Halliburton Company (HAL) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 22, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsDavid Coleman - Senior Director - IRJeff Miller - Chairman, President and CEOEric Carre - EVP & CFONeil Mehta - Head - Equity ResearchJ. David Anderson - Managing DirectorMarc Bianchi - Managing DirectorScott Gruber - Director - Oilfield Services & Equipment ResearchStephen Gengaro - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsArun Jayaram - Research AnalystRoger Read - Senior Energy AnalystSaurabh Pant - Director ...

Core Viewpoint - Halliburton Company (HAL) is expected to report second-quarter earnings on July 22, with a consensus estimate of 56 cents per share and revenues of $5.4 billion, reflecting a challenging operating environment primarily due to North American market pressures and declining margins in its Drilling & Evaluation division [1][8]. Group 1: Q1 Performance and Trends - In the first quarter, Halliburton met the consensus estimate with an adjusted net income of 60 cents per share and revenues of $5.4 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.3 billion [2]. - Over the last four quarters, Halliburton has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate once and matched it three times, with the second-quarter estimate indicating a 30% year-over-year decline in earnings and a 6.7% decrease in revenues [3]. Group 2: Factors Influencing Q2 Performance - The North American business is under pressure due to weaker commodity prices and customer uncertainty, with expected sales of $2.3 billion, representing a 6.6% year-over-year decline [4]. - The projected gross profit for the second quarter is $846.8 million, down nearly 25% from the previous year, attributed to a significant margin decline in the Drilling & Evaluation division, with an estimated operating margin of 13.8%, down 280 basis points [5]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - Halliburton's shift towards digitalization and integrated services is gaining traction, particularly with the Zeus IQ platform, which enhances automation and efficiency in hydraulic fracturing, potentially stabilizing revenues and improving client relationships [6][8].

Core Insights - Chevron Corporation's subsidiary, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., has partnered with Halliburton Company to introduce an innovative hydraulic fracturing method that enhances efficiency and asset performance in shale production [1][3][20] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The collaboration has led to the development of an intelligent fracturing process that automates completion operations, replacing manual intervention with machine-driven decision-making [2][10] - Halliburton's ZEUS IQ platform is central to this system, utilizing advanced technologies like the OCTIV auto frac system and Sensori monitoring to create a dynamic closed-loop system [4][9] - The system adapts to geological changes in real time, ensuring optimal energy delivery and reducing waste during hydraulic fracturing operations [5][14] Group 2: Operational Efficiency - The automated system significantly reduces execution variability, leading to more consistent results across different stages and wells compared to traditional methods [11][12] - Chevron's proprietary algorithms leverage historical and real-time data to make immediate adjustments to fracturing strategies, enhancing overall asset performance [6][13] - The closed-loop system minimizes excess pumping and fluid consumption, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and more environmentally responsible operations [15][16] Group 3: Strategic Collaboration - The partnership between Chevron and Halliburton exemplifies the integration of digital infrastructure with field operations, enabling rapid deployment and testing of innovations [8][10] - This collaboration is positioned to serve as a model for future global oilfield operations, potentially transforming how wells are completed and optimized [17][18] Group 4: Future Implications - The intelligent system's scalable architecture and machine learning capabilities suggest a promising future for widespread adoption across North America and beyond [18][20] - As the industry faces more complex reservoirs and environmental challenges, such innovations will be crucial for enhancing energy recovery while maintaining operational control [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q1 2025 was $5.4 billion, a decrease of 7% compared to Q1 2024 [28] - Adjusted operating margin was 14.5% [28] - Cash flow from operations was $377 million, and free cash flow was $124 million [7][35] - Reported net income per diluted share was $0.24, while adjusted net income per diluted share was $0.60 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Completion and Production (C&P) division revenue was $3.1 billion, down 8% year-over-year, with operating income of $531 million, a decrease of 23% [29] - Drilling and Evaluation (D&E) division revenue was $2.3 billion, down 6% year-over-year, with operating income of $352 million, a decrease of 12% [30] - International revenue was $3.2 billion, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, while North America revenue was $2.2 billion, a decrease of 12% year-over-year [6][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe Africa revenue increased by 6% year-over-year to $775 million, driven by improved activity in Norway and Namibia [31] - Middle East Asia revenue also increased by 6% year-over-year to $1.5 billion, attributed to higher activity in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia [32] - Latin America revenue decreased by 19% year-over-year to $896 million, primarily due to lower activity in Mexico [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes technology, collaboration, and service quality as core to its competitive advantage [10][14] - Halliburton aims to maximize value in North America while driving growth engines internationally, particularly in unconventional, artificial lift, intervention, and directional drilling [15][19] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong position in the offshore market, leveraging advanced technologies for integrated projects [128][130] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased uncertainty in the market due to trade dynamics and OPEC production, but remains confident in the fundamental role of oil and gas in global economic growth [8][11] - The outlook for international revenue is expected to be flat to slightly down, with strong tender activity and contract awards providing visibility [12][39] - Management anticipates solid free cash flow generation in 2025, with plans to return at least $1.6 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [25] Other Important Information - The company recognized a pre-tax charge of $356 million related to severance costs and asset impairments [28] - Capital expenditures for Q1 were $302 million, with expectations of approximately 6% of revenue for the full year [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: North American activity outlook amidst commodity price volatility - Management indicated that customers are currently evaluating their activity scenarios, with a focus on production impacts from any potential declines in activity [45][48] Question: Trajectory of operations in Mexico - Management expressed that recovery in Mexico is uncertain, with expectations of a tough environment for the foreseeable future [51][52] Question: Growth prospects in Saudi Arabia - Management expects growth in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jafurah area, and highlighted opportunities in unconventional and artificial lift markets [57][58] Question: Margin progression expectations - Management provided guidance for Q2 margins, indicating specific impacts from tariffs and mobilization costs, with expectations for improvement in the second half of the year [60][66] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management noted a $0.02 to $0.03 impact per share from tariffs, with ongoing efforts to mitigate these effects through a diversified supply chain [94][96] Question: International spending outlook - Management highlighted solid growth in Norway and Brazil, with expectations for increased activity in Europe and Africa in the second half of the year [75][102]