NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results
Second Quarter Results
- Total revenues of
$29 .7 million, a 17% year-over-year improvement, driven in part by increased international revenues - Net loss of $(3.1) million and loss per share of $(1.21)
- Adjusted EBITDA of
$0 .9 million, a$3 .2 million year-over-year improvement - Cash flows from operating activities of
$4 .1 million for the first half of 2024; free cash flow less distributions to non-controlling interest improved to $3.2 million compared to $(2.0) million for the first half of 2023 $18.6 million in cash and $8.9 million of total debt as of June 30, 2024
Financial Review
Total revenues were
Compared to the first quarter of 2024, total revenues decreased by 32%, with a decrease in
Gross profit was
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses totaled
Other income was $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared to $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2023. This change in other income primarily relates to an increase in royalty income from licensees.
Net loss was $(3.1) million, or $(1.21) per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to net loss of $(32.2) million, or $(13.02) per share for the quarter ended
Adjusted EBITDA was
Cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was
Liquidity and Capital Expenditures
As of June 30, 2024, NCS had
NCS incurred capital expenditures, net of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment, of
Review and Outlook
NCS’s Chief Executive Officer,
Our total revenue in the second quarter of 2024 of
Our adjusted gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 of 40%, significantly higher than 33% for the same period last year, exceeded the high end of our second quarter adjusted gross margin guidance. Our Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2024 was
During the first six months of 2024, we generated free cash flows, less distributions to our non-controlling interest, of
We believe that average 2024 industry drilling and completion activity in
For the third quarter, we expect revenues to improve year-over-year and sequentially. The year-over-year expected revenue increase is driven by an increase in international revenues and increased sales at Repeat Precision in the U.S. The sequential improvement will be driven by our
We believe the value that we bring to our customers across our product and service portfolio, our continued product and service innovation, and our targeted efforts to penetrate international markets positions us to outperform the anticipated changes in industry drilling and completion activity, and to grow our revenue in 2024 as compared to 2023. As we demonstrated during the first half of 2024, we believe that this revenue growth, paired with previously enacted and continued efforts to control our operating expenses, will enable higher year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA Margins.
These results reflect the talent, effort and dedication of the outstanding team at NCS and at Repeat Precision. We are delivering on our core strategies to build upon our leading market positions, capitalize on opportunities in international and offshore markets and to bring new and innovative solutions to our customers around the world. Through these strategies, we are delivering extraordinary outcomes to our customers, driving innovation in the industry and creating value for our shareholders.”
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation, Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, Adjusted (Loss) Earnings per Diluted Share, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, Free Cash Flow, Free Cash Flow Less Distributions to
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2024 results and updated guidance on
The replay will be available in the Investors section of the Company’s website shortly after the conclusion of the call and will remain available for approximately seven days.
About
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following: declines in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and production activity in
Contact
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(281) 453-2222
IR@ncsmultistage.com
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Product sales | $ | 19,022 | $ | 17,433 | $ | 50,780 | $ | 48,863 | ||||||||
Services | 10,668 | 7,958 | 22,768 | 20,082 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | 29,690 | 25,391 | 73,548 | 68,945 | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of product sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below | 12,209 | 11,994 | 31,901 | 30,827 | ||||||||||||
Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below | 5,510 | 4,935 | 12,105 | 11,115 | ||||||||||||
Total cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below | 17,719 | 16,929 | 44,006 | 41,942 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 14,820 | 14,477 | 28,650 | 30,628 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation | 1,134 | 948 | 2,207 | 1,891 | ||||||||||||
Amortization | 167 | 167 | 334 | 334 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (4,150 | ) | (7,130 | ) | (1,649 | ) | (5,850 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (115 | ) | (211 | ) | (215 | ) | (420 | ) | ||||||||
Provision for litigation, net of recoveries | — | (24,886 | ) | — | (42,400 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income, net | 2,203 | 1,478 | 3,340 | 1,770 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain | (507 | ) | 23 | (1,005 | ) | 78 | ||||||||||
Total other income (expense) | 1,581 | (23,596 | ) | 2,120 | (40,972 | ) | ||||||||||
(Loss) income before income tax | (2,569 | ) | (30,726 | ) | 471 | (46,822 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 270 | 1,350 | 757 | 250 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (2,839 | ) | (32,076 | ) | (286 | ) | (47,072 | ) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 256 | 155 | 739 | 128 | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to |
