SLB

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Aptiv PLC (APTV). Shares have lost about 4.2% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is APTIV PLC due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Aptiv PLC before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Aptiv PLC reported mixed second-quarter 2026 results, with earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues missing the same. APTV’s adjusted earnings of $1.63 per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.42 by 14.8% and increased 24.4% from the year-ago quarter, aided by stronger operating profitability, lower interest expense and a reduced share count. Revenues of $3.27 billion missed the consensus mark of $3.32 billion by 1.4% but rose 2.3% year over year. Adjusted revenue growth was 2%, while non-automotive revenues increased 12%. The company reported results excluding its Electrical Distribution (EDS) segment, which completed its spin-off into a new publicly traded company, Versigent, on April 1, 2026. North American adjusted revenues advanced 10% despite flat regional vehicle production. Asia-Pacific revenues grew 6%, including a 5% increase in China, even as Chinese vehicle production declined 3%. Europe remained a headwind, with adjusted revenues falling 8% against a 1% production decline. Revenues in South America, Aptiv’s smallest region, decreased 4%. The regional results reflected strength in North America and Asia-Pacific, partly offset by weak European demand. Engineered Components revenues increased 4.8% year over year to $1.80 billion. Adjusted revenue growth was 3%, with automotive revenues flat and non-automotive revenues up 11%. North American demand was the primary growth driver. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA rose 17.5% to $403 million. Its adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 22.4% from 21.4%, benefiting from higher volumes, operating execution and favorable timing of customer recoveries, despite stranded costs following the Electrical Distribution Systems spin-off. Intelligent Systems revenues were $1.50 billion, compared with $1.51 billion in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted revenues were flat as a 12% increase in non-automotive business and 10% growth in Software and Services were offset by a 3% decline in automotive revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 8.3% to $210 million, while the segment margin contracted to 14% from 15.2%. Increased engineering investments and stranded costs more than offset performance initiatives during the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.1% to $613 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 160 basis points to 18.7% on a continuing operations basis, supported by higher volumes and favorable foreign-currency effects, partly offset by increased commodity costs. Adjusted operating income rose 15.4% to $473 million, and the corresponding margin improved to 14.4% from 12.8%. GAAP operating income increased to $367 million from $325 million. Interest expense declined to $62 million from $92 million, while tax expense increased to $52 million from $16 million. Aptiv secured about $5 billion in new commercial awards, comprising $2.4 billion in Intelligent Systems and $2.5 billion in Engineered Components. The company won its first commercial Gen 8 Radar award and expanded into robotics through a perception-systems award. Non-automotive progress included robotics, drones, energy storage and commercial vehicles. Aptiv also reported a commercial drone win in July and continued collaborating with NVIDIA on production-ready edge Artificial Intelligence platforms. Software and Services growth further supported the company’s diversification beyond automotive markets. Cash provided by continuing operations totaled $137 million, down from $326 million a year ago. Free cash flow was $12 million compared with $219 million, reflecting capital expenditures and costs associated with separating the EDS business. Aptiv ended June with $761 million in cash and cash equivalents and $5.33 billion in long-term debt. The company repurchased 4.1 million shares for $250 million during the quarter, bringing first-half repurchases to $325 million. About $1.8 billion remained under its authorization. For the third quarter, Aptiv expects revenues to be in the range of $3.12-$3.22 billion. APTV’s adjusted earnings are projected to be between $1.25 and $1.35 per share. Its adjusted EBITDA is projected between $545 million and $575 million, with a margin of 17.7%. For 2026, revenues are forecast at $12.6-$12.8 billion, below the prior range of $12.8-$13.2 billion. Adjusted earnings are expected between $5.60 and $5.80 per share compared with the previous outlook of $5.70-$6.10. Customer-mix pressures, particularly in China, production changes, launch delays and software timing prompted the revised forecast. It turns out, fresh estimates have trended downward during the past month. The consensus estimate has shifted -16.2% due to these changes. Currently, APTIV PLC has a subpar Growth Score of D, however its Momentum Score is doing a lot better with a B. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for this investment strategy. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. It's no surprise APTIV PLC has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months. APTIV PLC is part of the Zacks Technology Services industry. Over the past month, SLB (SLB), a stock from the same industry, has gained 16.5%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago. SLB reported revenues of $8.97 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5%. EPS of $0.55 for the same period compares with $0.74 a year ago. For the current quarter, SLB is expected to post earnings of $0.62 per share, indicating a change of -10.1% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.3% over the last 30 days. The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for SLB. