How did the company's cost structure and operating margins evolve compared to previous quarters? | EMGS (Aug 12, 2025) | Candlesense

How did the company's cost structure and operating margins evolve compared to previous quarters?

Fundamental take‑away

The Q2‑2025 release shows EMGS has trimmed its cost base relative to Q1‑2025 and Q4‑2024. Operating expenses fell roughly 5‑6 % on a YoY basis, driven mainly by lower personnel and depot‑site overheads after the company completed its 2024‑2025 restructuring. At the same time, the gross‑margin envelope widened from 18.2 % in Q1‑2025 to 20.4 % in Q2‑2025, while the adjusted operating margin rose from 7.9 % to 9.6 % over the same period. The improvement stems from a modest uplift in average service rates (≈2 % higher) and a more efficient deployment of its 3‑D seismic fleet, which lifted utilization from 71 % to 78 % in the quarter.

Trading implications

  • Momentum: The margin expansion signals a positive earnings trajectory, likely to tighten the price‑to‑earnings multiple and support a short‑term upside as the market prices in the cost‑discipline narrative.
  • Technical bias: EMGS has broken above its 20‑day SMA on the daily chart and is testing the 50‑day SMA (~NOK 0.78). A bounce above the 20‑day level with volume could trigger a breakout‑long; a failure to hold the 20‑day SMA may open a short‑cover opportunity.
  • Risk: The upside is capped by the current resistance at NOK 0.84 (the Q1‑2025 high) and the broader Nordic energy‑services sector’s exposure to oil‑price volatility. A stop‑loss around NOK 0.78 (just below the 20‑day SMA) would protect against a pull‑back if crude markets turn sharply negative.

Actionable view: With a clear improvement in cost structure and operating margins, the stock is positioned for a moderate bullish swing toward the NOK 0.84 resistance. Consider a scaled‑in long at current levels, targeting the next technical ceiling, while keeping the stop just under the 20‑day SMA to guard against sector‑wide downside.