind over the H2 of the year as well. That does leave us with a slight net borrowings position of 19 million, but that in terms of leverage is very low in terms of our EBITDA. So we're in a really good pristine position there in terms of future capital allocations or optionality over our M&A. Our working capital, a little bit more detail here. Really the key number here is on the receivables. That has increased 60 million from up to 293, and that in many ways that's a positive thing.

Speaker #2: that's, does leave us with a slight, net borrowing position of 19 million, but that in terms of leverage is very low in terms of our EBITDA.

Speaker #2: So we're in a really good, pristine position there in terms of future capital allocations, our optionality over our M&A. Our working capital a little bit more, detail here.

Speaker #2: really the key number here is on the receivables. That has increased 60 million from, up to 293, and that in many ways that's a positive thing.

Speaker #2: That's that, strong June trading position. That's coming through in terms of receivables. And it also shows the build for some of our large subsea contracts as well.

Bruce Ferguson: That strong June trading position, that is coming through in terms of receivables, and it also shows the build for some of our large subsea contracts as well. Cash flow, in terms of main items there, you will see the 58 million coming off the working capital movements. We have also had a net one-off import tax liability that was paid. That was a one-off. That comes through to -27.8 million in terms of our cash flow. We started on a strong position in terms of the year at 62 million, so we are still in a good place. We have made 33 million in terms of share buybacks, dividends at 10 million, and again, as Jim said, we are ahead of the game in terms of purchase of treasury shares for the LTIP program as well. A little bit of commentary around our order book. We are sitting at 386.

Speaker #2: Okay. Cash flow in terms of, main items there, you'll see the 58 million coming off the working capital movements. we've also had a net one-off import tax liability that was paid.

Speaker #2: That was a one-off. that comes through to negative 27.8 million in terms of our cash flow. We started on a strong position in terms of the year at 62 million.

Speaker #2: So we're still in good place. We've made 33 million in terms of share buybacks. Dividends, at 10 million. And again, as Jim said, we've got— we're ahead of the game in terms of purchase of treasury shares for the LTIP program as well.

Speaker #2: A little bit of commentary around our order book. we're sitting at 386. We've got a tender pipeline behind that, which gives us comfort as well of just under a billion dollars.

Bruce Ferguson: We have got a tender pipeline behind that, which gives us comfort as well of just under 1 billion USD. 260 million of this 380 will be booked in 2026, which gives us support for the H2 of the year. We do see the order book upside with the Middle East, the Subsea orders for Guyana, Organic Oil Recovery coming through in terms of got some really good opportunities commercializing on that side. We are very excited about that, and that sets us up well for the H2 and beyond. In terms of guidance, a little bit of trimming in terms of the EBITDA to reflect the delay in that KOC tender. We are now looking at 138 to 141, so roughly 10 million USD down from that side. EBITDA margins reflecting the stronger Hunting Titan coming through there, the product mix of Subsea as well, so at 12% to 13%.

Speaker #2: 260 million of this 380 will be, booked in 26, which gives us support for the second half of the year. we do see the order book upside near the Middle East.

Speaker #2: the subsea orders for Guyana organic oil recovery coming through in terms of got some really great opportunities commercializing on that side. We're very excited about that.

Speaker #2: And that sets us well for the second half and beyond. So in terms of guidance, a little bit of trimming in terms of EBITDA to reflect the delay in that KOC tender.

Speaker #2: we're now looking at 138 to 141, so roughly 10 million down from that side. EBITDA margins reflecting the stronger Titan coming through there, the product mix of subsea as well.

Bruce Ferguson: EBITDA margins reflecting the stronger Hunting Titan coming through there, the product mix of Subsea as well, so at 12% to 13%. Really key metric for us to get up to 15%, as per our Capital Markets Day targets, and we believe we are on track to do that as well. CapEx will step up slightly in the H2 of the year. We are forecasting that around about 40 to 50 million USD, and the free cash conversion still at 50%. With that, pleased to hand back to Jim.

Speaker #2: So at 12% to 13%. Really key metric for us to get up to 15%. as per our capital markets day targets, and we believe we're on track to do that as well.

Bruce Ferguson: Really key metric for us to get up to 15%, as per our Capital Markets Day targets, and we believe we are on track to do that as well. CapEx will step up slightly in the H2 of the year. We are forecasting that around about 40 to 50 million USD, and the free cash conversion still at 50%. With that, pleased to hand back to Jim.

Speaker #2: Capex will step up slightly in the second half of the year. We're forecasting that around about 40 to 50 million. And the free cash conversion, still at 50%.

Speaker #2: And with that, please hand back to—

Speaker #1: Thank you, Bruce. Let me see. Where are the paths? Okay. In-market diversification, again, it's one of the things that we wanted to do when we laid out our businesses.

Jim Johnson: Thank you, Bruce. Let me see. Growth paths. End market diversification, again, it is one of the things that we wanted to do when we laid out our business is how do we diversify the business? One of the upsides that we have seen even more recently has been the great strides we have made at our Dearborn operation. If you look in recent months, up to 90% of the business has been non-oil and gas, and that has been a heavy focus on aerospace, defense, and power gen. Subsea, again, a big driver. We are looking for growth in those regions around the world that are going to utilize all of our products. We are working hard to make sure that we are bundling in front of the client and that we can give more opportunities to tender different products. We are seeing that come through already with the Flexible Engineered Solutions acquisition.

Speaker #1: How do we diversify the business? And one of the, upsides that we've seen even more recently has been the great strides we've made at our Dearborn operation.

Speaker #1: If you look in recent months, up to 90% of the business has been non-oil and gas. And that has been a heavy focus on aerospace, defense, and power gen.

Speaker #1: But subsea, again, a big driver. We're looking for, those growth in those regions around the world that are going to utilize all of our products.

