Energy
US Adds Most Drillings Rigs Since 2010: 5 Stocks to Buy for 2017 Gains
Published:
Last Updated:
What a difference a year can make. Even though the price of oil took a dive recently after a 100% gain off the lows posted in early 2016, prices have headed higher, and many on Wall Street feel that energy is the place to be for the rest of 2017. With the energy complex adding 159 drilling rigs in the first quarter of this year, that is the largest amount since the first quarter of 2010, and a sign that the industry has sprung back to life.
One area that makes sense for growth investors to own is oil field services, as the huge increase in the rig count means business, a lot of business. A new Deutsche Bank research report features three top pick service stocks to buy now. We also found two large capitalization company that they are also bullish on as well: Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) and Schlumberger Ltd. (NYSE: SLB).
Halliburton shares are down almost 15% from recent highs printed in January. The company is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. It serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir, from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production through the life of the field.
Halliburton is the second-largest provider of oil services and the number one player in pressure pumping services worldwide. For investors looking for an oilfield services company to add, this is arguably the best, and analysts feel it will be a huge benefactor as the frac market has tightened significantly and prices are 20% to 30% off the lows.
Schlumberger is a solid pick for more conservative accounts and the other large cap favorite at Deutsche Bank. This top oil services company is a supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to the international oil and gas exploration and production industry. The company remains the largest oilfield services company in the world, with far-reaching operations all around the globe, and it could be poised for years of solid growth despite the huge turn down in oil pricing.
The company operates in the oilfield service markets through three groups. The Reservoir Characterization Group consists of the principal technologies involved in finding and defining hydrocarbon resources. The Drilling Group consists of the principal technologies involved in the drilling and positioning of oil and gas wells, and the Production Group consists of the principal technologies involved in the lifetime production of oil and gas reservoirs.
Schlumberger is the world’s largest provider of services and equipment used in drilling, evaluation, completion, production and maintenance of oil and natural gas wells. Revenues in 2016 totaled $27.8 billion, and the company posted EBITDA of a massive $6.5 billion.
Halliburton shareholders receive a 1.47% dividend. The Deutsche Bank price target on the stock is $66. The Wall Street consensus target is $63.23, and its shares closed Monday at $48.84.
Investors in Schlumberger are paid a solid 2.56% dividend. The Deutsche Bank has a $100 price objective, while the consensus target is $96.06. The stock ended trading on Monday at $78.24 a share.
Here are the Deutsche Bank three top picks oil service stocks to buy now.
Forum Energy Technologies
This is a lesser known company that has solid upside potential. Forum Energy Technologies Inc. (NYSE: FET) is a global oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry. Its products include highly engineered capital equipment, as well as products that are consumed in the drilling, well construction, production and transportation of oil and natural gas.
Other analysts on Wall Street also have been positive on the stock, and their thesis is similar to the analysts at Deutsche Bank. Spending and oil prices have bottomed, and Forum is one of the companies that will benefit from an uptick in 2017 spending going forward, especially with the huge increase in the rig count.
The $26 Deutsche Bank price target compares with the posted consensus target of $23.03. The shares closed Monday at $20.
Superior Energy Services
Superior Energy Services Inc. (NYSE: SPN) serves the drilling, completion and production-related needs of oil and gas companies worldwide through its brand name drilling products and its integrated completion and well intervention services and tools, supported by an engineering staff who plan and design solutions for customers.
It is Deutsche Bank’s current favorite mid-cap stock to play the U.S. land services recovery, and analysts think investors should see the impact of cost reductions as this year progresses, which some feel could help offset pricing pressure. The sector downturn has led to reductions in capex and capacity attrition, a positive for the survivors like Superior that have managed both extremely well in a very difficult environment.
Deutsche Bank has set its price target at a whopping $26, and the consensus target is $20.33. The stock closed most recently at $13.64.
Weatherford
This stock has been absolutely demolished since its 2014 highs, but it may aggressive investors big upside potential. Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies, providing innovative solutions, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. It operates in over 100 countries and has a network of approximately 1,200 locations, including manufacturing, service, research and development, and training facilities and employs approximately 37,000 people.
The company offers customers a wide range of global capabilities, including a proprietary system for pressure management in the mushrooming arena of subsea production. The changes in government oil policy in Mexico in 2014 may provide some favorable tailwinds for the company, despite the huge downturn in oil pricing. This is currently the top large cap pick at Deutsche Bank.
The company recently named Mark McCollum as its new chief executive, luring him from his role as Halliburton’s chief financial officer. One of the new initiatives from the top is a new joint venture formed with Schlumberger, which will own 70% and be the operator of the hydraulic fracturing partnership, to be known as OneStim. Weatherford will own 30% and receive a one-time cash payment of $535 million.
The Deutsche Bank price target is set at $8. The consensus target is $7.68, and shares closed Monday at $5.92.
Plain and simple, the huge increase in the rig count is a positive now and going forward. With oil stabilizing again in the low to mid $50s, it appears that the price can move up toward $60, and perhaps even higher, by next year. With the geopolitical situation also tense, it could rise even faster.
Is Your Money Earning the Best Possible Rate? (Sponsor)
Let’s face it: If your money is just sitting in a checking account, you’re losing value every single day. With most checking accounts offering little to no interest, the cash you worked so hard to save is gradually being eroded by inflation.
However, by moving that money into a high-yield savings account, you can put your cash to work, growing steadily with little to no effort on your part. In just a few clicks, you can set up a high-yield savings account and start earning interest immediately.
There are plenty of reputable banks and online platforms that offer competitive rates, and many of them come with zero fees and no minimum balance requirements. Click here to see if you’re earning the best possible rate on your money!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