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Aptiv PLC (APTV) : Free Stock Analysis Report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Let’s dig into the relative performance of SLB (NYSE:SLB) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q2 oilfield services earnings season. Oilfield services companies provide equipment, technology, and services enabling exploration and production activities, including drilling, completion, well intervention, and reservoir evaluation. Their fortunes closely track upstream capital spending cycles. Tailwinds include increased drilling activity during favorable commodity environments, demand for efficiency-enhancing technologies, and growing offshore and unconventional resource development. Headwinds include significant revenue volatility tied to oil and gas price swings and producer spending discipline. Intense competition pressures pricing and margins, while the energy transition may structurally reduce long-term demand. Workforce availability and technological disruption require continuous adaptation. The 26 oilfield services stocks we track reported a very strong Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 4.4%. Luckily, oilfield services stocks have performed well with share prices up 10.1% on average since the latest earnings results. What began in 1926 with two brothers logging the first electrical measurements in a well, SLB (NYSE:SLB) provides technology and services to help oil and gas companies locate reservoirs, drill wells, and produce hydrocarbons. SLB reported revenues of $8.97 billion, down 4.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 3.4%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. Interestingly, the stock is up 22.1% since reporting and currently trades at $57.64. Is now the time to buy SLB? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Serving over 150,000 customers from commercial jets to cargo ships to heating oil consumers, World Kinect (NYSE:WKC) procures and delivers fuel and energy products to airlines, shipping companies, trucking fleets, and industrial businesses worldwide. World Kinect reported revenues of $13.59 billion, up 50.3% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 27.7%. The business had an incredible quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates. World Kinect scored the biggest analyst estimate beat in the group. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 2.2% since reporting. It currently trades at $35.46. Is now the time to buy World Kinect? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Operating exclusively in the Permian Basin—one of America's most prolific oil-producing regions—ProPetro (NYSE:PUMP) provides hydraulic fracturing services that pump high-pressure fluid and sand into oil wells to release trapped hydrocarbons. ProPetro reported revenues of $305.8 million, down 6.2% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates. Interestingly, the stock is up 2.8% since the results and currently trades at $10.96. Read our full analysis of ProPetro’s results here. Playing a pivotal role in the 2010 Macondo oil spill response with its Q4000 vessel, Helix Energy Solutions (NYSE:HLX) provides specialized services to extend the life of offshore oil and gas wells and decommission aging infrastructure. Helix Energy Solutions reported revenues of $304 million, flat year on year. This print lagged analysts’ expectations by 1.5%. In spite of that, it was a strong quarter as it recorded a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates. The stock is up 8.3% since reporting and currently trades at $10.09. Read our full, actionable report on Helix Energy Solutions here, it’s free. Operating one of the world's most capable fleets of ultra-deepwater drillships and harsh environment rigs, Transocean (NYSE:RIG) operates drilling rigs that energy companies rent to drill oil and gas wells in deep ocean waters. Transocean reported revenues of $982.7 million, flat year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 3.1%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter as it also recorded a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates. The stock is up 12.9% since reporting and currently trades at $5.81. Read our full, actionable report on Transocean here, it’s free. Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership. Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products. By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 6 Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. SLB stock has delivered a 119.7% total return over the past five years, and the current Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) intrinsic value estimate still points to a sizeable 41.9% implied discount to the share price, even though market based valuation multiples look roughly in line with peers. For investors, that mix raises the question of whether the recent gains have fully reflected the long term cash flow potential that the DCF is capturing. Over the past five years SLB has returned 119.7%, which puts recent share price strength front and center in any assessment of what is already priced in. The partnership work with Equinor on the MV Island Captain and the AI enabled operations center deployment with ADNOC can support expectations for future offshore and digital services demand, while recent profit pressure from conflict related disruptions in the Middle East highlights how regional instability may still weigh on cash generation. On Simply Wall St's broader checks SLB scores 5 out of 6, which suggests the stock still screens as relatively cheap across most valuation lenses. The stock's next move may depend on whether SLB's current price already reflects those long term cash flows that the DCF implies are still undervalued. Find out why SLB's 61.0% return over the last year is lagging behind its peers. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model values SLB based on the cash it is expected to generate for shareholders. SLB produced trailing twelve month free cash flow of about $4.0b in dollar terms, and the model assumes that cash flow grows from this level rather than shrinking, then settles into a slower expansion phase over time. On those assumptions, the DCF points to an intrinsic value of about $89.67 per share compared with a current market price that implies a 41.9% discount. The recent profit hit from Middle East conflict disruptions helps explain why the price may sit below the cash flow estimate, even as SLB signs longer term offshore and digital contracts with Equinor and ADNOC. Overall, the DCF output suggests SLB stock currently screens as undervalued relative to its estimated cash flow value. Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests SLB is undervalued by 41.9%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio, or discover 51 more high quality undervalued stocks. Head to the Valuation section of our Company Report for more details on how we arrive at this Fair Value for SLB. P/E is a useful cross check for SLB because earnings still sit at the center of how many investors look at established energy services companies. SLB currently trades on a P/E of about 24.9x, which is below the peer group average of 35.1x and also below the wider Energy Services industry average of 26.9x. That means the stock is not priced at a premium to its closest listed competitors on this metric. The fair P/E ratio for SLB is estimated at 26.3x. That is only slightly above the current multiple, so the gap between where SLB trades and where the model would expect it to trade, given its size, margins and risk profile, is modest. The P/E does not point to a bargain, but it also does not flag a stretched valuation relative to what the company’s earnings might usually support. Overall, SLB looks roughly fairly valued on its P/E multiple. See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown. Simply Wall St Narratives pick up where the valuation checks for SLB leave off and explain what would need to be true about SLB's future growth, margins and earnings for the stock to be worth materially more or less than today's price, based on the market's current expectations. Rather than a single multiple or model result, each narrative lays out the assumptions behind its fair value so you can compare them with SLB's reported numbers over time. Community views on SLB sit far apart, with one camp focused on digital and low carbon upside and the other on energy transition risks and costs. Bull case: 27% undervalued Read the full Bull Case to see why SLB could be undervalued Bear case: roughly fairly valued Read the full Bear Case to see why SLB could be overvalued Do you think there's more to the story for SLB? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying! SLB screens as undervalued on a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) view, while its P/E multiple looks about right compared with peers. That combination suggests the market is cautious about how much of the projected cash generation will actually be realized, despite broadly supportive valuation checks. The real hinge from here is whether SLB can turn its offshore and digital contracts into consistent free cash flow while managing geopolitical and energy transition risks. The answer to that question will decide whether the current discount reflects opportunity or simply compensates for those uncertainties. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SLB. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

TechnipFMC plc FTI delivered a second-quarter beat as higher Subsea activity lifted earnings, margins and cash generation. The central question is whether this performance can support a stronger finish to 2026 rather than mark a difficult-to-repeat peak. Management’s outlook points to continued strength, but weaker Surface Technologies activity and uneven order trends keep the investment case balanced. Adjusted earnings were 91 cents per share, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents. Revenues of $2.8 billion also topped the consensus mark of $2.7 billion. Revenues increased 9% year over year, while adjusted EBITDA rose 11.7% to $581.9 million. The quarter also produced $548 million of operating cash flow and $487.9 million of free cash flow, giving FTI more support for shareholder distributions and balance-sheet flexibility. Subsea adjusted EBITDA increased 19.5% year over year to $577.2 million. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 140 basis points to 23.2%, compared with 21.8% a year earlier. Image Source: TechnipFMC plc Higher project activity, particularly integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation work in the North Sea and Mediterranean, supported the gain. Strong execution also helped convert the 12.2% increase in Subsea revenues into faster EBITDA growth. TechnipFMC reaffirmed its 2026 Subsea revenue guidance of $9.2-$9.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA margin outlook of 21-22%. Management now expects both measures to finish near the upper end of their respective ranges. The company also sees full-year free cash flow tracking toward $1.45 billion, the high end of its $1.3-$1.45 billion guidance. That outlook suggests the second-quarter margin and cash performance can carry into the balance of 2026, although execution must remain firm. Subsea inbound orders totaled $2.5 billion, while segment backlog remained nearly unchanged year over year at $15.8 billion. Total company inbound orders, however, declined 3.7% to $2.7 billion, and consolidated backlog fell 1.2%. Management expects about $10 billion of Subsea inbound in 2026 and a step-up in 2027 as larger greenfield projects return. The opportunity list exceeded $30 billion, but delayed customer investment decisions remain a conversion risk. SLB SLB, through OneSubsea, continues to expand its subsea technology platform. Baker Hughes BKR is also investing in offshore production capabilities, underscoring the competitive intensity around future awards. Surface Technologies revenues fell 13.3% year over year to $276.2 million. Inbound orders declined 21%, while backlog dropped 27.4% to $606.8 million. Image Source: TechnipFMC plc Adjusted EBITDA margin still improved 170 basis points to 18.1%, reflecting execution discipline despite weaker activity in the Middle East and North America. The segment’s shrinking revenue and order base, however, remains a drag on consolidated growth. TechnipFMC’s Subsea momentum, upper-end guidance expectations and cash generation support a constructive 2026 earnings setup. The durability of that improvement depends on project execution, timely order conversion and the ability to contain weakness in Surface Technologies. FTI currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with a Growth Score of A, Momentum Score of B and Value Score of C. The Growth and Momentum Scores recognize favorable earnings and price-related characteristics, while the Value Score points to a less attractive valuation profile. Combined with the Hold rank, the scores support a measured view rather than a clear near-term buying signal. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report TechnipFMC plc (FTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Baker Hughes Company (BKR) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Core Laboratories Inc. CLB shares lost 47.1% in the past 6 months, in contrast to the Oil and Gas - Field Services industry’s rise of 3.9%. The shares of the company trades near a depressed level after a sharp selloff, but the investment case is not one-sided. