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CFO David Johnson explained that anticipated pricing pressures were deferred but are expected in Q3 and Q4, and the full impact of the company's cost-cutting program will also be more visible in the second half of the year. President, CEO & Director Wayne Prajon added that international growth was driven by strong momentum from recent acquisitions and the successful relaunch of Drill N Ream assets in the Middle East, which is helping to offset softness in other areas.

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CFO David Johnson explained that free cash flow will be preserved through a combination of cost reductions and deferring growth CapEx to align with market activity. CEO Wayne Prejean noted that while Saudi Arabia is soft, growth in other Middle Eastern markets and new technologies like MechLOK swivels are offsetting declines. Regarding North America, management sees a 'slow leak' rather than a sharp drop. Johnson confirmed the interest expense range reflects flexibility in capital allocation between debt reduction and potential share buybacks.

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CEO R. Prejean attributed the product sales decline to softness in Saudi Arabia and PEMEX, while tool rental strength came from a general activity surge and the deployment of new, higher-priced technologies. CFO David Johnson explained the 2025 CapEx increase is for growth in the Eastern Hemisphere to support newly acquired technologies, not a catch-up. Prejean added that integration synergies are being realized and new technologies are gaining traction globally, which should help offset regional market softness.

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Executive R. Prejean explained that Titan Tools is a strategic tuck-in for the directional rentals platform, adding key geographic presence in Europe and West Africa. He described the current market as flattish, driven by customer capital discipline. Prejean emphasized that DTI's ability to generate strong free cash flow reflects its own capital discipline and a risk-based investment approach that aligns with market conditions.

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President & CEO Neal Lux attributed the outperformance to a broad portfolio with strength in offshore and international markets, diligent cost-cutting, and market share gains from the "Beat the Market" strategy. EVP & CFO D. Lyle Williams confirmed the full-year guidance is supported by cost savings, a record backlog, and an expectation of continued market share gains. He noted the guidance assumes the valve business remains at depressed levels. Williams explained the higher cash flow guidance is driven by significant working capital reductions and lower CapEx, levers independent of EBITDA.

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President and CEO Neal Lux attributed the strong performance to a diversified portfolio where international and offshore strength offset US land weakness, diligent cost-cutting, and market share gains from the 'beat the market' strategy. CFO D. Lyle Williams added that a high backlog and progress on a $10 million cost savings plan support the full-year guidance, which assumes the valve business remains at depressed levels. Regarding cash flow, Williams identified working capital reduction and lower CapEx as the key levers. Lux added that the company's cash-flow-focused incentive structure has driven strong execution from the teams.

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President and CEO Neal Lux and CFO Lyle Williams highlighted how the company's geographic diversification helps. Lux pointed to strength in the international Subsea business, while Williams explained how their global manufacturing footprint in Canada and Saudi Arabia helps mitigate tariffs. Lux noted the largest tariff impact is the 'buyer strike' on valves, which is factored into guidance. Regarding capital allocation, Lux stated that if buybacks are paused, the company would continue using 50% of free cash flow to pay down debt on its revolver, which would reduce leverage and eventually reopen the buyback window.

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President and CEO Neal Lux stated that while Canada had a strong start to the year, a potential oil tariff could cause a slowdown. He noted that exposure to Mexico is minimal. CFO Lyle Williams added that while no tariff impact is included in guidance, FET has historically been able to pass on such costs. Regarding M&A, Lux confirmed they would consider another transformational acquisition like Variperm if the relative value was more compelling than buying back FET shares.

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CEO David Huml expressed confidence in the second-half outlook, citing strong order growth in North America, strategic initiatives improving performance in EMEA, and a robust opportunity pipeline. CFO Fay West detailed that the margin lift is expected from gross margin expansion via pricing, increased volume absorption, and cost-out initiatives, alongside disciplined S&A spending. Management also clarified that approximately $50 million in backlog conversion remains to be lapped in the second half. Mr. Huml explained the new Z50 outdoor sweeper launch is a strategic entry into the ~$200 million industrial outdoor sweeping market, leveraging existing sales channels and service capabilities.

