FTSI FTS International Inc

PROPOSAL 2—
APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL

General

        On March 26, 2020, our board of directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, a certificate of amendment to our Charter (the "Charter Amendment") to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-10 and not more than 1-for-30, with the exact ratio to be set within this range by our board of directors in its sole discretion (the "Reverse Stock Split"). Our board of directors may alternatively elect to abandon such proposed Charter Amendment and not effect the Reverse Stock Split authorized by stockholders, in its sole discretion.

        The form of the proposed Charter Amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. The Charter Amendment that will be filed to effect the Reverse Stock Split will include the Reverse Stock Split ratio fixed by our board of directors, within the range approved by our stockholders.

        If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders, our board of directors would have the sole discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and to fix the specific ratio for the Reverse Stock Split, provided that the ratio would be not less than 1-for-10 and not more than 1-for-30. We believe that enabling our board of directors to fix the specific ratio of the Reverse Stock Split within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to implement the split in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits to us and our stockholders, as described below. The determination of the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split will be based on a number of factors, described further below under the heading "—Criteria to be Used for Decision to Apply the Reverse Stock Split."

        If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders, the Reverse Stock Split would become effective upon the time specified in the Charter Amendment as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (referred to herein as the "Effective Date"). The exact timing of the filing of the Charter Amendment and the Reverse Stock Split will be determined by our board of directors based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to us and our stockholders. Assuming that our stockholders now approve the Charter Amendment, we intend for the Effective Date to occur shortly following the Annual Meeting. By approving the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, our stockholders are also authorizing us to make any changes to the Charter Amendment that the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware requires or that our board of directors or management deems necessary and advisable to effect the Reverse Stock Split, so long as those changes do not alter the Reverse Stock Split ratio. In addition, our board of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by our stockholders, to abandon the Charter Amendment and the Reverse Stock Split if, at any time prior to the filing of the Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State, our board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders to proceed.

        The primary purpose for effecting the Reverse Stock Split is to increase the per-share trading price of our common stock so as to:

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maintain the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and avoid a delisting of our common stock from the NYSE in the future on the basis of the Minimum Share Price Rule (as defined below);



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broaden the pool of investors that may be interested in investing in our company by attracting new investors who would prefer not to invest in shares that trade at lower share prices; and



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make our common stock a more attractive investment to institutional investors.

        In evaluating the Reverse Stock Split, our board of directors has taken, and will take, into consideration negative factors associated with reverse stock splits. These factors include the negative

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perception of reverse stock splits held by many investors, analysts and other stock market participants, as well as the fact that the stock price of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits has subsequently declined back to pre-reverse stock split levels. In recommending the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, our board of directors determined that these potential negative factors were significantly outweighed by the potential benefits.

Criteria to be Used for Decision to Apply the Reverse Stock Split

        If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, our board of directors will be authorized to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split. The exact ratio of the Reverse Stock Split, within the 1-for-10 to 1-for-30 range, would be determined by our board of directors and publicly announced by us prior to the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split. In determining whether to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split and setting the appropriate ratio for the Reverse Stock Split, our board of directors will consider, among other things, factors such as:

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NYSE's minimum price-per-share requirements;



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the historical trading prices and trading volume of our common stock;



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the number of shares of our common stock that would be outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split;



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the then-prevailing and expected trading prices and trading volume of our common stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our common stock;



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the anticipated impact of a particular ratio on our ability to reduce administrative and transactional costs;



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business developments affecting us; and



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prevailing general market and economic conditions.

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

        Our board of directors is seeking authority to effect the Reverse Stock Split with the primary intent of increasing the price of our common stock in order to meet the minimum share price requirements for continued listing on the NYSE. Our common stock is publicly traded and listed on the NYSE under the symbol "FTSI." Our board of directors believes that, in addition to increasing the price of our common stock to meet the share price requirements for continued listing on the NYSE, the Reverse Stock Split would also make our common stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional and other investors. Accordingly, for these and other reasons discussed below, we believe that effecting the Reverse Stock Split is in our and our stockholders' best interests.

