tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB)
NYSE:CLB
Advertisement

Core Laboratories (CLB) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
211 Followers

Top Page

CLB

Core Laboratories

(NYSE:CLB)

Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$11.00
▲(4.46%Upside)
Core Laboratories shows strong financial performance and positive corporate events, but faces technical challenges and valuation concerns. The earnings call highlighted both strengths and ongoing market risks, leading to a moderate overall stock score.
Positive Factors
Geopolitical Factors
Potential easing of geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine could serve as a positive catalyst for the company.
Stock Upgrade
The stock has been upgraded to Neutral, reflecting a more balanced risk/reward scenario.
Target Price Increase
The target price for the stock has been raised to $16, indicating improved cash dynamics over time.
Negative Factors
Operational Challenges
Production Enhancement has shrunk to just 11% of total company operating income, indicating challenges in that segment.

Core Laboratories (CLB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Core Laboratories Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCore Laboratories N.V. provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. It offers laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and oil delivered products; and proprietary and joint industry studies. The Production Enhancement segment provides services and products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production. It offers integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. In addition, the company markets and sells its products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through distributors. It operates approximately in 50 countries. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
How the Company Makes MoneyCore Laboratories generates revenue primarily through its two main business segments: Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement. The Reservoir Description segment provides laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize and evaluate the properties of oil and gas reservoirs. This includes services such as core and fluid analysis, which are critical for understanding reservoir conditions and maximizing resource extraction. The Production Enhancement segment focuses on providing technologies and services that improve the efficiency and output of oil and gas wells. This includes services like hydraulic fracturing diagnostics and well perforation. Core Laboratories also benefits from long-term contracts and strategic partnerships with major oil companies, which ensure a steady revenue stream. The company's emphasis on proprietary technologies and innovation is a significant factor in maintaining its competitive edge and driving its earnings.

Core Laboratories Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -16.56%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 22, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mixed performance with positive developments in revenue growth and strategic initiatives, but challenges remain with flat year-over-year revenue, declining diagnostic services, and geopolitical uncertainties impacting international operations.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Second quarter 2025 revenue was up 5% compared to Q1, with improvements in operating income, operating margins, free cash flow, and earnings per share.
Reservoir Description Segment Performance
Revenue in the second quarter was up 7% compared to Q1. Operating margins increased from 10% in Q1 to 13% in Q2, reflecting continued demand for rock and fluid analysis and laboratory instrumentation sales.
Production Enhancement Segment Growth
Second quarter revenue was up 3% compared to Q1. Operating margins improved from 8% in Q1 to 9% in Q2, driven by demand for high-margin diagnostic services in the U.S. and improved international and domestic completion product sales.
Shareholder Returns and Debt Reduction
Core Lab repurchased over 237,000 shares, valued at $2.7 million, and reduced net debt by more than $9 million, achieving a leverage ratio of 1.27, the lowest in 8 years.
Innovative Technology and Strategic Initiatives
Continued introduction and deployment of new technologies like the HERO PerFRAC perforating system and geothermal energy project tracers, enhancing market position and client offerings.
Negative Updates
Flat Year-over-Year Revenue
Despite quarterly growth, second quarter revenue was flat year-over-year, indicating challenges in achieving annual growth targets.
Diagnostic Services Decline
Sequential decrease in diagnostic services after a 5-year high in the first quarter, impacting overall service revenue growth.
Challenges in International Exploration
Decreased success rates in drilling international and offshore exploration wells negatively impacted anticipated growth for reservoir rock and fluid analytical programs.
Impact of Tariffs and Geopolitical Uncertainties
Ongoing international geopolitical conflicts and tariffs create uncertainty and volatility in commodity prices, affecting demand for laboratory assay services and product sales.
Company Guidance
During the Core Laboratories Q2 2025 earnings call, the company provided guidance indicating a projected revenue range of $127.5 million to $134.5 million for the third quarter, with operating income expected to be between $13.6 million and $16.2 million, yielding operating margins of 11%. Earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter are anticipated to range from $0.18 to $0.22, based on an effective tax rate of 25%. The guidance reflects the company's expectations for steady international upstream activity and ongoing volatility in the U.S. onshore market due to geopolitical conflicts and fluctuating crude oil prices. Core Laboratories expects Reservoir Description's third-quarter revenue to remain flat, while Production Enhancement is projected to experience growth due to international and offshore demand. The company remains focused on maintaining a healthy balance sheet, as evidenced by a leverage ratio reduction to 1.27, and aims to use free cash flow to fund dividends, pursue growth opportunities, and conduct opportunistic share repurchases.

