Energy

How Halliburton Hopped Over a Much Lowered Bar

Thinkstock

Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) reported first-quarter 2017 results before markets opened on Monday. The oil and gas services company posted adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.04 on revenues of $4.28 billion. In the same period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $0.04 on revenues of $4.2 billion. First-quarter results also compare to consensus estimates for EPS of $0.03 per share and $4.26 billion in revenues.

North American onshore revenues rose 30% sequentially in the first quarter, and total North American revenues rose 24%. The company attributed the growth to increased pressure pumping and well construction product services. Revenues dipped 12% sequentially in the eastern hemisphere and 8% sequentially in Latin America. Year over year, North American revenues rose about 24%, Latin American revenues dipped 14% and eastern hemisphere revenues fell 9.6%.

On a GAAP basis, the firm posted a quarterly net loss of $32 million ($0.04 per share) compared with a net loss of $149 million ($0.17 per share) in the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted net income totaled $34 million for the quarter compared with $35 million in the same period last year.

President Jeff Miller said:

We are in the midst of a unique and challenging cycle with very different dynamics between the North American and international markets. We are the execution company. I am excited by the activity I see in North America and confident in our ability to manage through any challenges in the international markets

The company did not provide guidance in its earnings release, but second-quarter 2017 consensus estimates call for EPS of $0.15 on revenues of $4.79 billion. For the full year, EPS is forecast at $0.95 on revenues of $19.83 billion.

Analysts’ forecast for Halliburton’s first quarter dropped sharply during the period. When fourth-quarter 2016 results were announced, first-quarter estimates called for EPS of $0.11 on revenues of $4.32 billion. For the full year, EPS was forecast at $1.10 on revenues of $19.25 billion.

Just a month ago the earnings estimate for the first quarter was $0.24 per share. In a conference call, CEO Lesar warned that the company would be adding about 2,000 jobs and that the company would “frontload” costs to expand, meaning weaker profits in the short-term but better performance in the longer term.

Halliburton’s stock closed at $47.06 on Friday, down about 1.3% for the day. Shares traded up about 1.3% in Monday’s premarket session at $47.68. The stock’s 52-week range is $38.24 to $58.78. The consensus 12-month price target was $63.36 before this latest report.

Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.