        On January 31, 2020, we received written notice from the NYSE notifying us that, over a period of 30 consecutive trading days, the average closing price of the Company's common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing on the NYSE under Item 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (the "Minimum Share Price Rule"). We have six months from the date of the notice, or until July 31, 2020, to regain compliance with the Minimum Share Price Rule. By effecting the Reverse Stock Split, we believe that we can increase our stock price and bring the average closing price per share of our common stock back above the $1.00 per share minimum in order to meet the requirements of the Minimum Share Price Rule.

        In the event we are delisted from NYSE, the only established trading market for our common stock would be eliminated and we would be forced to list our shares on the OTC Markets or another quotation medium, depending on our ability to meet the specific listing requirements of those quotation systems. As a result, an investor would likely find it more difficult to trade, or to obtain accurate price

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quotations for, our shares. Delisting would likely also reduce the visibility, liquidity and value of our common stock, including as a result of reduced institutional investor interest in our company, and may increase the volatility of our common stock. Delisting could also cause a loss of confidence of current and potential industry partners, customers, vendors, lenders and employees, which could further harm our business and our future prospects. We believe that effecting the Reverse Stock Split may help us avoid delisting from the NYSE and any resulting consequences.

        In addition, our board of directors believes that an expected increased stock price could encourage investor interest and improve the marketability of our common stock to a broader range of investors, and thus enhance our liquidity. Because of the trading volatility often associated with low-priced stocks, many brokerage firms and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Additionally, because brokers' commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current share price of our common stock may result in an investor paying transaction costs that represent a higher percentage of total share value than would be the case if our share price were higher. Our board of directors believes that the higher share price that may result from the Reverse Stock Split could enable institutional investors and brokerage firms with such policies and practices to invest in our common stock.

        Although we expect that the Reverse Stock Split will result in an increase in the per share market price of our common stock, the Reverse Stock Split may not result in a permanent increase in the market price of our common stock, which would be dependent on many factors, including general economic, market and industry conditions and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.

Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

        There can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our common stock after the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split or that the per share market price of our common stock following the Reverse Stock Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Also, we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split would lead to a sustained increase in the trading price of our common stock. The trading price of our common stock may change due to a variety of other factors, including our ability to successfully accomplish our business goals, market conditions and the market perception of our business. You should also keep in mind that the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split does not have an effect on the actual or intrinsic value of our business or a stockholder's proportional ownership in our company (subject to the treatment of fractional shares). However, should the overall value of our common stock decline after the proposed Reverse Stock Split, then the actual or intrinsic value of the shares of our common stock held by you will also proportionately decrease as a result of the overall decline in value.

        Further, the liquidity of our common stock may be harmed by the proposed Reverse Stock Split given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split, particularly if the expected increase in stock price as a result of the Reverse Stock Split is not sustained. For instance, the proposed Reverse Stock Split may increase the number of stockholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares) of our common stock, creating the potential for such stockholders to experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and greater difficulty effecting sales. If we effect the Reverse Stock Split, the resulting per-share stock price may nevertheless fail to attract institutional investors and may not satisfy the investing guidelines of such investors and, consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.

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        While our board of directors has proposed the Reverse Stock Split to bring the average closing price of our common stock back above $1.00 per share in order to meet the requirements of the Minimum Share Price Rule, there is no guarantee that the price of our common stock will not decrease in the future, or that our common stock will remain in compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards. Additionally, there can be no guarantee that the average closing price per share of our common stock will remain at or above $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, whether following the Reverse Stock Split or otherwise, which is required to cure our current NYSE continued listing standard deficiency.

Effect of the Reverse Stock Split

        If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders and our board of directors elects to effect the Reverse Stock Split, the number of outstanding shares of common stock will be reduced in proportion to the ratio of the split chosen by our board of directors. As of the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, we would also adjust the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon vesting of outstanding equity awards. In addition, as of the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, we would adjust and proportionately decrease the total number of shares of our common stock that may be the subject of future grants under our Amended and Restated 2018 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2018 Plan").

        Because the Reverse Stock Split will decrease the number of outstanding shares of our common stock, it would result in a relative increase in the number of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock. The effect of the relative increase in the amount of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock would allow our Company to issue additional shares of common stock in connection with future financings, employee and director benefit programs and other desirable corporate activities, without requiring our Company's stockholders to approve an increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock each time such an action is contemplated.