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President and CEO Dave Huml explained that Q1 margins were impacted by lapping a prior-year $50 million backlog reduction of high-margin industrial products and a current-quarter concentration of sales to large strategic customers. He detailed a plan to mitigate a $40 million tariff impact through sourcing actions and significant price increases of 7-10% in North America, noting that competitors have made similar moves. Huml expressed confidence that these actions, combined with strong underlying order rates, would enable the company to meet its full-year guidance.

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CFO Fay West stated that gross margin expansion is expected from cost-out initiatives and pricing, with restructuring savings primarily from S&A. CEO David Huml highlighted near double-digit order growth from Q2-Q4 2024, providing confidence for 2025. Fay West added that the new share buyback offers opportunistic flexibility beyond just offsetting dilution, within their balanced capital allocation framework.

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CEO David Huml explained that AMR's 5% contribution to year-to-date sales includes all AMR products, with the new X4 ROVR's impact still ramping up. He confirmed the 2024 backlog reduction is now expected to be $130 million, up from the initial $80-$100 million estimate, due to specific softness in industrial orders for the rental channel. CFO Fay West detailed the ERP project's costs, with an expected full-year spend of around $37 million, while Huml noted the project is on track for a 2025 rollout and targets $10-$15 million in efficiency savings.

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CEO Jaco van der Merwe attributed margin expansion to the 'One Aztec' procurement team's success against inflation and tariffs, alongside operational excellence initiatives. He explained that mobile paving equipment faces dealer inventory and interest rate pressures, unlike the direct-to-customer asphalt plant business. CFO Brian Harris added that strong free cash flow was driven by disciplined working capital management, particularly in receivables, with further opportunities in inventory.

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CEO Jaco van der Merwe explained that guidance was not raised due to uncertainty surrounding tariffs, which could impact costs and cause customer hesitation. He assured that the company is proactively managing this risk and that no results were pulled forward from Q2. Regarding the TerraSource acquisition, he noted its portfolio is less exposed to the volatile mobile equipment market and has a significantly higher mix of recurring aftermarket parts revenue (over 60%), making its performance profile different and more stable than the legacy Materials Solutions business.

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President and CEO Jaco van der Merwe stated that manufacturing inefficiencies are concentrated at a few sites and are being addressed by balancing production across facilities. He confirmed positive cash flow is expected in Q4 and that 2025 CapEx would be similar to 2024 levels to support automation and international expansion. Vice President of Finance Heinrich Jonker added that a legal settlement payment will be an outflow in Q4. Regarding orders, Jaco van der Merwe expressed cautious optimism for 2025 based on strong customer backlogs and quoting activity.

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President & CEO D. Bradley Childers explained that while underlying AMS demand is sustainably strong due to market needs, the Q2 revenue was boosted by a large, non-recurring engine sale. Regarding the order mix, he confirmed a shift toward more gas-drive units, with electric-drive expected to be 20-25% of future CapEx, down from over 30%. He clarified this shift is driven by a lack of power availability on the grid, not customer cost concerns.

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President & CEO D. Bradley Childers explained that the underlying strength in AMS is sustainable due to strong market demand for equipment maintenance. However, he noted the record Q2 revenue was boosted by a large, non-recurring engine sale. Regarding the order book mix, Childers confirmed a shift toward more gas-drive units, with electric drive CapEx expected to be 20-25%, down from over 30%. He clarified this shift is driven by a lack of power availability from the grid, not customer cost concerns.

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President & CEO D. Bradley Childers explained that strong market demand and excellent execution are driving sustainable underlying strength in AMS, though Q2 revenue was boosted by a large, non-recurring engine sale. Regarding the order mix, he noted a shift toward more gas-drive units, with electric-drive CapEx expected to be 20-25%, down from over 30% previously. He attributed this shift not to cost, but to the lack of power availability from a strained grid.

