Vasily Zyryanov is an individual investor and writer.He uses various techniques to find both relatively underpriced equities with strong upside potential and relatively overappreciated companies that have inflated valuation for a reason.In his research, he pays much attention to the energy sector (oil & gas supermajors, mid-cap, and small-cap exploration & production companies, the oilfield services firms), while he also covers a plethora of other industries from mining and chemicals to luxury bellwethers.H ...

On CNBC's “Halftime Report Final Trades,” Kevin Simpson, founder of Capital Wealth Planning, said SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) is best-in-class with strong international exposure and the technology edge that’s driving margins higher.Lending support to his choice, Susquehanna analyst Bascome Majors, on Jan. 7, maintained SLB with a positive rating. He also raised the price target from $42 to $52.Don't forget to check out our premarket coverage hereJim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, said Delta Air Lines, Inc. ...

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of buying low and waiting for recovery, which can lead to quicker profits [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point for fast-moving stocks, as these stocks can lose momentum if their growth potential does not justify their high valuations [2] - A safer approach involves investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify promising candidates [3] Group 2: Oceaneering International (OII) Analysis - Oceaneering International (OII) has shown a four-week price change of 0.9%, indicating growing investor interest and positioning it well within the momentum framework [4] - OII has gained 19.3% over the past 12 weeks, with a beta of 1.24, suggesting it moves 24% more than the market in either direction, demonstrating strong momentum [5] - OII holds a Momentum Score of B, indicating a favorable time to invest, and has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which attract more investors [6][7] - The stock is currently trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.95, suggesting it is undervalued, as investors pay only 95 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides OII, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, providing additional investment opportunities [8] - Investors can explore over 45 Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles to identify potential winning stocks [9]

Market Overview - The Global Drilling Fluids Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% from 2026 to 2032, with a market value of USD 11.79 Billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 16.59 Billion by the end of the forecast period [1]. Key Highlights - The report provides actionable insights for decision-makers, including competitive analysis, market trends, regulatory impacts, and technology forecasts, essential for manufacturers, service providers, and oilfield operators [5][6]. - The market is driven by increased offshore and onshore drilling activities and the rising demand for unconventional energy sources like shale gas [7]. Technological Advancements - Advancements in drilling fluid formulations, including biodegradable and synthetic-based fluids, are enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact [9]. - Innovative solutions are being developed to improve wellbore stability, reduce drilling downtime, and enhance well productivity [6]. Regional Dynamics - North America, particularly the U.S. shale boom, remains a dominant force in the market, with emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa expected to shape future demand [7][14]. Environmental Regulations - Increased environmental regulations in key markets, especially in the U.S. and Europe, are driving the adoption of environmentally sustainable and low-toxicity drilling fluids [10]. - The focus on sustainable alternatives is creating opportunities for innovation within the drilling fluids industry [10]. Market Challenges - Volatility in crude oil prices may impede exploration and drilling operations, affecting the demand for drilling fluids [11]. - The high cost of advanced drilling fluids could restrict widespread adoption, particularly among smaller operators [12]. - Limited availability of raw materials for synthetic and petroleum-based drilling fluids may impact production capacities and profit margins [13]. Key Players - Major players in the Global Drilling Fluids Market include Baker Hughes Company, Halliburton Company, Schlumberger Limited, and others [15].

Core Insights - The oil sector is experiencing positive momentum due to efforts to redevelop Venezuela's energy infrastructure, leading to renewed interest in oilfield services companies and major oil firms [1] Group 1: Industry Developments - The redevelopment of Venezuela's energy infrastructure is a key driver for the current positive sentiment in the oil sector [1] - There is a growing interest from oilfield services companies and oil majors as a result of this momentum [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - The analysis is provided by a buy-side equity analyst with over a decade of experience in various sectors including oil and gas, oilfield services, and energy [1]

