Core Insights - Halliburton Company (HAL) is a key player in the global energy sector, offering a wide range of services including well completion, stimulation, cementing, and artificial lift solutions, with a market capitalization of approximately $23.3 billion [1] Financial Performance - Halliburton's Q4 fiscal 2025 earnings are anticipated to show a diluted EPS of $0.54, reflecting a 22.9% decrease from the previous year's $0.70 [2] - In Q3, Halliburton's revenue decreased by 1.7% year-over-year to $5.6 billion but exceeded Wall Street expectations of $5.39 billion [3] - The adjusted EPS for Q3 fell by 20.5% to $0.58 compared to the previous year, yet it surpassed the analyst estimate of $0.50, indicating operational resilience [3] Operational Metrics - The company achieved a 13% adjusted operating margin and is implementing cost-saving measures projected to save $100 million per quarter [4] - Management has reset the 2026 capital budget and retired underperforming equipment, demonstrating disciplined cost control and strategic resource allocation [4] Future Projections - Analysts predict a 24.4% year-over-year decline in diluted EPS for fiscal 2025 to $2.26, followed by a further 4% decrease to $2.17 in fiscal 2026 [4] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, HAL stock has increased by 7.6%, with year-to-date gains of approximately 2%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index which gained 16.5% annually [5] - HAL stock has closely tracked the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), which rose by 5.9% over 52 weeks [5] Market Reactions - On December 17, HAL stock rose by 2% as energy producers rallied, influenced by a more than 1% increase in WTI crude oil following geopolitical developments regarding Venezuela [6]

Core Viewpoint - Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund underperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index in Q2 2025, returning 8.49% compared to the index's 11.31% due to security selection issues in the consumer discretionary and financials sectors [1] Fund Performance - The fund experienced a challenging quarter starting with high policy uncertainty but ended with the S&P 500 reaching an all-time high [1] - The fund's performance lagged behind its benchmark, indicating potential areas for improvement in investment strategy [1] Company Focus: Flowco Holdings Inc. - Flowco Holdings Inc. (NYSE:FLOC) was highlighted as a significant detractor from the fund's performance, with a one-month return of -1.00% and a 12.29% decline over the last three weeks [2][3] - As of September 12, 2025, Flowco Holdings Inc. had a market capitalization of $1.43 billion, closing at $15.84 per share [2] - The company is positioned in the oilfield service sector, focusing on production optimization and methane abatement, which are seen as stable areas despite recent commodity price declines [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Flowco Holdings Inc. was held by 17 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a decrease from 21 in the previous quarter, indicating a potential decline in interest among institutional investors [4] - The company is not currently among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, suggesting a cautious outlook from the investment community [4]

Group 1 - Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (FIHL) has been added to the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List due to a 42.9% downward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Flowco Holdings Inc. (FLOC) is also on the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List, with a 3.4% downward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (WHF) has been included in the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List, experiencing a 4.1% downward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2]