        The Reverse Stock Split would be effected simultaneously for all outstanding shares of our common stock. The Reverse Stock Split would affect all of our stockholders uniformly and would not change any stockholder's percentage ownership interest in our company, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split results in any of our stockholders owning fractional shares. We will not issue any fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and in lieu thereof any stockholders that would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share will be entitled to a cash payment (which we describe below under "Fractional Shares"). The Reverse Stock Split would not change the terms of our common stock. The Reverse Stock Split is not intended as, and would not have the effect of, a "going private transaction" covered by Rule 13e-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Following the Reverse Stock Split, we would continue to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

        After the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, our common stock will have a new Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures ("CUSIP") number, which is a number used to identify our equity securities.

        The following table contains approximate information, based on share information as of March 12, 2020, relating to our outstanding common stock assuming Reverse Stock Split ratios of 1-for-10, 1-for-20 and 1-for-30, which reflect the range that our stockholders are being asked to approve. In addition, the following table sets forth (i) the number of shares of our common stock that would be

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issued and outstanding and (ii) the number of shares of our common stock that would be authorized and remain available for future issuance under our 2018 Plan.

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The number of shares underlying all of our other outstanding equity-based awards (e.g., our restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted stock units ("PRSUs") held by our directors and employees) would be reduced proportionately, in accordance with the 2018 Plan.

        The Reverse Stock Split will not, however, affect the total number of shares of all classes of our capital stock that we are authorized to issue, including the total number of authorized shares of our common stock and preferred stock.

        Further, the Reverse Stock Split will not affect the par value or any of the other terms of our common stock. After the Reverse Stock Split:

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All shares of our common stock will have the same voting, dividend and distribution rights as immediately before the Reverse Stock Split.



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We will continue to be subject to the same periodic reporting and other requirements relating to our securities under the Exchange Act, as immediately before the Reverse Stock Split.



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We will continue to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol "FTSI", as immediately before the Reverse Stock Split.

        In addition, the Reverse Stock Split will not itself immediately affect our overall market capitalization, i.e., our market capitalization immediately before the Reverse Stock Split will be the same as immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, except as a result of any "fractional shares" that we cash out as described below. However, if our trading price increases or declines over time following the Reverse Stock Split, we will have a higher or lower market capitalization depending on that trading price.

Procedure for Effecting a Reverse Stock Split

        If stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, and if our board of directors determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split (with the ratio to be determined in the discretion of the board of directors within the parameters described), we will file the Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and certain regulatory bodies reflecting the designated ratio. The Reverse Stock Split will become effective at the time and on the date of filing of, or at such later time as is specified in, the Charter Amendment, which we refer to as the "Effective Time" and the "Effective Date," respectively. The Effective Time of the Charter Amendment shall be determined in the discretion of our board of directors and in accordance with applicable law. As discussed above under the heading "—Effect of the Reverse Stock Split", after the Charter Amendment becomes effective, the shares of our common stock will have a new CUSIP number, which is a number used to identify our common stock. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, stockholders will be notified that the Reverse Stock Split has been effected.

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Stockholder of Record

        Certain of our stockholders hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. These stockholders do not hold physical stock certificates evidencing their ownership of our common stock. However, they are provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares of our common stock registered in their accounts. If a stockholder holds registered shares in book-entry form with our transfer agent, no action needs to be taken to receive post-Reverse Stock Split shares. If a stockholder is entitled to post-Reverse Stock Split shares, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to the stockholder's address of record indicating the number of shares of our common stock held following the Reverse Stock Split.

Beneficial Owner

        Upon the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split, we intend to treat shares held by stockholders in "street name" through a broker, bank or other nominee in the same manner as stockholders of record whose shares are registered in their names. Brokers, banks and other nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders holding our common stock in "street name." However, these brokers, banks and other nominees may have different procedures than stockholders of record for processing the Reverse Stock Split. If a stockholder holds shares of our common stock with a broker, bank or other nominee and has any questions about the Reverse Stock Split, the stockholder is encouraged to contact its nominee.