Group 1: Oil Market Impact - Oil prices surged following the capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with U.S. President Donald Trump indicating an influx of U.S. oil companies and "billions of dollars" in spending for the Venezuelan oil sector [1] - Venezuela holds approximately 17% of the world's proven crude reserves, but these reserves have been mismanaged, leading to aging infrastructure and low production levels [1] Group 2: Halliburton Company Overview - Halliburton Company, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leader in energy services, specializing in oilfield services and supporting all stages of the oil and gas lifecycle [4] - The company utilizes advanced tools, including digital systems and real-time data, to enhance operational efficiency, offering services such as fracking, cementing wells, and fluid management [5] Group 3: Stock Performance - Following the news regarding Venezuela, Halliburton's stock (HAL) gained 8% intraday on January 5, reaching a 52-week high of $33.03, but subsequently experienced a decline of approximately 3% from that peak [3][6] - Over the past 52 weeks, HAL stock has increased by 17%, and it has risen by 43% over the past six months, with a recent 12% increase over the last five days [6]

Group 1 - Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) is recognized for its potential in the oil and gas sector, particularly in the context of rebuilding efforts in regions like Iraq and Venezuela [1] - The stock has seen significant price increases, leading to concerns about overvaluation, as investors may face losses if they entered at high prices [1] - The timeframe for realizing profits from Halliburton's potential is expected to be long-term, spanning years rather than days [1] Group 2 - Halliburton provides essential equipment, technologies, and services for oil and gas exploration, drilling, completion, and production [2] - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer better investment opportunities with higher upside potential and lower downside risk compared to Halliburton [3]

Core Viewpoint - Halliburton (HAL) has been facing investor pessimism due to a decline in drilling activity, which has been ongoing for some time [1]. Group 1: Company Analysis - Halliburton's valuations were previously viewed negatively by investors and experts [1]. - The decline in drilling activity is a significant concern for Halliburton's future performance [1]. Group 2: Market Context - The overall sentiment in the market reflects a cautious outlook on the oil and gas sector, particularly affecting companies like Halliburton [1].

Core Viewpoint - Susquehanna has maintained a "Positive" rating for Baker Hughes and increased the price target from $56 to $58, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2][5]. Investment Activity - Merit Financial Group LLC increased its investment in Baker Hughes by 144.3% during the third quarter, now holding 22,680 shares valued at approximately $1.1 million [2]. - Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Baker Hughes valued at around $862.7 million, reflecting strong institutional interest [3]. - First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings by 76% in the second quarter, now owning over 7.4 million shares worth $284.4 million [3]. Stock Performance - Baker Hughes' stock is currently priced at $49.38, with a slight increase of 0.63% [4][5]. - The stock has fluctuated between $48.53 and $49.95 during the day, with a 52-week high of $51.12 and a low of $33.60 [4]. - The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $48.73 billion, with a trading volume of 6,588,536 shares today [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Schlumberger (SLB) shares experienced a significant increase of approximately 9% on January 5, driven by a broader rally in U.S. oil stocks following a military strike on Venezuela and the detention of its president, creating optimism for oil services firms [1][3]. Group 1: Market Reaction and Stock Performance - SLB stock has risen over 35% compared to its low in October, indicating strong market confidence [2]. - The geopolitical situation in Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves at 303 billion barrels, presents a substantial opportunity for oilfield services companies like Schlumberger [3]. Group 2: Company Opportunities and Earnings Outlook - The decline in Venezuela's oil production from historical peaks of 3.5 million barrels per day to just 960,000 barrels per day highlights the need for infrastructure rebuilding, which SLB is well-positioned to undertake [3][4]. - SLB is expected to report Q4 earnings on January 23, with projections of $0.74 per share (adjusted), reflecting a sequential increase of about 7% [6]. - Venezuela owes SLB approximately $469 million for past services, which could provide additional upside potential if the U.S. takeover leads to debt settlements [5]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - The recent acquisition of ChampionX has enhanced SLB's production and reservoir optimization services, contributing over $500 million to quarterly revenue and anticipated annual synergies of $40 million within three years [5]. - SLB offers a dividend yield of 2.6%, making it an attractive long-term investment at current levels [6]. Group 4: Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Schlumberger, suggesting that the stock still has potential for further gains despite its recent uptrend [7].