Jim Johnson: Subsea, again, a big driver. We are looking for growth in those regions around the world that are going to utilize all of our products. We are working hard to make sure that we are bundling in front of the client and that we can give more opportunities to tender different products. We are seeing that come through already with the Flexible Engineered Solutions acquisition.

Speaker #1: We're working hard to make sure that we're bundling in front of the client and that we can give more opportunities to tender different products.

Speaker #1: And we're seeing that come through already with the FES acquisition. We're seeing it in the decommissioning side in the UK. so lots of upside there.

Jim Johnson: We are seeing it in the decommissioning side in the UK. Lots of upside there. North America, we have a continuous strong position in the onshore marketplace there, both in perforating and in the premium connection business. Strong market outlook. You guys see all this. What I am really excited about is the opportunities. We talk a lot about the offshore market, but if you look at unconventionals, as I have always said, it is the most common hydrocarbon rock in the world, and it is all over the place. We have seen a huge amount of growth coming from Argentina, where we are a key supplier down there. Mexico is kind of fits and starts, but there is a market there. Algeria, a new one.

Speaker #1: And then North America, we have a continual strong position in the onshore marketplace there, both in perforating and in the premium connection business. Strong market outlook.

Speaker #1: You guys see all this. I mean, what I'm really excited about is the opportunities. We talk a lot about the offshore market, but if you look at unconventionals, as I've always said, it's the most common hydrocarbon rock in the world, and it's all over the place.

Speaker #1: And we've seen a huge amount of growth coming from Argentina, where we're a key supplier down there. Mexico is kind of fits and starts, but there is a market there.

Jim Johnson: Mexico is kind of fits and starts, but there is a market there. Algeria, a new one. But one of the interesting facts in this period has been that the unconventional work that we are doing in Saudi Arabia really has not been affected by anything going on in the Gulf. We continue, in some cases, even flying in product. But the unconventional work remains very healthy there and is a huge resource base that is going to continue to be utilized.

Speaker #1: Algeria, a new one, but one of the interesting facts in this period has been that the unconventional work that we're doing in Saudi Arabia really has not been affected by anything going on in the Gulf.

Jim Johnson: But one of the interesting facts in this period has been that the unconventional work that we are doing in Saudi Arabia really has not been affected by anything going on in the Gulf. We continue, in some cases, even flying in product. But the unconventional work remains very healthy there and is a huge resource base that is going to continue to be utilized. Even in areas like the UAE, we have supplied OCTG products with our Techlock product line for some of the first unconventional wells there. There is a huge upside. We think one of them that is not listed there, for example, is Australia, where you see people like the venture with Liberty looking at a huge resource in Australia, and we have supplied product there and see that also as a growth area. Now again, I have talked about this, just some examples of what we are doing.

Speaker #1: So we continue in some cases even flying in product, but the unconventional work remains very healthy there. And it is a huge resource base that's going to continue to be utilized.

Speaker #1: And even in areas like the UAE, we have supplied OCTG products with our TechLock product line. For some of the first unconventional wells there.

Jim Johnson: Even in areas like the UAE, we have supplied OCTG products with our Techlock product line for some of the first unconventional wells there. There is a huge upside. We think one of them that is not listed there, for example, is Australia, where you see people like the venture with Liberty looking at a huge resource in Australia, and we have supplied product there and see that also as a growth area. Now again, I have talked about this, just some examples of what we are doing.

Speaker #1: So there's a huge upside, we think. One of them that's not listed there, for example, is Australia, where you see people like the venture with Liberty looking at a huge resource in Australia.

Speaker #1: And we have supplied product there and see that also as a growth area. now again, I've talked about this, kind of just some examples of what we're doing.

Speaker #1: We don't want to be slacking on our technology. Part of the reason we get to the table with KOC is because of our test lab in Houston and the design, greatness, I will say, of our design teams in solving customers' problems with new connection technology.

Jim Johnson: We do not want to be slacking on our technology. Part of the reason we get to the table with KOC is because of our test lab in Houston and the design greatness, I would say, of our design teams in solving customers' problems with new connection technology. You would think after all these years, there cannot be anything more, but there always is. Again, it is pushing the envelope. How do you get more performance out of these tubulars, whether it is through metallurgical issues in grades of material or designs of connections? We are on top of that. We have got a busy schedule. We continue to look at CRA opportunities, which will be more on the high spec end for areas like high temperature geothermal and the like. On the gun system side, we are rolling out our H-5 perforating system.

Speaker #1: And you would think after all these years, there can't be anything more, but there always is. Again, it's pushing the envelope: how do you get more performance out of these tubulars?

Speaker #1: Whether it's through metallurgical issues and grades of material or designs of connections. So we're on top of that. We've got a busy schedule. We continue to look at CRA opportunities, which will be more on the high-spec end for areas like high-temperature geothermal and the like.

Speaker #1: on the gun system side, we're rolling out our H5 perforating system. Really, on that, what I will say is it's more of a lean initiative for us.

Jim Johnson: Really on that, what I will say is it is more of a lean initiative for us. As we look at our products, how can we make them quicker, faster, and better? You will see more about that six months from now as this gets more introduced into the marketplace. South America, we talk about a strong area for us. Guyana has just been the gift that keeps on giving, and we expect, thanks to our relationship with ExxonMobil, to see many years of strong business there for multiple product lines. The domestic North American business remains steady. As we mentioned, the rig count in the US is up about 40 to 50 rigs year-over-year. The frac spread count has increased. We think that business is going to stay steady throughout the year with some growth. We have been exceptionally happy with what we have also seen in Canada.

Speaker #1: As we look at our products, how can we make them quicker, faster, and better? So you'll see more about that six months from now, as this gets more introduced into the marketplace.

Speaker #1: like South America, we talk about a strong, strong area for us. you know, Guyana has just been the gift that keeps on giving. And we expect, thanks to our relationship with Exxon, to see many, many years of strong business there for multiple product lines.

