U.S. shale drillers are facing higher prices for tungsten, a rare, ultra-hard metal used for industrial tools like drillbits, as Chinese export controls have squeezed supply, threatening U.S. President Donald Trump's ambitions to boost America's fossil fuel production. ...

The Trump administration plans to allow permits for oil drilling and other work on “priority conventional energy projects” to continue during the government shutdown, while work on some renewable energy projects will halt https://t.co/zMmNsU5Uho ...

Group 1 - Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) has seen a significant increase in its stock price, rising 7.34% to close at $24.27, marking its fourth consecutive day of gains as investors respond to rising oil prices [1][3][4] - The increase in oil prices is attributed to supply risks stemming from geopolitical tensions involving Russia and NATO, particularly after Russian jets were reported in Estonian airspace [2][3] - As of the latest data, Brent crude prices rose by 1.59% to $67.63 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate increased by 0.46% to $63.70 per barrel, contributing to the rally of Halliburton and other energy stocks [4]

Core Viewpoint - The current market presents a "pain trade" opportunity in the energy sector, particularly for oil, as short positions have accumulated, potentially leading to a short squeeze if demand increases due to Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [1][2]. Group 1: Oil Market Dynamics - The consensus view is that inflation has been tamed, leading to a belief that oil prices will not rise significantly in the near term [2]. - However, there are emerging signs that oil demand could increase, particularly if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, which may create a supply bottleneck and drive prices higher [3]. Group 2: Company-Specific Insights - **Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG)**: - Operates one of the largest and most advanced deepwater rig fleets, positioning it well to benefit from a rebound in oil demand [8]. - With a market capitalization of $3 billion, there is potential for significant upside, possibly reaching $6 billion under favorable conditions [9]. - **Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: PTEN)**: - Positioned to benefit from the removal of fracking and shale drilling restrictions in the U.S., which could lead to substantial EPS expansion [10]. - Current valuation target is $7.90 per share, indicating a potential upside of 40.4% from current prices [11]. - **Helmerich & Payne Inc. (NYSE: HP)**: - Known for advanced land drilling technology, which may reduce costs and investment requirements, making it a strong candidate for outperformance in the sector [14][15]. - Current price target is $22.20, suggesting a 4.80% dividend yield and potential upside of 35% from current prices [13][17].

Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $133.2 million, representing a 49.8% Adjusted EBITDA margin[8] - Total operating revenues in Q2 2025 reached $267.7 million, a 24% increase compared to $216.6 million in Q1 2025[14] - The company expects Q3 activity to be at similar levels to Q2[28] - The company is comfortable with the 2025 Adjusted EBITDA consensus of approximately $470 million[28] Fleet and Contract Coverage - The company has 22 active rigs out of a fleet of 24 modern rigs[8] - Full year 2025 contract coverage is at 84% with an average dayrate of $145,000, which includes approximately 5.5% coverage related to suspension periods in Mexico[8, 9] - The company added $318 million in backlog revenue year-to-date in 2025[16] - The average day rate for new commitments year-to-date in 2025 is $123,000[16] - The company's 2026 contract coverage is at 47% with an average dayrate of $139,000[20] Liquidity and Balance Sheet - Pro forma liquidity stands at $425 million post July transactions[8] - Debt amortization is $135 million per annum[8]

Environmental Concerns - Shale drilling toxic wastewater threatens to contaminate wells in top US oil fields [1] - Texas agency warns about potential well contamination [1]

Core Points - Borr Drilling Limited plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on August 13, 2025, after the close of the New York Stock Exchange [1] - A conference call and webcast are scheduled for August 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM New York Time [1] - Participants are encouraged to join the call 10 minutes early [1] Access Information - The earnings report, webcast, and presentation will be available on the Investor Relations section of the company's website [2] - Participants can access the webcast through a provided link [2] - Registration for the conference call is available via a separate link, with dial-in details sent to participants [2] Replay Information - A replay of the conference call will be available for streaming after the call concludes [3] - Contact information for inquiries is provided, including the CFO's contact details [3]