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President and CEO D. Childers asserted the business is fundamentally different today, with a balanced customer mix, a higher-quality fleet, record utilization, and industry-wide capital discipline creating a more stable environment. He noted contracts are firm take-or-pay but the company works with customers where possible, and he does not anticipate a major shift toward outsourcing in a typical downturn.

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President and CEO D. Childers confirmed the strong AMS margin was sustainable and not due to onetime items, attributing it to a higher mix of service work and the market value of skilled labor. Regarding maintenance CapEx, he agreed the younger TOPS fleet is accretive to savings on a per-horsepower basis but cautioned that this benefit is balanced by broad inflationary pressures on parts and services.

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President & CEO Eric Vaillancourt stated that AST's stronger outlook is driven by investments in Arizona, California, and Taiwan coming online, alongside some market recovery. He confirmed the Arizona facility is still in the testing and certification phase and not yet generating material revenue. Both Vaillancourt and EVP & CFO Joe Bruderek described the AMI acquisition (compositional analysis) as an 'outstanding' home run exceeding growth expectations. Regarding M&A, Bruderek confirmed EnPro is actively working its pipeline, focusing on key growth areas while adhering to strict financial and strategic criteria.

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President and CEO Eric Vaillancourt confirmed no signs of distributor destocking, as there was no significant inventory build-up. On the Arizona facility, he and EVP and CFO Joe Bruderek stated it is on track, undergoing qualification, and expected to contribute more significantly to revenue by year-end. Regarding continuous improvement in AST, Eric Vaillancourt described the benefits as gradual and consistent rather than a single step-change. Joe Bruderek addressed capital allocation, noting that while M&A has slowed slightly due to market uncertainty, Enpro remains patient and has enhanced flexibility with its new credit facility.

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President and CEO Eric Vaillancourt attributed the Q4 AST margin strength to a favorable mix from leading-edge solutions, which more than offset costs from the Arizona facility qualification. He noted that while the mix will remain favorable in 2025, ongoing growth investments will likely keep margins in the 'above 20%' range. Vaillancourt confirmed no demand slowdown in the Sealing segment and explained that the higher 2025 CapEx reflects projects pushed from 2024 that are now in execution.

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CFO Joe Bruderek explained that accelerated qualification work for the new Arizona facility pulled costs into 2024, impacting AST margins. CEO Eric Vaillancourt added that operational excellence investments are being made ahead of realizing benefits. Vaillancourt projected a full revenue ramp from the Arizona facility is not expected until 2026. He also confirmed the strategy for the Alexa acquisition remains unchanged and its pipeline is improving. Executive James Gentile stated the CapEx forecast was lowered due to a more phased spending approach on advanced projects, which will yield a better long-term solution, and that capital allocation priorities remain organic growth and M&A.

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President & CEO Gene Lowe and CFO Mark Carano indicated no significant market hiccups, attributing this to their business model and supply chain management. Carano expressed confidence in meeting full-year free cash flow targets, explaining the H1 working capital build was due to project timing and inventory strategy. Lowe affirmed that the M&A strategy remains unchanged, focusing on strategic fit rather than deal size.

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Chief Financial Officer Mark Carano explained that there is a lag in fully offsetting tariff costs with price increases due to existing backlog, but the company expects to be fully offset over time. Executive Paul Clegg specified the cadence of the impact would be roughly 40% in Q2, followed by 30% in Q3 and 30% in Q4. President and CEO Eugene Lowe addressed economic concerns by noting that their leading indicator business, Radiodetection, is performing well. He reiterated the company's resilience due to high replacement revenue and project backlogs, giving them confidence for 2025, while acknowledging a future recession would have an impact.

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CFO Mark Carano attributed D&M's Q4 outperformance to strong execution, operating leverage, and continuous improvement initiatives. Executive Paul Clegg noted HVAC's result was due to a warm Q4 suppressing boiler sales. CEO Eugene Lowe explained that the timing of cold weather is critical for boiler orders. Mark Carano stated they see no current impact on government-funded projects, as KTS technology is critical to military modernization. Eugene Lowe affirmed the M&A strategy is consistent, focusing on engineered products, and noted the current pipeline is the busiest in a decade.