$ | (3,095 | ) | $ | (32,231 | ) | $ | (1,025 | ) | $ | (47,200 | ) | ||||
Loss per common share | ||||||||||||||||
Basic loss per common share attributable to |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (13.02 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (19.16 | ) | ||||
Diluted loss per common share attributable to |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (13.02 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (19.16 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 2,548 | 2,476 | 2,528 | 2,464 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 2,548 | 2,476 | 2,528 | 2,464 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS* (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 18,614 | $ | 16,720 | ||||
Accounts receivable—trade, net | 24,505 | 23,981 | ||||||
Inventories, net | 41,563 | 41,612 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3,206 | 1,862 | ||||||
Other current receivables | 3,958 | 4,042 | ||||||
Insurance receivable | — | 15,000 | ||||||
Total current assets | 91,846 | 103,217 | ||||||
Noncurrent assets | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 23,147 | 23,336 | ||||||
15,222 | 15,222 | |||||||
Identifiable intangibles, net | 4,073 | 4,407 | ||||||
Operating lease assets | 4,056 | 4,847 | ||||||
Deposits and other assets | 823 | 937 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 198 | 66 | ||||||
Total noncurrent assets | 47,519 | 48,815 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 139,365 | $ | 152,032 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable—trade | $ | 7,567 | $ | 6,227 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 5,406 | 3,702 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 736 | 364 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 1,471 | 1,583 | ||||||
Accrual for legal contingencies | — | 15,000 | ||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 2,074 | 1,812 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 2,679 | 3,370 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 19,933 | 32,058 | ||||||
Noncurrent liabilities | ||||||||
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 6,828 | 6,344 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, long-term | 2,994 | 3,775 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 199 | 213 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 372 | 249 | ||||||
Total noncurrent liabilities | 10,393 | 10,581 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 30,326 | 42,639 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
Preferred stock, |
— | — | ||||||
Common stock, |
26 | 25 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 446,070 | 444,638 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (86,516 | ) | (85,752 | ) | ||||
Retained deficit | (266,642 | ) | (265,617 | ) | ||||
(1,913 | ) | (1,676 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | 91,025 | 91,618 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest | 18,014 | 17,775 | ||||||
Total equity | 109,039 | 109,393 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 139,365 | $ | 152,032 |
_____________________
* | Preliminary |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) |
||||||
Six Months Ended | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (286 | ) | $ | (47,072 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,541 | 2,225 | ||||
Amortization of deferred loan costs | 103 | 102 | ||||
Share-based compensation | 2,062 | 2,542 | ||||
Provision for inventory obsolescence | 679 | 245 | ||||
Deferred income tax expense | 21 | 57 | ||||
Gain on sale of property and equipment | (340 | ) | (333 | ) | ||
(Recovery of) provision for credit losses | (5 | ) | 58 | |||
Provision for litigation, net of recoveries | — | 42,400 | ||||
Net foreign currency unrealized loss (gain) | 956 | (279 | ) | |||
Proceeds from note receivable | 61 | 271 | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts receivable—trade | (1,024 | ) | 5,759 | |||
Inventories, net | (1,501 | ) | (5,907 | ) | ||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (619 | ) | 552 | |||
Accounts payable—trade | 1,353 | 545 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 1,761 | (4 | ) | |||
Other liabilities | (2,092 | ) | (2,078 | ) | ||
Income taxes receivable/payable | 429 | (125 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 4,099 | (1,042 | ) | |||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (633 | ) | (1,151 | ) | ||
Purchase and development of software and technology | (53 | ) | (167 | ) | ||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 293 | 340 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (393 | ) | (978 | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
Payments on finance leases | (932 | ) | (743 | ) | ||
Line of credit borrowings | 2,974 | 8,397 | ||||
Payments of line of credit borrowings | (2,974 | ) | (7,663 | ) | ||
(237 | ) | (264 | ) | |||
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | (500 | ) | — | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,669 | ) | (273 | ) | ||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (143 | ) | (195 | ) | ||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 1,894 | (2,488 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period | 16,720 | 16,234 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents end of period | $ | 18,614 | $ | 13,746 | ||
Noncash investing and financing activities | ||||||
Assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | $ | 1,821 | $ | 845 | ||
Assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | — | $ | 1,789 |
REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA (In thousands) (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Product sales | $ | 8,550 | $ | 6,942 | $ | 16,317 | $ | 15,002 | ||||||||
Services | 3,241 | 2,440 | 5,485 | 5,699 | ||||||||||||
Total |
11,791 | 9,382 | 21,802 | 20,701 | ||||||||||||
