Core Insights - Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 21 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents, driven by the strong performance of the Production Enhancement segment, although it was a decline from 22 cents in the previous year due to challenges in the Reservoir Description segment and rising costs [1][9] Financial Performance - CLB's fourth-quarter operating revenues reached $138.3 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $132 million, and reflecting a 7% increase from $129.2 million in the same quarter last year, attributed to higher demand for laboratory analytical and completion diagnostic services internationally [2] - Total costs and expenses for the quarter were reported at $122.4 million, a 6.4% increase from $115.1 million in the prior year, which was above the estimated $117.7 million [7] Segment Performance - Reservoir Description segment revenues increased by 6.3% year-over-year to $92.3 million, surpassing estimates of $88.3 million, but operating income fell from $16.6 million to $12.8 million, missing the estimate of $13.1 million [4] - Production Enhancement segment revenues rose by 8.3% to $46 million from $42.4 million in the prior year, with operating income improving from a loss to a profit of $3 million, exceeding the profit estimate of $1.8 million [5][6] Shareholder Returns and Debt Management - The company repurchased 363,207 shares for $5.7 million and reduced its debt leverage ratio to 1.09, with net debt decreasing by $1.2 million [3] - A quarterly cash dividend of 1 cent per share was declared, consistent with the previous quarter [3] Future Guidance - For Q1 2026, CLB expects revenues between $124 million and $130 million, with earnings per share projected between 11 cents and 15 cents, amid volatile market conditions [10] - The company anticipates a decline in U.S. land completion activity in the first half of 2026 but expects demand for diagnostic services and proprietary technologies to partially offset this decline [12] Market Outlook - Industry groups project global crude oil demand growth of approximately 0.9 million to 1.4 million barrels per day in 2026, with CLB highlighting the need for sustained investment in oil and gas development due to rising natural decline rates in existing fields [16] - The company expects continued demand for oilfield services as efficiency improvements become less impactful, necessitating higher activity levels to maintain production [17] - Market conditions are anticipated to remain volatile due to tariff pressures, OPEC+ production policies, and commodity price fluctuations, with seasonal declines expected in Q1 2026 [18][19]

The world’s largest oilfield-service providers are looking to production increases in the Middle East to help offset a slowdown in US shale https://t.co/OF5cQjgeeq ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter 2025 revenue was $138.3 million, up 3% compared to Q3 2025 and up 7% year-over-year [13] - Full year 2025 revenue was $526.5 million, slightly up year-over-year, driven by growth in service revenue but offset by a decline in US onshore completion activity [13][14] - Net income ex items for Q4 was $9.7 million, down 5% sequentially and down 7% year-over-year [24] - Earnings per diluted share ex items was $0.21 for Q4, compared to $0.22 in both the prior quarter and the same quarter last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reservoir Description revenue for Q4 was $92.3 million, up over 5% compared to Q3, with operating income ex items of $12.7 million and operating margins of 14% [41] - Production enhancement revenue for Q4 was $46 million, up over 8% year-over-year, with operating income ex items of $3 million and operating margins of 7% [45][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for laboratory services tied to crude oil assay was negatively impacted by geopolitical conflicts and sanctions, contributing to commodity price volatility [8] - International markets showed resilient activity levels with ongoing investments in long-cycle projects across key global basins [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on technology investments to solve client problems and capitalize on technical and geographic opportunities [6] - Core Lab aims to maximize free cash flow, return on invested capital, and return excess free cash to shareholders [11] - The company plans to introduce new product and service offerings in key geographic markets while maintaining a strong balance sheet [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a constructive multiyear outlook despite near-term economic headwinds and volatile commodity prices, with global crude oil demand projected to grow [36][40] - The company anticipates a decline in US land completion activity in the first half of 2026 but expects improvement in completion activity later in the year [33] - Geopolitical conflicts and evolving trade dynamics continue to create uncertainty in demand for Core Lab's products and services [32] Other Important Information - The company returned free cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with over 363,000 shares repurchased in Q4 [9] - Capital expenditures for operations in 2025 were $11.2 million, with expectations for 2026 to be in the range of $15 million-$18 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on Venezuela - Management noted a long history in Venezuela and potential to monetize legacy data if operators return, but immediate advantages may favor metal-heavy companies [56][57] Question: Middle East facility capabilities - Management confirmed expanded lab capabilities in Saudi Arabia and ongoing engagement with Aramco, with opportunities in North Africa and unconventional projects [60][61] Question: Future cash flows and debt management - Management indicated a mix of using free cash flow for share buybacks and debt reduction, with a focus on maintaining a comfortable leverage ratio [62][63] Question: Exploration activity in Africa and Brazil - Management sees a trend towards increased international exploration and larger projects, indicating a positive outlook for future demand [74][75] Question: Impact of commodity prices on US activity - Management suggested stability in commodity prices is needed for improved activity levels, with ongoing efforts to enhance recovery techniques [80][81] Question: Tariff impact in 2025 - Management acknowledged tariffs have become more impactful, particularly in the latter part of 2025, with ongoing costs expected to repeat unless tariffs change [83][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter 2025 revenue was $138.3 million, up 3% compared to Q3 2025 and up 7% year-over-year [13] - Full year 2025 revenue was $526.5 million, slightly up year-over-year, driven by service revenue growth [13] - Operating margins in reservoir description for Q4 were 14%, expanding sequentially by 60 basis points [7] - Net income ex items for Q4 was $9.7 million, down 5% sequentially and down 7% year-over-year [23] - Earnings per diluted share ex items for Q4 was $0.21, compared to $0.22 in both the prior quarter and the same quarter last year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reservoir description revenue for Q4 was $92.3 million, up over 5% compared to Q3 [41] - Production enhancement revenue for Q4 was $46 million, up over 8% year-over-year [44] - Operating income for production enhancement was $3 million, yielding operating margins of 7%, down from 11% in Q3 [45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for laboratory services tied to crude oil was negatively impacted by geopolitical conflicts and sanctions [7] - International markets showed resilient activity levels with ongoing investments in offshore developments [31] - U.S. land completion activity is expected to decline in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on technology investments to solve client problems and capitalize on technical opportunities [6] - Core Lab aims to maximize free cash flow, return on invested capital, and return excess free cash to shareholders [11] - The company plans to introduce new products and services in key geographic markets while maintaining a strong balance sheet [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a constructive multiyear outlook despite near-term economic headwinds and commodity price volatility [36] - The IEA forecasts global crude oil demand growth of approximately 900,000-1.4 million barrels per day in 2026 [30] - Geopolitical conflicts and evolving trade dynamics continue to create uncertainty in demand for Core Lab's products and services [32] Other Important Information - The company returned free cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, repurchasing over 363,000 shares in Q4 [9] - Capital expenditures for operations in 2025 were $11.2 million, with expectations for 2026 to be in the range of $15 million-$18 million [28] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Comments on Venezuela - Management noted a long history in Venezuela and the potential to monetize legacy data if operators return [54][57] Question: Capabilities in the Middle East - Management confirmed expanded lab capabilities in Saudi Arabia and ongoing engagement with Aramco, with opportunities in North Africa [59][60] Question: Future Cash Flows and Debt Management - Management indicated a mix of using free cash flow for share buybacks and debt reduction, with a focus on maintaining a comfortable leverage ratio [62][64]

