Core Insights - SLB N.V. is recognized as one of the best long-term investments for kids, with an Overweight rating maintained by Piper Sandler and a price target increase from $42 to $45, reflecting confidence in the company's international margin expansion and growth opportunities in the Middle East [1][2] Group 1: Contract and Business Development - SLB N.V. has been awarded a significant five-year contract by Aramco to provide stimulation services for Saudi Arabia's unconventional gas development program, which is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar initiative to increase domestic gas production and diversify the energy mix [2][3] - The contract will see SLB deploy advanced technologies in stimulation, well intervention, and frac automation, aiming to redefine operational performance in unconventional resource development and enhance production efficiency through digital solutions [3] Group 2: Company Overview - SLB N.V. is a leading energy technology and oilfield services company headquartered in Houston, Texas, originally founded in 1926 as Schlumberger, providing a wide range of technology, products, and services to the global energy industry across more than 100 countries [4]

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]