Speaker #1: The, domestic North American business remains steady. As we mentioned, the rig count in the US is up about 40 to 50 rigs year over year.

Speaker #1: The frac spread count has increased. We think that that business is going to stay steady throughout the year with some growth. We've been exceptionally happy with what we've also seen in Canada.

Speaker #1: So we've seen a nice uptick in the Canadian market. Some of that driven by unconventionals. But overall, I think the US is still poised for further expansion.

Jim Johnson: We've seen a nice uptick in the Canadian market, some of that driven by unconventionals. But overall, I think the US is still poised for further expansion. We had a recent Gulf of Mexico lease sale 2 weeks ago, brought in the US government another $84 million. You're seeing a lot of interest in the majors looking at their asset base and potential asset base in the Gulf of America. That'll play into, again, not only our subsea business, but our premium connection business and our accessory business as well. Middle East, as I mentioned, there's lots of plans with people like the UAE leaving OPEC. They want to ramp up production. Kuwait wants to ramp up production. At the end of the day, you got to put holes in the ground. While the war has been disruptive, it's not like these projects are going away.

Speaker #1: We had a recent, Gulf of Mexico lease sale two weeks ago. Brought in the US government another $84 million. You're seeing a lot of interest in the majors looking at their asset base and potential asset base in the Gulf of America.

Speaker #1: And that'll play into again, not only our subsea business, but our premium connection business and our accessory business as well. Middle East, as I mentioned, there's lots of plans with people like the UAE leaving OPEC.

Speaker #1: They want to ramp up production Kuwait wants to ramp up production. At the end of the day, you got to put holes in the ground.

Speaker #1: And while the war has been disruptive, it's not like these projects are going away. So they will happen, and we are well prepared. I just can't today give you a time on when we're going to see purchase orders and start threading tubulars for Kuwait.

Jim Johnson: They will happen, and we are well prepared. I just can't today give you a time on when we're going to see purchase orders and start threading tubulars for Kuwait. Again, we talked about South America. This is just a graph that just shows some of the subsea offerings and where we're at. Organic Oil Recovery, we'll talk about that in a little bit more for questions. We're seeing a lot of optimism in there, a lot of work going forward as far as trials turning into actual field projects. West Africa, we've seen tender activity pick up there on the subsea side as well as OCTG. In Brazil, with the establishment of a new office there 2 years ago, we're ingrained with some of the independents there.

Speaker #1: again, we talk about South America. This is just a graph that just shows some of the subsea offerings and where we're at. Organic oil recovery, you know, we'll talk about that in a little bit more for questions.

Speaker #1: We're seeing a lot of optimism in there, a lot of work going forward as far as trials turning into actual field projects. West Africa, we've seen tender activity pick up there on the subsea side as well as OCTG.

Speaker #1: And Brazil, with the establishment of a new office there two years ago, we're, ingrained with some of the independence there. What a lot of people don't, don't look at, they only think of Petrobras.

Jim Johnson: What a lot of people don't look at, they only think of Petrobras, but there is a group of independents also working down there. Within the last month, we secured a significant order from OOR for one of the independents in Brazil. Going into the next slide. Dearborn, as I talked about earlier, just a list right now on some of the key clients. Again, it's aerospace, it's power generation, and it has been a lot less oil and gas. As I've mentioned in the past, we've had a bit of a transformation in that operation in Maine because if you go back 10 years ago, it was literally 80%, 90% oil and gas. That has shifted right now.

Speaker #1: But there is a group of independence also working down there. And within the last month, we secured a significant order from OOR for one of the independence in Brazil.

Speaker #1: going into the next slide. Dearborn, as I talked about earlier, just kind of a list right now on some of the key clients. Again, it's aerospace, it's power generation, and it has been a lot less oil and gas.

Speaker #1: And so, as I've mentioned in the past, we've had a bit of a transformation in that operation in Maine because if you go back 10 years ago, it was literally 80%, 90% oil and gas.

Speaker #1: And so that has shifted right now. And companies like solar, which is the division of Caterpillar, they remain very trusting in hunting and a long-term relationship.

Jim Johnson: Companies like Solar, which is the division of Caterpillar, they remain very trusting in Hunting and a long-term relationship, and that is strictly power generation demand that we see accelerating. Enhanced oil technology. Bruce, again, I always pass to Bruce because I give him credit for bringing that to the table and developing it. But at the end of the day, customers or clients going back to the reserve replacement life, it's how do you get more barrels out of each foot of wellbore. What are you going to do to push out things like the abandonment issues in the North Sea? We think OOR is one of the solutions to that. We've had very good results back from Harbour that we can talk to later, but we are seeing positive indications on trials that we've done and a lot of those moving to the next phase.

Speaker #1: demand that we see accelerating.

Speaker #2: It has oil technology. Bruce, again, I always pass to Bruce because I give him credit for bringing that to the table and developing it.

Speaker #2: But at the end of the day, customers or clients going back to the reserve replacement life, it's how do you get more barrels out of each, each foot of wellbore?

Speaker #2: And what are you going to do to push out things like the abandonment issues in the North Sea? And we think OOR is one of the solutions to that.

Speaker #2: We've had very good results back from Harbor. That we can talk to later but we are seeing a positive indications on trials that we've done and a lot of those moving to the next phase.

Speaker #2: So we're very optimistic that it's early days for OOR, but it's a, it's a process and a product that really the industry should be embracing more, but it's always, it's nobody ever wants to be first.

