Zinger Key Points
- Stifel, Goldman Sachs, and Piper Sandler lowered price targets for Halliburton after mixed Q4 results and weak guidance.
- Analysts cite U.S. frac pricing pressures, NAM revenue declines, and flat international growth but note strong FCF potential.
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Several analysts lowered the price target following Halliburton Company‘s HAL mixed fourth-quarter results and weak guidance reported Wednesday.
Halliburton reported revenue decline of 2.3% year-over-year to $5.610 billion, missing the consensus of $5.63 billion. Adjusted EPS was 70 cents, down from 86 cents a year ago and above the consensus of 69 cents.
Stifel analyst Stephen Gengaro lowered the price target from $42 to $37, while maintaining a Buy rating.
The analyst says that Halliburton reported solid results but issued weak guidance for the first quarter and 2025.
Gengaro highlights international revenue headwinds from Mexico and pricing concessions on fully contracted North American frac fleets, which may pressure C&P margins.
Despite these challenges, the company's long-term growth outlook remains strong, driven by its product portfolio, service quality, technology focus, and geographic diversity. Robust free cash flow should continue to support shareholder returns, adds the analyst.
The analyst cut the 2025 EBITDA estimate to $4.665 billion from $5.296 billion and introduced a 2026 EBITDA forecast of $5.330 billion.
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta lowered the price target from $36 to $34, while keeping the Buy rating.
The analyst updated estimates following the results to reflect company guidance and a softer activity environment.
In particular, the analyst revised EBITDA estimates by -7% for 2025 and -8% for 2026.
Mehta said management's focus on technology, particularly digital solutions and automation, should reinforce its competitive position and drive margin expansion.
While the analyst anticipates a modest decline in 2025 revenue, strong free cash flow remains a key strength, with an estimated $2.4 billion in FCF (~10% yield) and a 7% total capital return yield.
Read: Halliburton’s Soft Revenue Lags Estimates, Goldman Sachs Analyst Seeks Clarity On 2025 Activities
Also, Piper Sandler analyst Derek Podhaizer reiterated an Overweight rating and a price target of $36.
The analyst writes that Halliburton shares fell after lowering 2025 expectations, guiding NAM revenue to decline low- to mid-single digits year-over-year and international revenue to remain flat.
Podhaizer expects a meaningful first-quarter of 2025 decline, with EBIT margins contracting over 100bps due to lower U.S. frac pricing.
While consensus estimates must adjust downward, the analyst trims EBITDA estimates by -8% for the first quarter, -2% for FY25, and -4% for FY26, aligning with the view that NAM will bottom before international.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via VanEck Oil Services ETF OIH and Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF PXJ.
Price Action: HAL shares are down 1.1% at $28.13 at last check Thursday.
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