Barclays Reassesses Energy Services Amid Growing Oil Concerns

Barclays Downgrades Energy Services Sector Outlook

Barclays analysts have recently revised their outlook for the energy services sector from Positive to Neutral. This downgrade reflects concerns over a bearish macro environment for oil that is anticipated to have ripple effects on both global spending and investor confidence. Industry experts project that we may see stagnation or even declines in activity as we head deeper into 2025.

Current Landscape of Energy Services

After witnessing three consecutive years of robust double-digit growth, the energy services sector is experiencing what could be termed as a mid-cycle plateau. While service and equipment markets currently demonstrate stability and pricing discipline, analysts at Barclays have flagged the waning investor capital influx into this sector as a significant concern. The possibility of further reductions to earnings forecasts for 2025 only exacerbates these risks.

As J. David Anderson, a lead strategist at Barclays, noted, “It’s quite challenging to see any 'beta-driven' stocks outperforming until there is a shift in the OPEC backdrop, with macroeconomic indicators also beginning to turn favorable.” This underlines the cautious sentiment prevailing in the energy services landscape.

Impacts on Major Energy Companies

This new perspective has led to specific adjustments among renowned energy companies. Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL) has been downgraded from Overweight to Equal Weight. Analysts highlighted Halliburton's significant vulnerability due to its exposure to global upstream spending and sensitivity to fluctuations in oil prices. In line with this assessment, Barclays has slashed Halliburton's price target from $43 to $33.

Conversely, Oceaneering International (NYSE: OII) experienced a change in fortune, receiving an upgrade to Equal Weight from Underweight. Analysts acknowledged that they had erred in their previous assessment, now recognizing Oceaneering’s strong robotics business, high-margin profile, and consistent project revenues, combined with anticipated growth from aerospace and defense spending. As a result, its price target was revised upward from $22 to $26.

Challenges for Valaris Ltd

Similarly, Valaris Ltd (NYSE: VAL) was also downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight. Factors contributing to this decision include Valaris’ challenges with floaters lacking contracts and their move to warm-stack a drillship, all of which could lead to dayrate pressures affecting their fleet of jackups. The firm has tempered its price target for Valaris to $49 from an earlier $59, reflecting a more cautious outlook based on revised contracting assumptions for the next couple of years.

Strategic Shifts in Focus

Barclays analysts suggest that investors should prioritize companies that have minimal ties to upstream spending, as they anticipate these firms may experience a favorable re-rating. Companies highlighted include TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI), Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB), Tenaris (BIT: TENR), and Transocean (NYSE: RIG).

Positive Momentum for Transocean

Transocean, in particular, has seen an upgrade to Overweight from Equal Weight. Analysts have lauded the company’s fully contracted deepwater rig fleet through 2026, which is coupled with discounted dayrates that lay a solid foundation for earnings growth. The expectation is that the offshore contracting landscape will start to recover by late 2025, primarily due to emerging deepwater projects and an uptick in exploration activities.

Conclusion

The energy services sector is clearly facing some headwinds as Barclays highlights a cautious approach amidst broader economic challenges impacting oil prices and related activities. Investors and stakeholders will need to keep a close eye on these evolving dynamics as they shape the future of the industry in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Barclays downgrade the energy services sector?

Barclays downgraded the energy services sector due to a bearish oil macro environment affecting global spending and investor sentiment.

Which companies were affected by Barclays' rating changes?

Companies like Halliburton, Oceaneering, and Valaris were impacted, with some downgraded and others upgraded based on their market positioning.

What is the outlook for offshore contracting?

Analysts expect a recovery in offshore contracting by late 2025, driven by new developments and increased exploration activities.

Why is Halliburton's price target reduced?

Halliburton's price target was reduced due to its high exposure to upstream spending and vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices.

What should investors consider according to Barclays?

Investors should focus on companies with minimal exposure to upstream spending, as they are more likely to experience a positive re-rating.

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