Jim Johnson: We are very optimistic that it is early days for Organic Oil Recovery, but it is a process and a product that really the industry should be embracing more. But nobody ever wants to be first, so you are always in that process of dealing with the clients and working on the trials. But we see light at the end of the tunnel for sure. Again, there is some of the acceleration that talks about the steps that we do. You can see the players up there. I think the most exciting ones we are dealing with right now are ExxonMobil for a number of projects globally. Again, there are some opportunities in the Middle East as well. Harbour, again, it has been positive. We should be getting more purchase orders from them. It is an area where it is enhancing production and, again, the results have been very, very good.

Speaker #2: So you're always in that process of dealing with the clients and working on the trials. But we see light at the end of the tunnel for sure.

Speaker #2: again, there's some of the acceleration that talks about the steps that we do. You can see the players up there. I think the most exciting ones we're dealing with right now are Exxon for a number of projects globally.

Jim Johnson: I think the most exciting ones we are dealing with right now are ExxonMobil for a number of projects globally. Again, there are some opportunities in the Middle East as well. Harbour, again, it has been positive. We should be getting more purchase orders from them. It is an area where it is enhancing production and, again, the results have been very, very good. In summary, this company is well-positioned to take advantage of what I think is early days of a strong bull market in the oilfield service business.

Speaker #2: And again, there's some opportunities in the Middle East as well. Harbor, again, it's been positive. We should be getting more purchase orders from them.

Speaker #2: It's an area where it's, it's enhancing production and, again, the results have been very, very good. In summary, this company is well positioned to take advantage of what I think is early days of a strong bull market in the oil field service business.

Jim Johnson: In summary, this company is well-positioned to take advantage of what I think is early days of a strong bull market in the oilfield service business. It comes down to energy security. It comes down to the cost involved for the standard of living of people. It comes down to things like the AI revolution that is ramping up power demand that has to be supplied to a large extent by natural gas. It is a portfolio that we have today that is really the broadest I have seen in the company's history as far as oilfield services go. Everything from, we will take part in wells in 5,000 feet of water in the Gulf of America to onshore wells in Alberta, Canada, to whatever. So we play in a lot of different areas right now, and that exposure puts us in front of the client in a lot of places.

Speaker #2: It comes down to energy security. It comes down to the cost involved for the standard of living of people. It comes down to things like the, the AI revolution that is, that is ramping up, power demand that has to be supplied to a large extent by natural gas.

Jim Johnson: It comes down to energy security. It comes down to the cost involved for the standard of living of people. It comes down to things like the AI revolution that is ramping up power demand that has to be supplied to a large extent by natural gas. It is a portfolio that we have today that is really the broadest I have seen in the company's history as far as oilfield services go. Everything from, we will take part in wells in 5,000 feet of water in the Gulf of America to onshore wells in Alberta, Canada, to whatever.

Speaker #2: And it's a portfolio that we have today that is really the broadest I've seen in the company's history as far as oil field services go.

Speaker #2: So we everything from, you know, we'll take part in wells in 5,000 feet of water in the Gulf of America, to onshore wells in Alberta, Canada, to whatever.

Speaker #2: So we play in a lot of different areas right now. and that exposure puts us in the clients, in front of the client, in a lot of places.

Jim Johnson: We play in a lot of different areas right now, and that exposure puts us in front of the client in a lot of places. I just think the list of opportunities is just going to continue to expand. I give credit, our sales team, commercial team, has done an excellent job, again, solving customers' needs, which is the number one thing that Hunting does. With that, we are about ready to go to questions.

Speaker #2: And so I just think the list of opportunities is just going to continue to expand. And I give credit our sales team, commercial team has done an excellent job.

Jim Johnson: I just think the list of opportunities is just going to continue to expand. I give credit, our sales team, commercial team, has done an excellent job, again, solving customers' needs, which is the number one thing that Hunting does. With that, we are about ready to go to questions.

Speaker #2: Again, solving customers' needs, which is the number one thing that Hunting does. And with that, we are about ready to go to questions.

Speaker #3: Thank you. As a reminder, questions are being taken across the webcast. So please click on the control panel at the bottom of your screen.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, questions are being taken across the webcast, so please click on the control panel at the bottom of your screen and click on the questions icon and type them in. Our first question comes from Victoria at RBC. Are you seeing any progress in expanding titanium stress joints to new operators or geographies?

Speaker #3: And click on the questions icon and type them in. So our first question comes from Victoria at RBC. Are you seeing any progress in expanding titanium stress joints to new operators or geographies?

Speaker #2: The answer is yes. We, we did not make a press release, but just within the last 10 days, we received a $16 million order from a new client in the Gulf of America.

Jim Johnson: The answer is yes. We did not make a press release, but just within the last 10 days, we received a $16 million order from a new client in the Gulf of America for an independent that I will not name right now, displacing one of the competing solutions. That was a nice win, and again, it kind of goes with that whole momentum that we are seeing in the product line offering. The best thing that ever happened to us was having ExxonMobil standardize on that product for a lot of their FPSO work in Guyana, because it is almost like we would say in the States, the good housekeeping seal of approval. If ExxonMobil is using it, why aren't we? We are seeing more of those opportunities coming up. We are tendering for those products in places like West Africa right now.

Speaker #2: For an independent that I will not name right now. displacing one of the competing solutions. So that was a nice win. And again, it kind of goes with that whole momentum that we're seeing in the product line offering.

Speaker #2: you know, the best thing that ever happened to us was having Exxon standardize on that product for a lot of their FPSO working Guyana.

Jim Johnson: The best thing that ever happened to us was having ExxonMobil standardize on that product for a lot of their FPSO work in Guyana, because it is almost like we would say in the States, the good housekeeping seal of approval. If ExxonMobil is using it, why aren't we? We are seeing more of those opportunities coming up. We are tendering for those products in places like West Africa right now. We think there is lots of upside still ahead.

Speaker #2: Because it's almost like we would say in the States, the good housekeeping seal of approval. And if Exxon is using it, why aren't we?