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CEO Eugene Lowe reported positive progress on Ingenia's capacity expansion, which is driving growth into 2025, and confirmed the Marley expansion has gone 'exceptionally well,' improving lead times and margins. He noted that while some EV-related reshoring projects have slowed, the overall trend continues to expand the company's total addressable market. An unnamed executive confirmed the near-term intention is to use cash flow to pay down debt until a transaction occurs.

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SVP & CFO David Martin explained that the Consumer segment's margin strength was due to favorable product mix, not pricing actions. He and CEO & President Paul Reitz clarified that the revenue decline was a temporary "pause" by customers due to tariff uncertainty, with a rebound starting in Q3. Martin confirmed this is likely peak leverage and expressed confidence in improving free cash flow and staying well within debt covenant requirements.

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CEO Paul Reitz explained that Titan's key lesson is to leverage its production flexibility and strong U.S. manufacturing base, noting that market dislocation can be an advantage as customers seek risk mitigation. Regarding the Goodyear license, he described it as a significant development that was in progress since the Carlstar acquisition. He stated the brand's strength will accelerate market penetration for new products in light construction, ATV, and lawn and garden, making it easier for the sales team to open doors and drive synergies.

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CEO Paul Reitz explained that Titan's inventory cycle leads OEMs because its products are highly customized, causing Titan to feel the downturn earlier and likely recover sooner. CFO David Martin added that Titan's ag sales fell 40% from H1 to H2 2024, indicating significant destocking has already occurred. Reitz affirmed the company is prepared for a ramp-up, having retained experienced labor. Martin provided D&A guidance of around $60 million for the year and confirmed that Q4 is the seasonal low for the consumer segment, a pattern that should continue.

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CFO David Martin attributed the consumer segment's strong margins to a healthy mix of aftermarket business. CEO Paul Reitz explained that while crop prices are a key driver, Titan is proactively pursuing growth through product innovation (LSW, VPO), strategic partnerships, and reclaiming military sales, which he noted is entirely accretive. Reitz clarified that expansion into smaller tire markets leverages the Carlstar model to target niche areas with similar or less competition due to strong brand and distribution, not the broad consumer market.

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President and CEO David Wilson stated that approximately 70-80% of the current $360 million backlog is expected to be recognized as revenue in the current fiscal year, with the remainder falling mostly in fiscal 2027. CFO Gregory Rustowicz provided CapEx guidance of $20 million to $25 million for the year. He noted that a precise free cash flow forecast is difficult due to the variable timing of acquisition-related costs for the Keto Crosby deal, which were $4.1 million in Q1.

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David Wilson, President, CEO & Director, clarified that while precision conveyance orders were strong, sales in the segment were down, leading to lower absorption and a negative margin impact. He also cited volume declines in the high-margin North American linear motion business due to a facility consolidation. Regarding tariffs, Wilson stated the company can implement surcharges on existing backlog orders to offset input costs. Gregory Rustowicz, SVP Finance, CFO & Treasurer, added that while they expect a ~$10 million headwind in the first half, the goal is to achieve gross profit dollar neutrality on tariffs by the second half, acknowledging competitive dynamics could affect volume.

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President and CEO David Wilson expressed confidence in the combined entity's ability to generate over $200 million in annual free cash flow, enabling rapid deleveraging of approximately one turn per year. He also noted that Kito Crosby's manufacturing footprint is largely 'in-region, for-region,' with the primary import stream into the U.S. coming from Japan, which is viewed as a relatively low tariff risk.

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President and CEO David Wilson and CFO Greg Rustowicz explained the Q3 guidance reflects a backlog mix now more heavily weighted to longer-term projects phasing into Q4 and FY26, plus the ongoing ramp-up at the Monterrey facility. Wilson stated they expect margin improvement from Q2 levels toward their long-term goals. On capital allocation, Wilson confirmed share buybacks are an attractive tool but reiterated the company's commitment to its $60 million debt repayment target for the fiscal year.