Product sales | 8,263 | 9,970 | 30,938 | 32,531 | ||||||||||||
Services | 3,795 | 4,351 | 12,789 | 12,461 | ||||||||||||
Total |
12,058 | 14,321 | 43,727 | 44,992 | ||||||||||||
Other Countries | ||||||||||||||||
Product sales | 2,209 | 521 | 3,525 | 1,330 | ||||||||||||
Services | 3,632 | 1,167 | 4,494 | 1,922 | ||||||||||||
Total other countries | 5,841 | 1,688 | 8,019 | 3,252 | ||||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Product sales | 19,022 | 17,433 | 50,780 | 48,863 | ||||||||||||
Services | 10,668 | 7,958 | 22,768 | 20,082 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 29,690 | $ | 25,391 | $ | 73,548 | $ | 68,945 |
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation, Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, Adjusted (Loss) Earnings per Diluted Share, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, Free Cash Flow, Free Cash Flow Less Distributions to
However, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation, Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, Adjusted (Loss) Earnings per Diluted Share, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, Free Cash Flow, Free Cash Flow Less Distributions to
The tables below set forth reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable measures of financial performance calculated under GAAP:
NET WORKING CAPITAL*
Net working capital is defined as total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt. Net working capital excludes cash and cash equivalents and current maturities of long-term debt in order to evaluate the investments in working capital that we believe are required to support our business. We believe that net working capital is useful in analyzing the cash flow and working capital needs of the Company, including determining the efficiencies of our operations and our ability to readily convert assets into cash.
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Working capital | $ | 71,913 | $ | 71,159 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | (18,614 | ) | (16,720 | ) | ||||
Current maturities of long term debt | 2,074 | 1,812 | ||||||
Net working capital | $ | 55,373 | $ | 56,251 |
_____________________
* | Preliminary |
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT AND ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN
Adjusted gross profit is defined as total revenues minus cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense, which we present as a separate line item in our statement of operations. Adjusted gross margin represents adjusted gross profit as a percentage of total revenues.
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 29,690 | $ | 25,391 | $ | 73,548 | $ | 68,945 | ||||||||
Total cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense | 17,719 | 16,929 | 44,006 | 41,942 | ||||||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization associated with cost of sales | 653 | 527 | 1,269 | 1,043 | ||||||||||||
Gross Profit | $ | 11,318 | $ | 7,935 | $ | 28,273 | $ | 25,960 | ||||||||
Gross Margin | 38.1 | % | 31.3 | % | 38.4 | % | 37.7 | % | ||||||||
Exclude total depreciation and amortization associated with cost of sales | (653 | ) | (527 | ) | (1,269 | ) | (1,043 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted Gross Profit | $ | 11,971 | $ | 8,462 | $ | 29,542 | $ | 27,003 | ||||||||
Adjusted Gross Margin | 40.3 | % | 33.3 | % | 40.2 | % | 39.2 | % |
ADJUSTED NET LOSS AND ADJUSTED LOSS PER DILUTED SHARE
Adjusted net (loss) income is defined as net (loss) income attributable to
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect on Net Loss |
Impact on Diluted Loss Per Share |
Effect on Net Loss |
Impact on Diluted Loss Per Share |
Effect on Net Loss |
Impact on Diluted Loss Per Share |
Effect on Net Loss |
Impact on Diluted Loss Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to |
$ | (3,095 | ) | $ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (32,231 | ) | $ | (13.02 | ) | $ | (1,025 | ) | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (47,200 | ) | $ | (19.16 | ) | ||||||||
Adjustments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for litigation, net of recoveries (a) | — | — | 24,886 | 10.05 | — | — | 42,400 | 17.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) (b) | 432 | 0.17 | (48 | ) | (0.02 | ) | 941 | 0.37 | (105 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax impact from adjustments (c) | 44 | 0.01 | 1,197 | 0.49 | (1,301 | ) | (0.51 | ) | 288 | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net loss attributable to |
$ | (2,619 | ) | $ | (1.03 | ) | $ | (6,196 | ) | $ | (2.50 | ) | $ | (1,385 | ) | $ | (0.55 | ) | $ | (4,617 | ) | $ | (1.87 | ) |
__________________
(a) | Represents litigation provision primarily associated with a legal matter in |
(b) | Represents realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses attributable to |
(c) | Represents income tax impacts based on applicable effective tax rates. |
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN, AND ADJUSTED EBITDA LESS SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
EBITDA is defined as net (loss) income before interest expense, net, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted to exclude certain items which we believe are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or which, in the case of share-based compensation, is non-cash in nature. Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation is defined as Adjusted EBITDA minus share-based compensation expense. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure that excludes costs that management believes do not reflect our ongoing operating performance, legal proceedings for intellectual property as further described below, and certain costs associated with our capital structure. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation presents our financial performance in a manner that is comparable to the presentation provided by many of our peers.