Speaker #2: So we're seeing more of those opportunities coming up. We're tendering for, for those products in places like West Africa right now. So we think, we think there's lots of upside still ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you. two more from Victoria. How has pricing and market share in Titan evolved in H1? And what are you anticipating in your guidance for H2?

Jim Johnson: We think there is lots of upside still ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Two more from Victoria. How has pricing and market share in Titan evolved in H1, and what are you anticipating in your guidance for H2? What levels of facilities utilization are you currently operating at Titan?

Speaker #3: What levels of facilities utilization are you currently operating at Titan?

Speaker #2: Titan is pretty busy right now. So pricing, what I would say is we've been ahead of the game on the cost inflation side of the business.

Jim Johnson: Well, Titan is pretty busy right now. Pricing, what I would say is we have been ahead of the game on the cost inflation side of the business. If you look at our charge manufacturing, one of our costs, for example, is tungsten, and tungsten prices are up 500% year over year. We have managed to stay ahead of that and maintain and grow our margins. It is still a competitive business right now, but I think pricing-wise, we are not giving anything away. I think it is one of the keys that our performance has been better than we saw a few years ago, is we are really focusing on clients that value the technology, not doing three bids and a buy. Utilization at Pampa right now is pretty high. Exact number I cannot tell off the top of my head.

Speaker #2: If you look at our charge manufacturing, one of our costs, for example, is tungsten. And tungsten prices are up 500% year over year. we've managed to stay ahead of that and maintain and grow our margins.

Speaker #2: It's still a competitive business right, right now, but I think pricing-wise, we have, we're, we're not given anything away. I think it's one of the keys that our performance has been better than we saw a few years ago, is we're really focusing on clients that value the technology, not doing three bids and a buy.

Speaker #2: Utilization at Pampa right now is pretty high. Exact number, I can't tell off the top of my head. We have room for capacity increases on the charge side, but those are things that we're pushing the prices up on because of just the nature of explosive powder and the demands of that globally, since there seems to be lots of war issues going on.

Jim Johnson: We have room for capacity increases on the charge side, but those are things that we are pushing the prices up on because of just the nature of explosive powder and the demands of that globally, since there seems to be lots of war issues going on. We want to make sure that we are watching those pricing levels. Anything else you want to add, Bruce, on that?

Speaker #2: So we want to make sure that we're watching that price is pricing levels.

Speaker #1: Anything else you want to add, Bruce, on that?

Speaker #2: No, just in terms of the financial performance of Titan, it's a nice step up, quarter two over quarter one. We're now up at $83 million sales for quarter two.

Bruce Ferguson: No, just in terms of the financial performance of Hunting Titan, it was a nice step up Q2 over Q1. We are now up at 83 million sales for Q2, and we see that continuing improving. Couple of points, margin improvements as well. We see that continuing throughout H2 as well.

Speaker #2: We see that continuing and improving. A couple of points. margin improvements as well. So we see that continuing throughout, H2 as well.

Speaker #3: Thank you. one from Thomas. That's Rita. Last name's Rita. US shale is maturing, so which international regions do you see growth as opportunities for Titan?

Operator: Thank you. One from Thomas at Streetta. Well, last name Streetta. US shale is maturing, which international regions do you see growth as opportunities for Hunting Titan?

Speaker #2: The, the biggest upside that we're seeing is Argentina and Saudi Arabia right now. But there is new opportunities coming up. I mean, Algeria has got unconventional opportunities.

Jim Johnson: The biggest upside that we are seeing is Argentina and Saudi Arabia right now. But there are new opportunities coming up. Algeria has got unconventional opportunities. We are seeing that. Mexico is kind of fit and starts because of their rules on fracking. Australia, it could be a huge marketplace just because of the size of the reserve down there. But really, the two strong ones are Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Speaker #2: We're seeing that. Again, Mexico is kind of fitting the starts because of their roles on fracking. Australia could be a huge marketplace just because of the size of the reserve down there.

Speaker #2: But really the two strong ones are Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Speaker #3: Great. Thank you. we've got quite a few now from Toby, equity. I'll do them one by one. can you point to any examples of joint bidding success from the constituent companies in Subsea and/or other tenders in process?

Operator: Okay, thank you. We have got quite a few now from Toby at Equita. I will do them one by one. Can you point to any examples of joint bidding success from the constituent companies in Subsea and/or are there tenders in process?

Speaker #2: Yeah, Exxon and Guyana is using products from FES as well as our titanium stress joints, as well as the fact that we're in there talking to them on OOR.

Jim Johnson: Yeah. Exxon in Guyana is using product from FES as well as our titanium stress joints, as well as the fact that we are in there talking to them on OOR. So that is one key area and one key client right now where bundling is working out. There has been an effort with some clients in the Far East where we are looking at, now that we have opened up an office in KL, that we are looking at bundling more FES and the titanium stress joint business. So it is early days, again, in the reconfigurations that we did with our subsea business to add all the pieces to be able to bundle. I think I am happy with the progress we have made to date.

Speaker #2: So that's one key area and one key client right now. We're bundling is, is working out. There's been an effort with some clients in the Far East where we're looking at, now that we've opened up an office in KL, that we're looking at bundling more FES and the titanium stress joint business.

Speaker #2: So it's early days. Again, in the reconfigurations that we did with our Subsea business to add all the pieces to be able to bundle.

Speaker #2: And so I think, I think I'm happy with the progress we've made to date.

Speaker #3: The pitch indicator see order process obviously frustrating. Though the OCTG product group order book grew noticeably over the six months to the end of June.

Operator: Slippage in the KOC order process obviously frustrating, though the OCTG product group order book grew nicely over the 6 months to the end of June. Even absent KOC order revenue now, should we expect an improved performance here in H2 versus H1?

Speaker #3: Even absent KOC order revenue now, should we expect an improved performance here in H2 versus H1?