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock offers a lower valuation, an asset-light model and improving technology adoption in Production Enhancement. Those positives must be weighed against falling earnings, geopolitical disruptions and limited near-term visibility. CLB’s share price of $10.35 compares with a 6-12 month price target of $13. The discount points to potential upside, but the longer-term view remains measured because operating recovery is still uneven. The stock trades at 0.79X forward 12-month sales, below its five-year median of 1.58X. Its trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiple is 8.07X, also below the five-year median of 13.99X. Valuation is helpful, but stronger earnings execution is needed to make the discount more convincing. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Core Lab reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 11 cents per share, above expectations of 8 cents. The result still declined from 19 cents in the year-ago quarter. Revenues fell 4.3% year over year to $124.6 million. Six-month operating income declined 44% to $11 million, while the current-year earnings estimate moved 4.5% lower over the past four weeks. SLB SLB, a larger oilfield technology peer, provides a relevant comparison for investors tracking offshore and international spending cycles. Halliburton Company HAL is another key services peer because its completions exposure overlaps with activity trends that influence CLB’s Production Enhancement business. Core Lab’s asset-light model remains central to the bull case. Low capital spending requirements and service-oriented operations help the company preserve cash during uneven industry conditions. Second-quarter free cash flow was $3.1 million. CLB also paid its quarterly dividend and repurchased 214,712 shares for $2.7 million, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of buybacks. Net debt decreased by $0.5 million during the quarter, but modest cash generation limits how quickly the company can reduce debt while funding dividends, repurchases and growth investments. Potential catalysts remain tied to international exploration, offshore activity and wider use of proprietary technologies. Production Enhancement revenues rose 15% sequentially and 5% year over year, with operating margins reaching 12%. Core Lab secured work tied to projects in Australia, Namibia and Côte d’Ivoire. It also received regulatory approval to deploy SpectraStim and SpectraScan technologies in the United Arab Emirates. Still, Reservoir Description revenues fell 9% year over year, with margins of 5%, as Middle East activity, crude assay work and Russia-Ukraine-related sanctions pressured demand. The bottom line is that CLB looks cheaper after the selloff, but the stock still requires patience. A valuation reset alone does not remove earnings volatility or geopolitical exposure. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). That rank tempers the appeal of a Value Score of B because weaker estimate revisions remain a concern. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. CLB also has a Growth Score of D, Momentum Score of C and VGM Score of D. The Style Scores suggest value characteristics are more favorable than growth and broader blended factors, but a weak Zacks Rank keeps the near-term setup cautious until revisions and operating momentum improve. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Halliburton Company (HAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

SLB’s second quarter results were met with a significant positive market reaction, as the company’s performance exceeded Wall Street’s expectations despite a year-on-year revenue decline. Management credited broad-based international growth and a rebound in North American operations as primary contributors to the quarter. CEO Olivier Le Peuch highlighted “higher offshore activity in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia,” as well as increased demand in U.S. land for production and recovery solutions. The quarter was also marked by continued operational challenges in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict, limiting activity in key countries such as Iraq, though gradual improvements were noted. Is now the time to buy SLB? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). Revenue: $8.97 billion vs analyst estimates of $8.68 billion (4.5% year-on-year decline, 3.4% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.55 vs analyst estimates of $0.52 (6.3% beat) Operating Margin: 13.3%, down from 14.3% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $72.59 billion While we enjoy listening to the management’s commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls is the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Scott Gruber (Citigroup) asked about the magnitude and timeline of Middle East activity recovery and the durability of the exploration cycle. CEO Olivier Le Peuch detailed a gradual recovery, driven by well intervention and production solutions, while explaining that the exploration cycle is underpinned by energy security and long-term reserve needs. James West (Melius Research) pressed for specifics on Middle East urgency and the initial work mix. Le Peuch confirmed a mix of well interventions, ChampionX-enabled production recovery, and accelerating digital deployments as key early activities, with recovery varying by country depending on security and logistics. John Anderson (Barclays) questioned the expected pace of offshore growth in 2027, especially for OneSubsea and well construction. Le Peuch outlined favorable market fundamentals, noting a pipeline of final investment decisions and significant activity in deepwater regions, but highlighted that actual growth depends on successful mobilization and project timing. Neil Mehta (Goldman Sachs) inquired about Data Center Solutions’ product scope and economics. Le Peuch described modular, off-site manufacturing for data center infrastructure, while CFO Stephane Biguet noted the business is capital-light with strong free cash flow despite lower margins than the company average. Keith MacKey (RBC) asked about SLB’s pipeline and revenue potential in Venezuela. Le Peuch explained the company’s preparations for scaling operations, securing contracts for 2027, and the historical context of past $1 billion plus annual revenues in the region. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will focus on (1) the pace of Middle East activity recovery and the impact of geopolitical developments, (2) the ability of Data Center Solutions to achieve projected backlog conversions and enter new hyperscaler partnerships, and (3) progress in deepwater project awards and execution, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Continued Digital and AI adoption will also be closely watched as a driver of profitability. SLB currently trades at $48.91, up from $47.22 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members). WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don’t just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses. But our AI platform says the party isn’t over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE. Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,552% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