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calfrac Well Services Ltd. (“Calfrac” or “the Company”) (TSX: CFW) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Tyler Dahlseide as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective February 4, 2026. Mr. Dahlseide, who joined Calfrac as Vice President, Optimization and Strategy in September 2025, is an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record in the oilfield services industry. Most recently, he served as President and a director of Ferus Inc., a pri ...

Core Viewpoint - The energy sector, particularly oilfield services, is experiencing a significant turnaround, outperforming technology stocks for the first time in nearly two decades, indicating a potential shift in capital flows and investment priorities for the next decade [1][2]. Group 1: Performance Metrics - The VanEck Oil Services ETF (NYSE:OIH) has rallied nearly 30% year-to-date through February 4, 2026, making it the best-performing industry group so far this year [1]. - Oil services stocks have outpaced software stocks by nearly 60 percentage points year-to-date, reaching their highest relative performance ratio since November 2023 [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The current rally in oilfield services is characterized as a structural re-rating rather than a temporary momentum-driven event, suggesting a long-term shift in investor sentiment [2][4]. - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:SPY) has shown minimal movement in 2026, contrasting sharply with the strong performance of the OIH ETF, indicating a rotation from growth to value-linked energy plays [3]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Investors are gaining confidence that the oilfield services sector has overcome its previous challenges, leading to renewed interest and investment in this area [5]. - The strength in oilfield services is viewed as potentially more consequential for global energy systems than the ongoing retrenchment in tech and software sectors [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Attention is now focused on whether oilfield services companies can translate their operational momentum into sustainable earnings growth through 2026 and beyond [5]. - The market signals that oilfield services are no longer overlooked and are now leading the energy sector [6].

Core Viewpoint - The energy sector, particularly oilfield services, is experiencing a significant turnaround, outperforming technology stocks for the first time in nearly two decades, indicating a potential shift in capital flows and investment priorities for the next decade [1][2]. Group 1: Performance Metrics - The VanEck Oil Services ETF (NYSE:OIH) has rallied nearly 30% year-to-date through February 4, 2026, making it the best-performing industry group so far this year [1]. - Oil services stocks have outpaced software stocks by nearly 60 percentage points year-to-date, reaching their highest relative performance ratio since November 2023 [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The current rally in oilfield services is characterized as a structural re-rating rather than a temporary momentum-driven event, suggesting a long-term shift in investor sentiment [2][4]. - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:SPY) has shown minimal movement in 2026, contrasting sharply with the strong performance of the OIH ETF, indicating a rotation from growth to value-linked energy plays [3]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Investors are gaining confidence that the oilfield services sector has overcome its previous challenges, leading to renewed interest and investment [5]. - The strength in oilfield services is viewed as potentially more consequential for global energy systems than the ongoing retrenchment in tech and software sectors [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Attention is now focused on whether oilfield services companies can translate their operational momentum into sustainable earnings growth through 2026 and beyond [5]. - The market signals that oilfield services are no longer overlooked and are now leading the energy sector [6].