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CEO Andy Butcher confirmed the Gas Cylinders momentum is sustainable, driven by record demand in space exploration, and stated that the consolidated Riverside facility has ample capacity for future growth in both space and clean energy. He attributed the conservative guidance update to uncertainties around tariffs and a softening auto market. CFO Steve Webster added that any tariff impact is indirect via macro factors and is already modeled in the outlook. Butcher concluded that post-divestiture, capital allocation will focus on growth, debt reduction, and share buybacks.

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CEO Andy Butcher attributed the strong quarter to robust defense demand, particularly in MREs and flares, which he expects to remain elevated due to military restocking. He also highlighted long-term growth trends in specialty industrial gases for electronics and calibration. CFO Steve Webster detailed the capital allocation plan, noting a $10M opportunistic buyback authorization and an expected ramp-up in CapEx, while confirming M&A remains a possibility.

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CEO Andy Butcher quantified a $3.4 million defense order pull-forward and described the CNG market as having a 'measured' start to 2025 but exciting long-term potential. He also noted the 30-40% increase in 2025 CapEx is for a variety of smaller growth and efficiency projects. CFO Steve Webster confirmed the Graphic Arts sale is progressing with an exclusive buyer for a H1 2025 close and stated that potential tariff impacts are manageable and reflected in guidance.

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CEO Andy Butcher and CFO Steve Webster addressed the questions. Webster explained that Elektron's 18.2% margin was boosted by a ~$2 million revenue pull-forward but that the company still aspires to a 20% margin with further volume recovery. Butcher noted that strong European industrial cylinder sales drove regional performance. He also confirmed the first bulk gas module from the new U.K. facility will ship by year-end, while the CNG engine ramp is expected to be gradual, with a notable impact not likely until mid-2025. Webster clarified the Graphic Arts sale was delayed because the initial buyer did not meet valuation expectations, but they are now engaged with multiple parties and target a close in the first half of 2025.

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CEO Bradley Dodson explained that the second-half improvement is expected from a full quarter's contribution from the new Australian villages and growth in the integrated services business. He noted that while a major contract renewal shows customer confidence, market uncertainty could impact spending above contracted minimums. Dodson also confirmed that free cash flow will be stronger in the second half due to seasonality and tax payment timing, and the company will remain active with its share buyback program.

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CEO Bradley Dodson identified potential future pipeline projects and the Pathways carbon sequestration initiative as significant opportunities for Civeo's Canadian business. Regarding the cost review, Dodson stated that while it will cover all of North America, its primary focus is on rightsizing the Canadian cost structure to align with the significant shift in that market's outlook.

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President and CEO Bradley Dodson confirmed the Canadian restructuring is a response to a perceived long-term shift in customer behavior toward lower headcount. For Australia, he stated that despite softer commodity prices, customer demand for rooms and expansion plans remain strong, supported by a backlog of take-or-pay contracts. Dodson also noted the acquisition's exclusion from guidance is due to timing uncertainty, not a change in its expected value, and sees no current risk to closing.

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President and CEO Bradley Dodson explained the wildfires negatively impacted results by approximately 30,000 room nights. This was offset by stronger-than-expected performance in the Australian integrated services business, which is growing primarily by winning new work. He noted that plans for a 100-room expansion in Australia are still being pursued but are contingent on customer commitments. Dodson also clarified that $0.4 million in demobilization costs were incurred in Q3, with a final $1 million expected in Q4.

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President and CEO Russell Shaller explained the guidance reflects anticipated tariff headwinds in the Americas and a potential recovery in Europe from a Q3 low, driven by a broader industrial slowdown in Germany rather than the WPS business. He noted China is a small, challenging market where Brady is rightsizing operations. Executive Ann Thornton added that the $3.9 million in restructuring costs were split evenly between the two regions and the Funai acquisition is expected to contribute $15-$20 million in first-year sales.