Speaker #2: One of the things that there's always little gremlins, as I call them, that run around through the business, right? So every day, that's why they pay us.

Jim Johnson: One of the things that, there are always little gremlins, as I call them, that run around through the business, right? So every day, that is why they pay us, there is always a challenge, and every day we come to work and address those challenges. One of the things that kind of was a downer to a degree on the US OCTG business was one of our mill partners actually had a mill outage that extended past 6 weeks, when it was supposed to be 2 weeks. So the situation in the US right now is, believe it or not, OCTG, it is a tight marketplace. Because of tariff issues, there are less imports coming in. It is not hampering our business, but it is one of those issues where if you do have a mill situation, that is a problem. Fortunately, again, that is fixed. We have not lost clients. We are still growing those businesses.

Speaker #2: There's always a challenge and every day we come to work and address those challenges. One of the things that kind of, was, was a downer to a degree on the US OCTG business was one of our mill partners actually had a mill outage that extended past six weeks when it was supposed to be two weeks.

Speaker #2: So the situation in the US right now is, believe it or not, OCTG is a, it's a tight marketplace. Because of tariff issues, there's less imports coming in.

Jim Johnson: The situation in the US right now is, believe it or not, OCTG, it is a tight marketplace. Because of tariff issues, there are less imports coming in. It is not hampering our business, but it is one of those issues where if you do have a mill situation, that is a problem. Fortunately, again, that is fixed. We have not lost clients. We are still growing those businesses.

Speaker #2: I mean, it's not hampering our business, but it is one of those issues where if you do have a mill situation, that's a problem.

Speaker #2: Fortunately, again, that's fixed. We haven't lost clients. We're still growing those businesses. but that's, you know, I, I think that the OCTG business will continue to be strong.

Jim Johnson: But I think that the OCTG business will continue to be strong. Again, I'd like to say, if you look at our international OCTG business, we talk a lot about KOC, but it's also impacted tenders in places like Bahrain, like in Iraq, like in Qatar. Any players in that side of the Persian Gulf right now, it's just a big question, because you can't get the pipe there. So we need resolution of the crisis.

Speaker #2: And again, like I'd like to say, if you look at our international OCTG business, we talk a lot about KOC. But there's a, it's also impacted tenders in places like Bahrain, like in Iraq, like in Gutter.

Jim Johnson: I think that the OCTG business will continue to be strong. Again, I'd like to say, if you look at our international OCTG business, we talk a lot about KOC, but it's also impacted tenders in places like Bahrain, like in Iraq, like in Qatar. Any players in that side of the Persian Gulf right now, it's just a big question, because you can't get the pipe there. So we need resolution of the crisis.

Speaker #2: So there's been, there's any, any players in that side of the Persian Gulf right now, it's just a big question. You can't get the pipe there.

Speaker #2: So we, we need resolution of the crisis.

Speaker #3: On advanced manufacturing profitability and EBITDA margin both improved here despite lower revenues. Was this solely a mixed effect or were there any fundamental underlying changes?

Operator: On advanced manufacturing, profitability and EBITDA margin both improved here despite lower revenues. Was this solely a mix effect, or were there any fundamental underlying changes?

Speaker #2: Well, we, I would say it's a lot of hard work. The electronics business, which was real, you know, it's, it's had some slow year two, because of the capital equipment cycle being down from our major OEM clients.

Jim Johnson: Well, I would say it's a lot of hard work. The electronics business, it's had some slow year or two because of the capital equipment cycle being down from our major OEM clients. We have seen a pickup from specifically one of them in that area. So that is helping with absorption going through the shop and this and that. The Hunting Titan business, the switch manufacturing is done there. The big uptick in Hunting Titan has helped the electronics business. But we've also been successful in landing new non-oil and gas at Hunting Titan. Not Hunting Titan, I'm sorry, at the electronics business. We talk about the change in the portfolio of clients at Dearborn, but we're starting to see that happen in our electronics business, too. So overall, I'd say it's a swinging customers, a changing customers, and it's not any one thing you can put your finger on.

Speaker #2: We have seen a pickup from specifically one of them in that area. so that is helping with absorption going through the shop and this, this and that.

Speaker #2: The Titan business, the switch manufacturing is done there. The big uptick in Titan has helped the electronics business. But we've also been successful in landing new non-oil and gas at Titan.

Jim Johnson: The big uptick in Hunting Titan has helped the electronics business. But we've also been successful in landing new non-oil and gas at Hunting Titan. Not Hunting Titan, I'm sorry, at the electronics business. We talk about the change in the portfolio of clients at Dearborn, but we're starting to see that happen in our electronics business, too. So overall, I'd say it's a swinging customers, a changing customers, and it's not any one thing you can put your finger on. It's a number of things.

Speaker #2: So we talk about the, about the Titan, I'm sorry, at the electronics business. We talk about the change in the portfolio of clients at Dearborn, but we're starting to see that happen in our electronics business too.

Speaker #2: So overall, I'd say it's a swinging customers, a changing customers. And it's, it's not any one thing you can put your finger on. It's a, it's a number of things.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Another couple of questions from Mick at Barclays. So two questions, please, on the Kuwait delay and retender. I know you think you're well placed, but a new tender added risk that competition increases.

Jim Johnson: It's a number of things.

Operator: Thank you. Another couple of questions from Mick at Barclays. Two questions, please, on the Kuwait delay and retender. I know you think you are well-placed, but a new tender adds risk that competition increases. Can you talk to the dynamics of competition and whether that is one contract or a series of contracts?

Speaker #3: Can you talk to the dynamics of competition and whether that is one contract or a series of contracts?

Speaker #2: So the one, it is one big contract. It's the one that was passed. And yes, I hate the fact that now it's a redo and so it puts pressure on our supplier partners from a steel point of view.