Market Overview - U.S. stocks are expected to have a volatile start in 2026, while European markets are performing strongly, with the STOXX 600 index up over 4% year-to-date compared to the S&P 500's flat performance [1] - European governments are increasing spending and anticipating economic growth, which may lead to U.S. stocks lagging behind their European counterparts [1] Leading European Stocks - Five European stocks are highlighted for their bullish trends in 2026, each with a Benzinga Edge Momentum Score of at least 90 [2] Rio Tinto - Rio Tinto has a Benzinga Edge Momentum Rating of 90.03 and is a diversified mining company focusing on iron ore, copper, aluminum, diamonds, and gold [3] - The stock has increased over 35% in the last three months, trading at 12.5 times forward earnings and 2.8 times sales, with a 4% dividend supported by a 64% payout ratio [3] ASML Holdings - ASML Holdings, rated 95.44, is a crucial technology company in Europe, known for its EUV machines that cost over $300 million each and cannot be replicated [4] - The company sells approximately 40 units annually, with a backlog exceeding a year of revenue, despite a high valuation of 43 times forward earnings and 14 times sales [5] - ASML shares are in a strong uptrend, with recent volatility helping to stabilize after a nearly 30% gain in January [6] TechnipFMC - TechnipFMC has a Benzinga Edge Momentum Rating of 92.88, with a highly anticipated Q4 2025 earnings release on February 19, following its highest EPS of $0.75 per share in over a decade reported in Q3 2025 [7] Schmid Group - Schmid Group has a Benzinga Edge Momentum Rating of 99.04 [9] Constellium - Constellium, rated 95.10, is a diversified aluminum products manufacturer with a market capitalization of $3 billion [9] - The company received an upgrade from Wells Fargo, raising its price target to $25, indicating over 45% upside potential [10] - CSTM shares have been trending upward since last summer, with a catalyst coming from its Q4 2025 earnings report scheduled for February 18, where analysts expect $1.9 billion in revenue and EPS of $0.32 [11]

Core Viewpoint - SLB is identified as a strong investment opportunity under $50, with recent price target increases from Jefferies and UBS indicating positive market sentiment and potential for further gains [1][3]. Group 1: Price Target Increases - Jefferies raised its price target for SLB from $51 to $58 while maintaining a Buy rating, attributing the stock's recent gains to a valuation catch-up and an attractive current valuation [1]. - UBS analyst Josh Silverstein increased the price target for SLB from $50 to $61, also maintaining a Buy rating [3]. Group 2: Contracts and Business Developments - SLB secured two five-year contracts from Petroleum Development Oman to provide wellheads and artificial lift technologies for Block-6, the largest oil and gas concession in Oman, focusing on enhancing production efficiency [2]. - The agreement includes a commitment from SLB to expand local manufacturing, including the production of made-in-Oman gate valves within the first six months [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - SLB operates in the energy industry worldwide, providing technology through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems [4].

Core Insights - RPC Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 4 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents, and declined from 6 cents in the year-ago quarter. Total revenues were $426 million, up from $335 million year-over-year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $425 million [1][9]. Financial Performance - The weak quarterly earnings were primarily due to higher costs of revenues from a change in accounting treatment for wireline cable and reduced customer activity, particularly in December. However, contributions from the Pintail Completions acquisition partially offset these negatives [2]. - The Technical Services segment reported an operating profit of $8.5 million, down from $10.6 million in the previous year, impacted by the accounting change and weakness in downhole tools in international markets and the Rocky Mountain region [3]. - The Support Services segment's operating profit was $1.7 million, lower than $2.6 million in the prior year, mainly due to decreased rental tool activity in December driven by lower customer engagement. The company experienced a total operating loss of $4 million compared to a profit of $10.5 million in the year-ago quarter [4]. Market Conditions - The average oil price was $59.79 per barrel, down 15.3% year-over-year, while the average price of natural gas was $3.69 per thousand cubic feet, which is 51.9% higher than the corresponding period of 2024 [5]. Costs & Expenses - In the fourth quarter, the cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) rose to $336.6 million from $250.2 million in the prior-year period. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $47.7 million from $41.2 million year-over-year [6]. Capital Expenditure and Financial Position - RPC's total capital expenditure for the year was $148.4 million. As of December 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $210 million and maintained a debt-free balance sheet [7].