NOV Inc. NOV delivered a second quarter that paired softer year-over-year revenues with a much stronger earnings result. Adjusted earnings of 31 cents per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 16 cents, while revenues of $2.1 billion also exceeded expectations. The investor question is whether margin improvement can carry the story while demand remains uneven. That balance matters for NOV as oilfield equipment spending moves through a choppy recovery. NOV generated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $283 million in the second quarter, up $31 million from the prior-year period. The figure included about $40 million of tariff refunds, but the underlying margin performance still showed better operating discipline. Image Source: NOV Inc Energy Equipment was the clearest example. The segment produced adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $200 million and a 16.4% margin, its highest quarterly margin since the segment was formed. The gains came from favorable project execution, cost reductions, better pricing and a stronger sales mix. Energy Equipment revenues rose 1% year over year to $1.22 billion. That helped offset broader weakness, including a 5% year-over-year decline in Energy Products and Services revenues to $974 million. Image Source: NOV Inc The mix inside Energy Products and Services was not uniformly weak. Drill bit market-share gains, artificial lift growth and continued expansion in digital services supported the segment. Those positives were more than offset by lower capital equipment sales, weaker composite pipe shipments and softer demand tied to the Middle East. Energy Equipment ended the quarter with a capital equipment backlog of $4.1 billion. New orders totaled $474 million, up 13% year over year, while shipments from backlog were $638 million. That leaves investors with a mixed signal. The backlog remains substantial, but the 74% book-to-bill ratio means shipments continued to outpace new orders. NOV expects order intake to improve later in the year, yet current order metrics still argue for caution. SLB SLB and Baker Hughes Company BKR remain useful comparables as investors assess whether offshore and international activity can broaden across the oilfield services and equipment group. Like NOV, both companies have exposure to energy technology, offshore development and customer spending cycles. Management expects third-quarter 2026 consolidated revenues to be flat to up 2% year over year. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are expected to be between $240 million and $270 million, and that guidance excludes additional IEEPA tariff refunds. The second-half outlook is tied partly to better cash generation and stronger shipment activity. Improved backlog conversion in drill pipe and composite solutions, along with other short-cycle capital equipment, is expected to support Energy Products and Services as NOV works through temporary working-capital pressure. The bottom line is that NOV’s quarter strengthened the earnings-quality argument, even though revenue trends were not broadly consistent. Better project execution and cost control give the company more room to absorb uneven demand than it had in prior periods. NOV currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). It also has a Value Score of A, Growth Score of B, Momentum Score of D and VGM Score of A. The Zacks Rank points to favorable near-term earnings estimate trends, while the Value Score and VGM Score support the stock’s broader investment profile. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The weak Momentum Score should not be ignored. It suggests price-action timing is less favorable than the company’s value and combined style profile. For investors, the setup remains constructive, but the case still depends on order recovery, second-half cash flow and more consistent revenue growth. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NOV Inc. (NOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Baker Hughes Company (BKR) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Schlumberger SLB released its second-quarter 2026 earnings results, delivering strong earnings. Its performance has surpassed the analysts' estimates, which brought SLB back into the spotlight. SLB shares grew 11% post releasing its results on July 24, 2026. Thus, ETFs having high exposure to this company drew the attention of investors. This oilfield service behemoth reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 55 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.84%. But EPS declined 26% year on year. The oilfield services giant recorded quarterly revenues of $8.97 billion, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.71 billion by around 3%. The top line increased 5% year over year from $8.55 billion. The better-than-expected quarterly results were primarily driven by growth in Digital and Production Systems, along with broad-based gains outside the Middle East. Amid the backdrop of U.S.-Israel tensions, the oil price is remaining mostly on the higher side, keeping SLB in an advantageous position, though this quarter marked a return to year-on-year revenue growth outside the Middle East. Yet, from a year-on-year perspective, the company saw a 22% decline in net income attributable to SLB (on a GAAP basis). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SLB’s third-quarter EPS stands at 65 cents, suggesting a 5.80% dip in year-over-year growth. For the fiscal year, the consensus EPS estimate stands at $2.52, indicating a 13.91% year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for SLB’s third-quarter sales stands at $9.12 billion, implying 2.12% year-over-year growth. For this fiscal year, the consensus estimate for sales stands at $36.49 billion, indicating 2.19% growth. The outperformance of SLB has a huge impact on the below-mentioned ETFs, as some of these ETFs have a double-digit weight on the stock. Let us delve a little deeper. iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF IEZ tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Oil Equipment & Services Index, investing in the companies that supply equipment, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. The ETF IEZ puts 22.83% of its weight in SLB. The fund charges 38 bps in fees. It has assets under management worth $360.7 million. The fund trades at an average volume of 560,00 shares a day. VanEck Oil Services ETF OIH tracks the MVIS US Listed Oil Services 25 Index, which includes leading oilfield service and equipment companies listed in the United States. OHI puts 20.35% of its weight in SLB. The fund charges 35 bps in fees. It has assets under management worth $2.06 billion, and the fund trades at an average volume of 360,00 shares a day. State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index that includes energy companies from the S&P 500 with exposure to large-cap U.S. energy companies. The ETF XLE puts 4.57% of its weight in SLB. The fund charges 8 bps in fees. It has assets under management worth about $40 billion. The fund trades at an average volume of 35 million shares a day. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE): ETF Research Reports iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF (IEZ): ETF Research Reports VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

SLB N.V. SLB used its second-quarter 2026 earnings call to frame Middle East disruption as temporary while stressing that the recovery will unfold unevenly. Management paired that caution with a constructive view of deepwater, exploration, production recovery and digital demand. Adjusted earnings of 55 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents. Revenues of $8.97 billion topped the consensus mark of $8.72 billion. SLB Limited price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | SLB Limited Quote Chief executive officer Olivier Le Peuch said SLB expects third-quarter revenues to grow 3% to 4% sequentially, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding about 75 basis points. The base case assumes gradual Middle East remobilization. Renewed disruption that leaves regional revenues flat would reduce third-quarter revenues by about $150 million and adjusted EBITDA by roughly $75 million. For the fourth quarter, management expects revenues above $10 billion and an adjusted EBITDA margin near 24%, assuming Middle East revenues to reach $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion. Le Peuch emphasized that returning Middle East production to prior levels will require more than restarting activity. Well intervention, equipment replacement, infrastructure repair and shipping realignment will all be needed. In the Q&A, a Barclays analyst challenged the view that production recovery could take longer than the market expects. Le Peuch responded that conditions vary sharply by country, with security and infrastructure constraints limiting the pace. SLB’s CEO also said some countries could restore capacity within weeks or months, while others may require several quarters. Management described the market as beginning to show upcycle characteristics, supported by energy security, supply diversification and reserve replacement. Le Peuch said long-cycle project final investment decisions are expected to rise about 30% in 2026, supporting higher exploration spending and upstream capital investment in the second half. A Citigroup analyst asked whether stronger exploration activity was durable. Le Peuch said the trend extends beyond one quarter and is tied to reserve replacement across deepwater, frontier and infrastructure-led opportunities. Digital revenues rose 9% sequentially to $697 million, while its adjusted EBITDA margin reached 34.7%. Annualized recurring revenues increased 15% year over year to $1.04 billion. Production Systems revenues climbed 7% sequentially to $3.77 billion, supported by OneSubsea, artificial lift, valves and production chemicals. ChampionX delivered sequential margin expansion for a third consecutive quarter. These businesses helped offset weakness in Reservoir Performance and Well Construction, where Middle East disruptions reduced activity. Data Center Solutions revenues increased 33% sequentially and 80% year over year. Management expects the business to exceed a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate by year-end and $2 billion exiting 2027. Le Peuch said the offering is moving beyond modular manufacturing into design, engineering and systems integration. A Goldman Sachs analyst asked about the economics and scalability of the business. Chief financial officer Stephane Biguet said margins are below SLB’s corporate average, but the model is capital-light and generates strong free cash flow. Biguet said SLB generated $716 million of free cash flow in the quarter and expects materially stronger cash generation in the second half. The company still plans at least $2.4 billion of share repurchases in 2026 and more than $4 billion of total shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks. Management’s tone remained constructive on 2027, but its outlook depends heavily on the pace and durability of Middle East normalization. SLB carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Its Value Score of B is favorable, but the Growth Score of D, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of C indicate weaker growth and trading-momentum characteristics. Zacks Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, with the strongest combinations generally involving a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and an A or B Style Score. SLB’s current mix presents a cautious signal, though the Zacks Rank can change as analyst estimates are revised following the reported results. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Liberty Energy Inc.’s LBRT shares fell 20.4% over the past six months, sharply in contrast to its sector’s gain of 15.5% and its sub-industry’s rise of 8%. Liberty Energy has become a more complicated investment case after its sharp pullback. However, the second-quarter beat, a sales-based discount and the long-term power opportunity offer support. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The counterweight is clear. Margins remain pressured, free cash flow faces a heavier capital burden and forecast losses in 2026 and 2027 make the stock less than a simple value call. Liberty Energy reported second-quarter 2026 revenues of $1.2 billion, up 14% year over year from $1 billion. The result also topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.1 billion, helped by record utilization, modest pricing improvement and higher product sales. Adjusted earnings came in at 9 cents per share, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents. Operational execution improved, but the quarter was not clean enough to remove concerns about the durability of the earnings recovery. Adjusted EBITDA fell 16% year over year to $151 million from $181 million, even as revenues increased. That gap between top-line growth and profit performance shows that the company is still absorbing cost pressure. Total costs and expenses rose 17% year over year to $1.2 billion. Continued weak margins in sand and chemicals, along with higher service costs, suggest that better activity has not yet translated into a full margin rebound. LBRT’s valuation looks more balanced than outright cheap. The stock trades at a trailing EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 8.41 times, below the subindustry’s 8.88 times but above its own five-year median of 3.66 times. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The $20 price target, based on 0.71 times forward sales, stands above the cited $17.36 share price. That leaves some implied upside, but the premium to Liberty’s longer-term EBITDA history limits the margin of safety. Liberty Energy raised its 2026 capital expenditure outlook to about $1.5 billion, driven largely by power-generation deposits and equipment commitments. The spending supports the company’s long-term power roadmap but brings near-term funding pressure. Higher capital intensity can weigh on free cash flow before meaningful earnings arrive. It also raises the importance of successful project financing, supply-chain execution and disciplined capital allocation. The power opportunity remains the main valuation catalyst. Liberty Energy has built a gigawatt-level project pipeline and announced partnerships tied to powered data center campuses and integrated energy solutions. Binding customer agreements are the key test. Many projects remain in development, leases tied to the PowerBridge campus have not been finalized and meaningful power-generation revenues are not expected until 2028. Halliburton Company HAL and SLB SLB provide useful context for investors assessing LBRT. Both are large energy services competitors, while SLB is also partnering with Liberty Energy on modular infrastructure and integrated power generation solutions for global data center projects. The bottom line is that LBRT offers a credible long-term growth angle, but the investment case still requires patience. The earnings beat, sales-based valuation support and power optionality are offset by margin pressure, higher capital spending and execution risk. LBRT currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its VGM Score of B, Value Score of B and Momentum Score of A support investor interest, as higher Style Scores generally signal more favorable characteristics within their respective styles. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Growth Score of D is the offset. The Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for losses of 21 cents per share in 2026 and 28 cents in 2027, making selective positioning more appropriate than aggressive buying after the pullback. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Liberty Energy Inc. (LBRT) : Free Stock Analysis Report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Halliburton Company (HAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Our analysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here. Broad-based international growth and a North American rebound offset a 13% sequential revenue decline in the Middle East caused by regional conflict. Production Systems margins returned to above 20% due to durable customer priorities in enhancing recovery and extending the life of existing assets. Digital margins reached approximately 35%, supported by a favorable business mix including higher exploration data licenses in Brazil and Indonesia. The Middle East disruption is viewed as transitory, with management noting that restoring production will require higher service intensity and infrastructure repairs. Data Center Solutions grew 33% sequentially as the company evolves from manufacturing into design, engineering, and system integration for hyperscalers. Strategic positioning is shifting toward 'production and recovery' to align with customer focus on capital efficiency and domestic energy security. Management expects Q4 revenue to surpass $10 billion, assuming Middle East activity recovers to approximately 95% of Q4 2025 levels. Data Center Solutions is projected to exit 2027 at an annualized revenue run rate exceeding $2 billion, driven by international expansion and new hyperscaler contracts. Final investment decisions (FIDs) for long-cycle projects are expected to increase by approximately 30% year-on-year in 2026, signaling a multi-year deepwater upcycle. The Q3 base case assumes a gradual Middle East recovery, but a downside scenario of flat sequential revenue would create a $150 million revenue headwind. Free cash flow is expected to be materially higher in the second half of 2026 due to seasonal working capital improvements and higher customer collections. Recorded $0.03 per share in merger and integration charges primarily related to the ChampionX transaction. Operations in Iraq remain constrained by security challenges, with management warning that returning to full activity across the region will take time. Cost inflation in chemicals persists, though it is being mitigated by synergy capture and sequential margin expansion within the ChampionX business. Geopolitical volatility remains the primary variable for near-term guidance, specifically impacting Well Construction and Reservoir Performance divisions. One stock. Nvidia-level potential. 30M+ investors trust Moby to find it first. Get the pick. Tap here. Management clarified that production will not return in weeks; it will be a gradual process over months due to security constraints and the need for well interventions. Recovery will be 'threefold': production chemicals/interventions first, followed by digital catalysts, and finally rig mobilization for capacity expansion. The business is currently not margin-accretive to SLB's overall average but is highly accretive to earnings growth and top-line revenue. It operates on a capital-light model with strong free cash flow conversion and is expanding into 'behind the meter' power and cooling solutions. Exploration is viewed as a long-term trend driven by the need to replace reserves as shale growth slows and energy security becomes a priority. SLB is seeing high-value technology adoption in frontier deepwater basins, particularly in Africa and East Asia. SLB is scaling resources and securing contracts with international entrants to prepare for a significant activity increase in 2027. Management noted the company previously generated over $1 billion in the country and is positioning to capture the recovery as licenses allow.