Core Laboratories Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Core Laboratories demonstrates financial resilience with a strong income statement and stable cash flow generation. The company is effectively managing its operational costs and generating consistent revenue growth. The balance sheet shows a balanced approach to leverage, although there is room for improvement in equity stability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Core Laboratories shows a consistent improvement in its revenue and profitability. The gross profit margin and net profit margin are improving, indicating operational efficiency. Revenue growth has been steady with a positive trend over the years. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy, reflecting the company's ability to manage its operational costs effectively.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's balance sheet is stable, with a favorable debt-to-equity ratio showing manageable leverage. The equity ratio indicates a solid financial foundation, but there has been fluctuation in stockholders' equity. The return on equity is positive and improving, highlighting effective use of equity to generate profits.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
The cash flow statement reflects good cash generation capacity, with consistent free cash flow and operating cash flow relative to net income. There is a positive trend in free cash flow growth, which supports future investments and debt management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong, demonstrating efficient cash operations.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue523.85M509.79M489.74M470.25M487.27M
Gross Profit88.37M94.05M78.92M83.84M91.63M
EBITDA73.27M70.42M58.69M63.78M-56.73M
Net Income31.40M36.67M19.45M19.73M-97.21M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets590.41M586.39M578.35M580.85M568.58M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments19.16M15.12M15.43M17.70M13.81M
Total Debt180.14M215.38M222.39M250.26M326.98M
Total Liabilities332.67M356.59M389.40M419.85M493.01M
Stockholders Equity251.99M224.81M184.26M156.45M71.51M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow43.36M14.21M14.74M23.04M45.99M
Operating Cash Flow56.39M24.79M24.96M36.58M57.87M
Investing Cash Flow-6.39M-6.65M-3.86M-10.22M7.85M
Financing Cash Flow-45.96M-18.45M-23.38M-22.46M-63.01M

Core Laboratories Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price10.53
Price Trends
50DMA
11.76
Negative
100DMA
12.40
Negative
200DMA
15.37
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.23
Positive
RSI
38.82
Neutral
STOCH
4.41
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CLB, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 10.53 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 11.95, below the 50-day MA of 11.76, and below the 200-day MA of 15.37, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.23 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 4.41 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CLB.

Core Laboratories Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (44)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$546.45M4.7454.03%-3.23%1031.00%
74
Outperform
$643.34M8.341.53%
71
Outperform
$1.18B41.188.29%-9.84%-111.71%
61
Neutral
$493.79M16.6311.82%0.38%0.70%5.97%
54
Neutral
$295.69M43.460.95%-12.15%
49
Neutral
$556.96M-16.86%-10.91%-580.59%
44
Neutral
AU$1.46B-8.31-20.28%7.49%0.96%-28.36%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CLB
Core Laboratories
10.53
-10.90
-50.86%
MRC
MRC Global
13.87
0.56
4.21%
OIS
Oil States International
4.88
-0.45
-8.44%
TTI
Tetra Technologies
3.86
0.54
16.27%
PUMP
Propetro Holding
5.07
-3.38
-40.00%
NESR
National Energy Services Reunited
6.40
-2.70
-29.67%

Core Laboratories Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Core Laboratories Reports Strong Q2 Results and Dividend
Positive
Jul 23, 2025

On July 22, 2025, Core Laboratories Inc. entered into a Ninth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, increasing its borrowing commitment to $150 million and extending the maturity date to July 22, 2029. This move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on expanding its global business and enhancing its financial flexibility. On July 23, 2025, Core Laboratories announced a quarterly cash dividend and reported second-quarter 2025 results, highlighting a 5% sequential revenue increase to $130.2 million and a 23% rise in operating income. The company also opened a new laboratory in Saudi Arabia and completed significant projects in Brazil and the North Sea, reinforcing its market position and commitment to delivering value to clients and shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (CLB) stock is a Sell with a $13.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Core Laboratories stock, see the CLB Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Core Laboratories Shareholders Approve Key Governance Items
Positive
May 27, 2025

On May 21, 2025, Core Laboratories Inc. held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Houston, Texas, where all proposed items were approved. Shareholders elected one new and re-elected two Class II Directors, ratified KPMG as the independent public accountant for 2025, and approved the executive compensation policies, reflecting strong shareholder support for the company’s governance and financial strategies.

The most recent analyst rating on (CLB) stock is a Sell with a $13.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Core Laboratories stock, see the CLB Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 02, 2025