Energy Business
Analyst Stays Very Bullish on 5 Top Oilfield Services Stocks
March 19, 2018 8:05 am
Last Updated: January 12, 2020 2:19 am
Despite an oil price that has stayed over $60 a barrel for most of 2018, the energy sector has been a weak performer this year. All this comes amid announcements that the United States is poised to become the world’s top oil producer as early as this year. Fast-growing U.S. production and restraints on oil production abroad have allowed the country’s oil production to surge to the top spot.
One area in energy that looks very good for the rest of the year is oilfield services, and a new Jefferies report suggests that spending here on the services arena can jump as much as 25% year over year, which could support as much as 30% revenue growth year over year. The report noted this:
Math aside, we believe growing US oil production requires more “service dollars” per incremental barrel of oil, which should allow for a robust multi-year oilfield services earnings upcycle. We prefer Pressure Pumping over the next 6 months but remain positive on Land Drillers on underappreciated long term earnings power.
The company is very bullish on five top picks in the sector, and all are rated Buy at Jefferies.
This company is still down over 20% from highs printed in January and remains a top large cap oil services pick on Wall Street. Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. It serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir, from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production through the life of the field.
Halliburton is the second-largest provider of oil services and the number one player in pressure pumping services worldwide. For investors looking for an oilfield services company to add, this is arguably the best, and analysts feel it will be a huge benefactor as the frac market has tightened significantly and prices are 20% to 30% off the lows.
The company posted solid fourth-quarter results that topped analysts’ estimates, driven by better pricing and increased activity in every reporting region, with particular strength internationally. The company’s revenue trajectory exceeded Schlumberger’s fourth-quarter detail.
Halliburton shareholders are paid a 1.57% dividend. The Jefferies price target for the shares is a whopping $69. The Wall Street consensus price objective is at $63.19. The stock closed trading last Friday at $45.91 a share.
This smaller cap company is well liked across Wall Street desks and is another top pick for 2018 at Jefferies. C&J Energy Services Inc. (NYSE: CJ) is a completion and production services company that provides well construction, well completions and well services to the oil and gas industry.
The company also manufactures, repairs and refurbishes equipment used in the oilfield services industry. It operates in various North American onshore basins. Its Completion Services segment includes the hydraulic fracturing services, cased-hole wireline services, coiled tubing services and other well stimulation services. Its Well Support Services segment includes services, including rig services, fluid management services and other special well site services.
The Jefferies analysts believe its coiled tubing and cementing businesses could be higher returning than fracking and continue to generate healthy free cash flow generation for the pumpers in 2018.
Jefferies has a $40 price target for the stock, and the posted consensus target was last seen at $39.77. The stock closed at $25.70 on Friday.
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.