SLB N.V. SLB reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 55 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents by 7.84%. The bottom line declined 26% from 74 cents in the year-ago quarter. The oilfield services giant recorded quarterly revenues of $8.97 billion, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.71 billion by around 3%. The top line increased 5% year over year from $8.55 billion. The better-than-expected quarterly results were primarily driven by growth in Digital and Production Systems, along with broad-based gains outside the Middle East. As of June 30, 2026, digital annualized recurring revenues reached $1.04 billion, up 15% from the prior-year figure of $904 million. SLB Limited price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | SLB Limited Quote International revenues were $6.67 billion, down 3% year over year. North America revenues increased 36% year over year to $2.24 billion. ChampionX contributed $870 million in quarterly revenues. Latin America revenues increased 9% year over year to $1.71 billion, aided by higher OneSubsea revenues, digital exploration sales and offshore drilling in Brazil. Europe and Africa revenues declined 3% to $2.39 billion, while Middle East and Asia revenues fell 16% to $2.57 billion. Digital revenues increased 18% year over year to $697 million from $591 million in the year-ago quarter. Growth was driven by stronger Digital Exploration sales in Brazil and Indonesia, and wider adoption of Digital Operations. Lower sales of permanent licenses caused a minor dip in Platforms and Applications, which was slightly offset by higher SaaS-based revenues. The segment's pretax operating income increased 27% year over year to $194 million. Pretax operating margin expanded 187 basis points to 27.8%, supported by exploration data license sales and improved profitability in Digital Operations and Platforms and Applications. Reservoir Performance revenues declined 8% year over year to $1.56 billion from $1.69 billion recorded in the year-ago quarter, as lower evaluation, stimulation and intervention activity in the Middle East offset stronger activity in Europe and Africa, and Asia. Pretax operating income fell 26% to $232 million. Well Construction revenues decreased 7% year over year to $2.74 billion from $2.96 billion recorded a year ago. Pretax operating income dropped 24% to $417 million. Middle East disruptions remained the main pressure, partly offset by increased offshore drilling in Latin America and improved U.S. land activity. Production Systems revenues increased 29% year over year to $3.77 billion from $2.93 billion. The ChampionX production chemicals and artificial lift businesses contributed $865 million. Excluding the acquisition, segment revenues declined 1% year over year. Pretax operating income increased 19% to $586 million, while margin contracted 120 basis points year over year to 15.5%. Margin shrank due to weak results in surface production systems and completions, but profit from ChampionX’s production chemical and lift businesses partially offset the decline. Cash flow from operations was $1.36 billion in the second quarter, while free cash flow totaled $716 million. SLB ended June with $4.07 billion in cash and short-term investments and $11.14 billion in long-term debt. The company repurchased 12 million shares for $648 million during the quarter. Its board approved a quarterly cash dividend of 29.5 cents per share, payable Oct. 8, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Sept. 2. Data Center Solutions revenues reached $186 million, increasing 80% year over year. First-half revenues increased 63% to $327 million. Management expects the business to exceed a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate by year-end. SLB expects Data Center Solutions to surpass a $2 billion annualized revenue run rate exiting 2027. The company maintained its 2026 capital investment guidance at approximately $2.5 billion, covering capital expenditures, exploration data costs and Asset Performance Solutions investments. SLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector that have yet to release their second-quarter 2026 earnings are Cheniere Energy, Inc. LNG, TechnipFMC plc FTI and NOV Inc. NOV. LNG sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while NOV and FTI carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each, at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here. Houston, TX-based Cheniere Energy is primarily engaged in the liquefied natural gas business. LNG owns and operates major liquefaction and export facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals.The company is involved in liquefied natural gas and natural gas marketing. With growing demand for cleaner energy, LNG is well-positioned to meet this need through its liquefaction and export facilities. Cheniere Energy is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on Aug. 6, 2026. TechnipFMC provides advanced technologies, products and services for subsea, surface and onshore/offshore energy projects. As global oil and gas demand is expected to grow, the company is leveraging its iEPCI Subsea, iComplete Integrated System, Subsea Studio and record backlog of more than $16.5 billion as of March-end 2026 to drive future growth. FTI is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 30, 2026. Houston, TX-based NOV is a global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of advanced equipment and components used in the oil and gas drilling, production, and renewable energy sectors. By leveraging its extensive proprietary technology portfolio, the company is well-positioned to reduce marginal costs and capitalize on the growing demand for oil and gas in the coming years. NOV is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 28, 2026. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report NOV Inc. (NOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report TechnipFMC plc (FTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research