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Executive Ann Thornton explained that stronger-than-expected performance in the Americas and Asia region, with 4.3% organic growth, offset the negative FX impact. President and CEO Russell Shaller attributed Australia's weakness to its export-driven economy's reliance on a slowing China and Europe. He expressed caution on Europe due to Germany's energy price challenges. Shaller noted that the Gravotech integration is still in its early stages and that track and trace products are performing as expected within a weak industrial automation investment climate.

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President and CEO Russell Shaller explained that regional growth was driven by focusing on niche markets like data centers and aerospace, alongside increased demand and penetration in Southeast Asia, particularly India. He stated that the Gravotech acquisition adds crucial direct part marking capabilities and is integrating well. Shaller described the AB&R deal as a strategic addition of a specialized sales force for customized solutions. The i5300 bundle targets mid-sized manufacturers, providing an integrated solution for printing and scanning labels, leveraging technology from the Code Corp. acquisition.

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President and CEO Russell Shaller highlighted strong growth in India (approx. 20% YoY) and Southeast Asia, driven by production shifts from China. He clarified that product strategy involves emphasizing different parts of the global portfolio rather than creating unique products for each country. Regarding Europe, he characterized Q3 as slightly better and Q4 as slightly worse than expected, with the full-year result reflecting the macro environment. On capital, Shaller affirmed the company's strong cash generation but stressed a disciplined approach, stating he is comfortable holding cash rather than overpaying for acquisitions, while remaining ready for a significant opportunity.

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Wolf E. Regener, an executive, confirmed significant time and money savings from drilling efficiencies but deferred providing specific figures until all costs are finalized. He affirmed that these learnings are 'absolutely' transferable to future drilling due to a combination of improved techniques, geological steering, and better equipment. Regener stated that second-half drilling plans remain scheduled for the second half without further detail. He clarified that the Lovina wells will be brought to production first, with the frac crew moving immediately to the Forguson wells, which will follow shortly after.

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Executive Wolf E. Regener and CFO Gary W. Johnson explained that their hedging strategy utilizes costless collars (currently $60-$94) to satisfy bank requirements, which mandate hedging 50% of the next 12 months' production. Regener added that the 2025 drilling program is focused on proved acreage to validate the performance of longer lateral wells. He also provided timing for second-half wells, projecting a spud date around August to early September.

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Executive Wolf E. Regener and CFO Gary W. Johnson explained the hedging strategy involves costless collars to meet bank requirements, covering 50% of production for the next 12 months with a wide band of $60 to $94. Regener noted the 2025 drilling program focuses on proved acreage to validate the performance of longer laterals. He also detailed the timing for the next wells, which are planned to be spudded around August or early September.

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Executive Wolf E. Regener confirmed significant but unquantified cost savings from drilling efficiencies, noting the learnings are transferable to future wells. He deferred on specific timing for H2 drilling but clarified the Lovina wells would come online first, with the Forguson wells following immediately after completion activities are transferred.

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Executive Wolf E. Regener confirmed significant time and money savings from the 25% reduction in drilling times but deferred providing specific figures until all costs are finalized. He affirmed that these operational improvements are highly transferable to future wells, attributing the success to a combination of better technology, geological steering, and contractor performance. Regener did not offer a specific timeline for second-half drilling but clarified the production sequence, stating the Lovina wells would come online first, followed closely by the Forguson wells.

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CEO Wolf E. Regener confirmed significant but unspecified financial savings from drilling efficiencies, stating firm numbers will be released later. He affirmed that these operational improvements, stemming from better technology and geological steering, are transferable to all future projects. Regener deferred providing specific timing for second-half drilling but clarified that the Lovina wells would come online just ahead of the Forguson wells in the upcoming quarter.