Jim Johnson: It is one big contract, is the one that was passed, and yes, I hate the fact that now it is a redo. It puts pressure on our supplier partners from a steel point of view. As I have said through my whole career, there is no 100% certainty on how any of these play out. It depends on your competition's load basis of their mills, what other projects they have. One of the interesting things on OCTG right now is there is a massive demand in the world for line pipe, and that is because of projects in Canada, tons of pipeline issues in the US, deep water pipeline issues, all throughout the Middle East, and they have not even scratched the surface yet on what they are going to do to try to get around the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaker #2: as I've said through my whole career, that you, there's no, there's no 100% certainty on how any of these play out. It depends on your competition's load basis of their mills, what other projects they have.

Speaker #2: You know, one of the interesting things on OCTG right now is there is a massive demand in the world for line pipe. And that is because of projects in Canada, tons of pipeline issues in the US, deep water pipeline issues.

Speaker #2: all throughout the Middle East. And they haven't even scratched the surface yet on what they're going to do to try to get around the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaker #2: But line pipe is an issue where it's got a low, usually a lower price per ton, but it's a very, very efficient product to run through a mill.

Jim Johnson: But line pipe is an issue where it has got usually a lower price per ton, but it is a very efficient product to run through a mill. Why I am telling you that story is there is just a lot of factors that go into what will the pricing be on any given day on big international tenders. Mick is right, I have no idea if we are going to be successful. I know that one of the reasons we were successful, though, is the fact our technology has shined through because of the connection testing we have done. That limits the field of competition, and it is literally bought on a size of pipe and grade of pipe basis. That is why I mentioned the one order that we had, then they turned around and canceled it. That was just one line item for $20 million.

Jim Johnson: Line pipe is an issue where it has got usually a lower price per ton, but it is a very efficient product to run through a mill. Why I am telling you that story is there is just a lot of factors that go into what will the pricing be on any given day on big international tenders. Mick is right, I have no idea if we are going to be successful. I know that one of the reasons we were successful, though, is the fact our technology has shined through because of the connection testing we have done. That limits the field of competition, and it is literally bought on a size of pipe and grade of pipe basis. That is why I mentioned the one order that we had, then they turned around and canceled it. That was just one line item for $20 million.

Speaker #2: So my, why I'm telling you that story is there's just a lot of factors that go into what will the pricing be on any given day on big international tenders.

Speaker #2: So Mick's right. I have no idea, you know, if we're going to be successful. I know that one of the reasons we were successful, though, is the fact our technology has shined through because of the connection testing we've done.

Speaker #2: That limits the field of competition. And it's literally bought on a size of pipe and grade of pipe basis. That's why I mentioned the one order that we had, then they turned around and canceled it.

Speaker #2: That was just one line item for $20 million.

Speaker #3: Decommissioning has been talked about for the first time in my recall. What are the opportunities and products that you hit the market with and the scale of opportunity?

Operator: Decommissioning has been talked about for the first time in my recall. What are the opportunities and products that you hit the market with and the scale of opportunity?

Speaker #2: So the, the main driver for decommissioning revenue for hunting has been the Enpro business. And that has really been working with Shell on some of our proprietary kit that is going into the basement of some of these, concrete structures and the like, getting the nasty stuff in the bottom out of there.

Jim Johnson: The main driver for decommissioning revenue for Hunting has been the Enpro business, and that has really been working with Shell on some of our proprietary kit that is going into the basement of some of these concrete structures and the like, getting the nasty stuff in the bottom out of there. That will continue to be a good business for us, and we see that obviously with what has happened in the UK, a growing business. It is one of those ones that we have put Enpro product lines into the US because there is an abandonment business that is going on in the Gulf of America as well. I see that as a growth area for us. I really think we would like to not have as much of that because they should be using tons of the Organic Oil Recovery technology to extend the field life.

Speaker #2: that will continue to be a good business for us. And we see that obviously with what's happened in the UK, a growing business. And it's one of those ones that we have put Enpro product lines into the US because there is a, a, an abandonment business that's going on in the Gulf of America as well.

Jim Johnson: It is one of those ones that we have put Enpro product lines into the US because there is an abandonment business that is going on in the Gulf of America as well. I see that as a growth area for us. I really think we would like to not have as much of that because they should be using tons of the Organic Oil Recovery technology to extend the field life. It is like we would like to play both ways, and that is our area there when it comes to decommissioning.

Speaker #2: So I see that as a growth area for us. I really think we'd like to not have as much of that because they should be using tons of the OOR technology to extend the field life.

Speaker #2: So it's kind of like we'd like to play both ways. And that's our, our area there when it comes to decommissioning.

Jim Johnson: It is like we would like to play both ways, and that is our area there when it comes to decommissioning.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Next question comes from Jamie at Jefferies. In Subsea, you previously gave segment guidance of 38 million dollars EBITDA in 2026. It looks like you're on track to exceed this, or is there any reason revenues or margins in Subsea might decline in the second half?

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from Jim at Jefferies. In Subsea, you previously gave segment guidance of $38 million EBITDA in 2026. It looks like you are on track to exceed this, or is there any reason the revenues or margins in Subsea might decline in the second half?

Speaker #2: No reason that I know. You, Bruce?

Speaker #4: Nothing but strong, strong second half lined up in terms of order book, in terms of the margin, the good thing is the margin profile continues to be stronger and stronger.

Jim Johnson: No reason that I know of. Bruce?

Bruce Ferguson: Nothing but a strong H2 lined up in terms of order book, in terms of the margin. The good thing is the margin profile continues to be stronger and stronger. I think every product line within the Subsea group is looking strong for not just the H2, but also beyond that as well. I think we are very comfortable there.

Speaker #4: I think every product line within the Subsea group, is looking strong for not just the second half, but also beyond that as well. So I think we're, we're very comfortable there.