Fractional Shares

        To avoid having any fractional shares of our common stock (i.e., less than one full share of common stock) outstanding as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, we will "cash out" any fractional shares. This means that our stockholders of record who would hold any fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Stock Split will receive cash (without interest) equal to (x) the fraction of a share of common stock to which such holder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by (y) the per-share closing stock price (for a whole share) of the Company's common stock on the trading date immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. For example, if the closing stock price is $2.00 per share and a stockholder would receive 0.75 shares of our common stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, then that stockholder would receive $1.50 for those fractional shares.

No Appraisal Rights

        No action is proposed herein for which the laws of the State of Delaware, or our Charter or bylaws, provide a right to our stockholders to dissent and obtain appraisal of, or payment for, such stockholders' capital stock.

Accounting Matters

        The Reverse Stock Split would not affect the par value of our common stock per share, which would remain $0.01 par value per share, while the number of outstanding shares of common stock would decrease in accordance with the Reverse Stock Split ratio. As a result, as of the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital attributable to common stock on our balance sheet would decrease and the additional paid-in capital account on our balance sheet would increase by an offsetting amount. In addition, following the Reverse Stock Split, reported per-share net income or loss would be higher because there would be fewer shares of common stock outstanding and we would adjust historical per share amounts set forth in our future financial statements.

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Reservation of Right to Abandon the Amendment to our Charter

        Our board of directors reserves the right to abandon the amendment to our Charter described in this Reverse Stock Split Proposal without further action by our stockholders at any time before the effective time, even if stockholders approve such amendment at the Annual Meeting. By voting in favor of the Charter Amendment, stockholders are also expressly authorizing the board of directors to determine not to proceed with, and abandon, the Reverse Stock Split if it should so decide.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

        The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Stock Split to us and to U.S. Holders (as defined below) that hold shares of our common stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, in each case in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a U.S. Holder. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below and there can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Stock Split.

        For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of our common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a corporation) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (1) its administration is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and all of its substantial decisions are subject to the control of one or more "United States persons" (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

        This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the particular circumstances of a U.S. Holder, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income.

        In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to U.S. Holders that are subject to special rules, including, without limitation, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, stockholders who hold our common stock as part of a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, conversion or integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, or U.S. Holders who actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock.

        If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships (and other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common stock and the partners in such entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Stock Split to them.

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        In addition, the following discussion does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, alternative minimum tax, or state, local and non-U.S. tax law consequences of the proposed Reverse Stock Split. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address any tax consequences of transactions effectuated before, after or at the same time as the proposed Reverse Stock Split, whether or not they are in connection with the proposed Reverse Stock Split. This discussion should not be considered as tax or investment advice, and the tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Stock Split may not be the same for all stockholders.

        Each stockholder should consult his, her or its own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split, as well as the consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any state, local or foreign tax consequences.

        Tax Consequences to the Company.    The proposed Reverse Stock Split is intended to be treated as a "recapitalization" pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. As a result, we should not recognize taxable income, gain or loss in connection with the proposed Reverse Stock Split.

        Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders.    A U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the proposed Reverse Stock Split for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock, as discussed below. A U.S. Holder's aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed Reverse Stock Split should equal the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of our common stock exchanged therefor (reduced by the amount of such basis that is allocated to any fractional share of our common stock). The U.S. Holder's holding period in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed Reverse Stock Split should include the holding period in the shares of our common stock exchanged therefor. U.S. Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of shares of common stock surrendered in a recapitalization to shares received in the recapitalization. U.S. Holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares A U.S. Holder that, pursuant to the proposed Reverse Stock Split, receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock should recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and the portion of the U.S. Holder's aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock surrendered that is allocated to such fractional share. Such capital gain or loss will be short term if the pre-Reverse Stock Split shares were held for one year or less at the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split and long term if held for more than one year. No gain or loss will be recognized by us as a result of the proposed Reverse Stock Split.

        A U.S. Holder of our common stock may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding on cash paid in lieu of a fractional share in connection with the proposed Reverse Stock Split. A U.S. Holder of our common stock will be subject to backup withholding if such U.S. Holder is not otherwise exempt and such U.S. Holder does not provide its taxpayer identification number in the manner required or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding tax rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

        The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular stockholder in light of such stockholder's circumstances and income tax situation. Accordingly, we urge you to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to all of the potential U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to you of the Reverse Stock Split.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal.

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