ChampionX Corporation is a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the world. The company's expertise, innovative products, and digital technologies provide enhanced oil and gas production, transportation, and real-time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well.
Business Overview
ChampionX's business is organized into four reportable segments: Production Chemical Technologies, Production & Automation Technologies, Drilling Technologies, and Reservoir Chemical Technologies. The Production Chemical Technologies and Reservoir Chemical Technologies segments together form the company's Chemical Technologies business.
Financials
In 2023, ChampionX delivered strong financial performance, reporting annual revenue of $3.76 billion and net income of $314.2 million. The company generated $540.3 million in annual operating cash flow and $397.9 million in free cash flow, demonstrating the strength of its capital-light business model. ChampionX's diversified portfolio and focus on production-oriented solutions have enabled the company to navigate market volatility and deliver consistent growth.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Performance
During the fourth quarter of 2023, ChampionX reported revenue of $944 million, up slightly sequentially but 4% lower year-over-year. The company's largest segment, Production Chemical Technologies, generated revenue of $634 million, up 5% sequentially and flat year-over-year. Geographically, international revenue increased 8% sequentially, while North American revenue grew 2%. The segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.9%, consistent with the prior quarter and up 290 basis points year-over-year, driven by higher volumes, productivity initiatives, and pricing actions.
The Production & Automation Technologies segment reported fourth quarter revenue of $241 million, down 6% sequentially but only 1% lower year-over-year. The sequential decline was primarily due to the seasonality of the North American business. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin was 22%, down 126 basis points sequentially but up 94 basis points year-over-year.
Drilling Technologies revenue was $47 million in the fourth quarter, down 15% sequentially and 13% lower year-over-year, reflecting the decline in U.S. land rig count and customer year-end activity slowdowns. The segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 22%, a 300 basis point sequential decline but up 168 basis points year-over-year due to productivity improvements.
Reservoir Chemical Technologies revenue was $21 million in the fourth quarter, 15% lower sequentially and 17% lower year-over-year. The sequential decline was driven by lower volumes in U.S. land into the year-end holidays. The segment's adjusted EBITDA margin was 26%, a 897 basis point sequential improvement and over 1,000 basis point improvement year-over-year, as the fourth quarter included a LIFO inventory favorability.
Outlook
Looking ahead, ChampionX provided first quarter 2024 guidance, expecting revenue in the range of $908 million to $938 million and adjusted EBITDA between $179 million and $189 million. The company anticipates sequential declines in international operations, partially offset by increases in North American businesses. From this seasonally low starting point, ChampionX expects revenue and adjusted EBITDA margin to improve progressively throughout the year.
The company remains confident in its ability to generate strong free cash flow, targeting a 50% to 60% conversion ratio from adjusted EBITDA on a through-the-cycle basis. ChampionX expects a free cash flow conversion ratio of at least 50% in 2024, with the majority of the free cash flow generation weighted towards the back half of the year.
Liquidity
ChampionX's financial position is exceptionally strong, with $289 million in cash and $959 million in total liquidity as of the end of 2023. The company's leverage ratio was 0.4x net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA, providing ample flexibility to invest in organic growth opportunities and return capital to shareholders.
Consistent with its disciplined capital allocation framework, ChampionX returned 83% of its 2023 free cash flow to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases. The company's Board of Directors has approved a 12% increase in the regular quarterly dividend and a $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, ChampionX remains well-positioned to capitalize on favorable industry trends. The company's diversified portfolio of production-oriented solutions, focus on digital technologies, and strong pipeline of productivity initiatives position it for continued revenue and earnings growth, margin expansion, and robust free cash flow generation. With its strong financial foundation and disciplined capital allocation, ChampionX is poised to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders.