Dan Pickering's questions to FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES (FET) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Dan Pickering from Pickering Energy Partners sought clarification on the share repurchase program's impact on shares outstanding, the drivers behind the increased free cash flow guidance, the strategy for expanding into new markets with low CapEx, and the role of M&A in the company's long-term vision.
Answer
EVP & CFO D. Lyle Williams detailed that another 10% of shares could be repurchased by year-end, with a meaningful net decline despite stock compensation. He attributed the higher free cash flow forecast primarily to significant working capital reductions in the second half. President & CEO Neal Lux explained that growth market penetration is driven by sales efforts and customer adoption of proven technologies, not capital investment. Lux also positioned M&A as an opportunistic part of the strategy, balanced against debt reduction and compelling share buybacks.