Speaker #2: Yeah, just, just as a reminder, Jamie, you know, our original Subsea business was our, our Subsea coupling business manufacturing operation in Stafford, Texas. And that business, as I've said a hundred times, is really tied into the Subsea Tree Awards.

Jim Johnson: Yeah. Just as a reminder, Jim, our original Subsea business was our Subsea coupling business manufacturing operation in Stafford, Texas. That business, as I have said 100 times, is really tied into the Subsea Tree awards. Right now, we are at the highest levels definitely since before COVID, almost the levels back to 2014. So it is very strong demand for Subsea Trees driving that Stafford business that we do not talk as much about, but delivering great results year over year. Yeah, we still remain really bullish on the whole platform we have put together.

Speaker #2: And right now, we are literally, we're at the highest levels definitely since before COVID, almost at levels back to 2014. So it's very, very strong demand for Subsea trees.

Speaker #2: Driving that Stafford business that we don't talk as much about, but delivering great results year over year. so yeah, we still remain really bullish on the whole platform we've put together.

Speaker #3: Thank you. one more from Thomas. PowerGen could be your highest growth market in the next decade. So what kind of ability do you have to meet fast demand growth in that area?

Operator: Thank you. One more from Thomas. Power gen could be your highest growth market in the next decade, so what kind of ability do you have to meet fast demand growth in that area?

Speaker #2: PowerGen for what we do, our primary client is supplying Caterpillar. And what we have done to enhance our deliverability is also utilize one of our facilities in Houston in conjunction with the Dearborn operation to ramp up supplies of material to that client.

Jim Johnson: Power gen for what we do, our primary client is supplying Caterpillar. What we have done to enhance our deliverability is also utilize one of our facilities in Houston in conjunction with the Dearborn operation to ramp up supplies of material to that client. We are constantly talking to other power gen equipment manufacturers, but they also make their own products too. It is a growth area. We see it as a growth area and a big driver, especially for Dearborn. But I think there is more news to come to that as time goes on. Because there is a lot of talk of power gen, and if you talk to Caterpillar, they are booked out for two years in some cases on demand for some of their natural gas fired equipment. But it is one that we are working hard and trying to grow.

Speaker #2: We're constantly talking to other PowerGen equipment manufacturers, but they also make their own products too. So it's one of those, it is a growth area.

Speaker #2: We see it as a growth area and a big driver, especially for Dearborn. but I think there's more news to come to that la you know, as time goes on.

Speaker #2: Because there's a lot of talk of PowerGen. And if you talk to Caterpillar, I mean, they're booked out for two, two years in some cases on demand for some of their natural gas, fire equipment.

Speaker #2: but it's one that we're working hard and trying to grow. And it, and I, as I mentioned earlier, we've really had to, like, reimagine and rethink the manufacturing capabilities of our Dearborn operation as we became less of an oil field supplier and more of an aerospace and PowerGen supplier.

Jim Johnson: As I mentioned earlier, we have really had to reimagine and rethink the manufacturing capabilities of our Dearborn operation as we became less of an oil field supplier and more of an aerospace and power gen supplier, because there are different equipment needs, different third-party relationships you have to have for processes and the like. I think we have made good progress on that. We have done a significant amount of CapEx at Dearborn to be able to respond to those demands.

Speaker #2: Because there's different equipment needs, different, different third-party relationships you have to have for processes and the like. And I think we've made good process on progress on that.

Speaker #2: We have done a significant amount of CapEx at Dearborn to be able to respond to those demands.

Speaker #3: Great. Thank you. We have no further questions for the webcast, so I'll hand over to you if any closing remarks.

Operator: Great. Thank you. We have no further questions to the webcast, so I will hand over to you for any closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I, like I said, you've heard me say this before, the sell the shares are on sale today. So it's time to buy because I just remain extremely bullish about our product offering.

Jim Johnson: Yeah. Like I said, you have heard me say this before, the shares are on sale today, so it is time to buy because I just remain extremely bullish about our product offering. More importantly, I remain extremely bullish and thankful for the team that I work with. Because at the end of the day, you can have this product or this shop or this piece of equipment, but it is the people that make it happen. I do not know a better, more capable bunch of people than the ones I get to work with at Hunting. The upside to me, I think, is tremendous. I think we are at that inflection point where the demand on the industry is going to accelerate. I am very bullish on natural gas. Our position in North America is excellent when it comes to OCTG.

Speaker #2: And more importantly, I remain extremely bullish and thankful for the team that I work with. Because at the end of the day, you can have this product or this shop or this piece of equipment, but it's the people that make it happen.

Speaker #2: I don't know a better, more capable bunch of people than the ones I get to work with at hunting. The upside to me, I think, is tremendous.

Speaker #2: I think we're at that inflection point where the demand of the on the industry is going to accelerate. I'm very, very bullish on natural gas.

Speaker #2: Our position in North America, is, excellent when it comes to tighten comes to OCTG. You just read of the amount of so many BCF of demand that's going to come online later this starting later this year just for example, with LNG, needs.

Jim Johnson: You just read of the amount of so many BCF of demand that is going to come online starting later this year, just for example, with LNG needs. I think it is a product that obviously with what is going on in the Persian Gulf, the world is going to demand a lot more of. So I am extremely positive. I am happy with what we have done. I am disappointed on the whole KOC thing, but those are things out of our control. Bruce, you got any comments?

Speaker #2: And I think it's a product that obviously with what's going on in the Persian Gulf, the world's going to demand a lot more of.

Speaker #2: So I'm extremely positive. I'm happy with what we've done. I'm disappointed on the whole KOC thing, but those are things out of our control, Bruce.

Speaker #2: You got any comments?

Speaker #4: Nothing to add, Chip.

Bruce Ferguson: Nothing to add to.

Jim Johnson: Okay. Thanks for your time. It has been a pleasure.

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Q2 2026 Hunting PLC Earnings Call

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