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Executive Wolf E. Regener confirmed significant time and money savings from the new drilling methods but deferred providing exact figures until all costs are finalized. He affirmed that the operational improvements, resulting from a combination of better techniques, geological steering, and contractor equipment, are transferable to all future drilling. Regener also detailed that the Lovina wells will come online first, with the frac crew moving directly to the Forguson wells afterward, meaning they will follow shortly behind.

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CFO Quinn Fanning attributed the strong Q4 ESSA margin primarily to significant project deliveries in the high-margin Subsea well access business, not just the Congo project resolution. For 2025, he noted that while cost cuts and mix provide tailwinds, the guidance remains cautious and does not assume incremental net pricing gains. CEO Mike Jardon added that the company is making good progress internationalizing Coretrax and expanding its cementing technologies but will remain patient to ensure proper value capture.

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CFO Quinn Fanning described pricing in the backlog as 'somewhat better,' with 10-15% gains in deepwater well construction and subsea. CEO Michael Jardon expressed strong optimism for Coretrax, emphasizing revenue synergies from leveraging Expro's global footprint and customer access, noting the current focus is on prioritizing new market entries.

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Executive Christopher Baker attributed the Northeast/Mid-Con strength to normalized activity and rightsizing, not a one-off event. He explained the Rockies mix shifted to lower-margin services like coiled tubing, impacting profitability despite steady revenue. Regarding cash flow, Baker noted Q4 seasonality but suggested margin guidance might be conservative. Executive Keefer Lehner added that Q4 CapEx will normalize to $5-$10 million. For 2025, Baker expressed optimism, projecting 5-10% revenue growth and maintenance CapEx of $40-$50 million, citing a strong run-rate and constructive customer conversations.

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CEO Douglas Dietrich explained the buyback aligns with their balanced capital allocation policy of returning 50% of free cash flow to shareholders, enabled by the company's strong balance sheet and cash generation, and does not preclude M&A. He noted that AI in mining enhances safety and improves asset utilization, leading to long-term cost savings. Dietrich also stated that FLUORO-SORB is already in the implementation phase at several utilities, and the EPA collaboration is expected to accelerate broader adoption.

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CEO Douglas Dietrich stated the $200 million share repurchase program aligns with their balanced capital allocation policy, reflecting confidence in future cash flow, and does not preclude M&A. Regarding AI in mining, he highlighted that the primary benefits are improved asset utilization and enhanced safety, which will drive long-term cost savings and efficiency. He clarified that FLUORO-SORB is already in the implementation phase at several utilities, and the EPA pilot programs are expected to accelerate market adoption rather than initiate it.

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The company attributed flat volume to Q4 processing issues but expressed confidence in future volume growth. The outage primarily impacted margins, not volume. Q1 upgrades are focused on debottlenecking to improve reliability and flow. They expect incremental improvement in gross margins (ex-raw materials) and plan to generate cash through higher earnings and by shipping their significant existing inventory.

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CFO Adam Altsuler clarified that there were two separate interest rate swap settlements, one in Q3 for $7.7 million and another in Q4 for $9 million, with proceeds used to pay down debt. He also explained that the distribution is a quarterly board decision based on market conditions and commercial progress. CEO Dan Borgen and CFO Adam Altsuler noted that costs at the Stroud and Casper terminals have been rationalized to minimal levels for maintenance. Regarding contract terms, CEO Dan Borgen addressed the uncertainties surrounding the Trans Mountain pipeline's completion and cost, positioning the company's DRUbit solution as a more sustainable, long-term alternative that supports longer contract durations irrespective of pipeline developments.

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CFO Adam Altsuler explained that while he couldn't provide a specific EBITDA figure due to commercial sensitivity, using the disclosed percentage of expired capacity (26% at Hardisty) is a reasonable way to estimate the impact. He affirmed confidence in the 2023 outlook for the Hardisty South assets but deferred providing a 2022 run-rate, noting Q3 results will include a $7.7 million gain from an interest rate swap settlement. Regarding the distribution, Altsuler stated the board is taking a quarter-by-quarter approach, with future increases dependent on commercial progress in renewing contracts.

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