We periodically incur legal costs associated with the assertion of, or defense of, intellectual property, which we exclude from our definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation, unless we believe that settlement will occur prior to any material legal spend (included in the table below as “Professional Fees”). Although these costs may recur between periods, depending on legal matters then outstanding or in process, we believe the timing of when these costs are incurred does not typically match the settlement or recoveries associated with such matters, and therefore, can distort our operating results. Similarly, we exclude from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation the one-time settlement or recovery payment associated with these excluded legal matters when realized but would not exclude any go forward royalties or payments, if applicable. We expect to continue to incur these legal costs for current matters under appeal and for any future cases that may go to trial, provided that the amount will vary by period.
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (2,839 | ) | $ | (32,076 | ) | $ | (286 | ) | $ | (47,072 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense | 270 | 1,350 | 757 | 250 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 115 | 211 | 215 | 420 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation | 1,134 | 948 | 2,207 | 1,891 | ||||||||||||
Amortization | 167 | 167 | 334 | 334 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | (1,153 | ) | (29,400 | ) | 3,227 | (44,177 | ) | |||||||||
Provision for litigation, net of recoveries (a) | — | 24,886 | — | 42,400 | ||||||||||||
Share-based compensation (b) | 667 | 1,044 | 1,433 | 1,957 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees (c) | 677 | 577 | 930 | 1,661 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) (d) | 507 | (23 | ) | 1,005 | (78 | ) | ||||||||||
Severance and other termination benefits (e) | — | 309 | — | 309 | ||||||||||||
Other (f) | 218 | 362 | 398 | 553 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 916 | $ | (2,245 | ) | $ | 6,993 | $ | 2,625 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 3 | % | (9 | %) | 10 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Less Share-Based Compensation | $ | 249 | $ | (3,289 | ) | $ | 5,560 | $ | 668 |
___________________
(a) | Represents litigation provision primarily associated with a legal matter in Texas. See footnote (a) in the “Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss Earnings per Diluted Share” table above for more information. |
(b) | Represents non-cash compensation charges related to share-based compensation granted to our officers, employees and directors. |
(c) | Represents non-capitalizable costs of professional services primarily incurred or reversed in connection with our legal proceedings associated with the assertion of, or defense of, intellectual property as further described above as well as the valuation of potential strategic transactions. |
(d) | Represents realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses primarily due to movement in the foreign currency exchange rates during the applicable periods. |
(e) | Represents certain expenses associated with consolidations of our tracer diagnostics business operations and Repeat Precision's manufacturing operations in |
(f) | Represents the impact of a research and development subsidy that is included in income tax expense in accordance with GAAP along with other charges and credits. |
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
FREE CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW LESS DISTRIBUTIONS TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less purchases of property and equipment (inclusive of the purchase and development of software and technology) plus proceeds from sales of property and equipment, as presented in our consolidated statement of cash flows. We define free cash flow less distributions to non-controlling interest as free cash flow less amounts reported in the financing activities section of the statement of cash flows as distributions to non-controlling interest. We believe free cash flow is useful because it provides information to investors regarding the cash that was available in the period that was in excess of our needs to fund our capital expenditures and other investment needs. We believe that free cash flow less distributions to non-controlling interest is useful because it provides information to investors regarding the cash that was available in the period that was in excess of our needs to fund our capital expenditures, other investment needs, and cash distributions to our joint venture partner.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 4,099 | $ | (1,042 | ) | |||
Purchases of property and equipment | (633 | ) | (1,151 | ) | ||||
Purchase and development of software and technology | (53 | ) | (167 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 293 | 340 | ||||||
Free cash flow | $ | 3,706 | $ | (2,020 | ) | |||
Distributions to non-controlling interest | (500 | ) | — | |||||
Free cash flow less distributions to non-controlling interest | $ | 3,206 | $ | (2,020 | ) |
Source: NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc.