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Helix Energy Solutions (HLX)
NYSE:HLX

Helix Energy (HLX) AI Stock Analysis

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HLX

Helix Energy

(NYSE:HLX)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$11.50
▲(19.79% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/25/26
The score is driven mainly by improving fundamentals with solid cash generation and manageable leverage, supported by a strong technical uptrend. These positives are tempered by a high valuation (P/E ~50.6) and earnings-call headwinds that may pressure 2026 EBITDA and utilization, increasing near-term volatility.
Positive Factors
Free cash flow generation
Consistent, multi-year free cash flow provides durable internal funding for maintenance CapEx, ROV renewals, opportunistic M&A and the stated share‑repurchase program. Strong FCF reduces reliance on external financing and supports liquidity through offshore cycles.
Strong balance sheet / net cash position
A net‑cash position and ample liquidity materially improve resilience to offshore market cyclicality, enable planned maintenance/dockings without stress, and give management flexibility to allocate capital defensively or pursue strategic investments.
Robotics & Brazil multi‑year contract backlog
Longer‑dated robotics and Brazil contracts diversify revenue beyond spot intervention dayrates, raise medium‑term utilization visibility, and support structural demand in renewables/trenching and Brazil, reducing earnings cyclicality versus pure short‑term spot exposure.
Negative Factors
Revenue & margin softness
Lower margins and falling revenue versus 2024 indicate the business remains cyclically sensitive and returns are modest. If offshore activity weakens, limited margin headroom constrains profitability and long‑term return on capital, reducing durable value creation.
Material 2026 one‑offs reducing EBITDA
Planned dockings and a major workover are large, scheduled cash and EBITDA drains for 2026. These non‑recurring but sizable items materially lower near‑term earnings and complicate forward cashflow predictability and comparability for multi‑period planning.
Utilization & schedule risk on key assets
Fleet economics depend on sustained vessel utilization; white space on intervention assets and repositioning between theaters creates revenue volatility. Combined with seasonality and competitive pressure in abandonment work, utilization risk can depress durable margins.

Helix Energy (HLX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Helix Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHelix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry primarily in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through three segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, and Production Facilities. It engages in the installation of flowlines, control umbilicals, and manifold assemblies and risers; trenching and burial of pipelines; installation and tie-in of riser and manifold assembly; commissioning, testing, and inspection activities; and provision of cable and umbilical lay, and connection services. The company also provides well intervention, intervention engineering, and production enhancement services; inspection, repair, and maintenance of production structures, trees, jumpers, risers, pipelines, and subsea equipment; and related support services. In addition, it offers reclamation and remediation services; well plug and abandonment services; pipeline abandonment services; and site inspections. Additionally, the company offers oil and natural gas processing facilities and services; and fast response system, as well as site clearance and subsea support services. It serves independent oil and gas producers and suppliers, pipeline transmission companies, renewable energy companies, and offshore engineering and construction firms. The company was formerly known as Cal Dive International, Inc. and changed its name to Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. in March 2006. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyHelix Energy generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from its well intervention services, which involve the provision of specialized vessels and equipment to perform maintenance and enhancement of oil and gas wells. The company also earns significant income from its robotics segment, which includes the operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for subsea inspections and interventions. Additionally, Helix engages in decommissioning services, where it assists clients in safely retiring old offshore infrastructures. Partnerships with major oil and gas operators, combined with its reputation for reliability and technological innovation, further enhance its revenue potential. The company’s earnings are also influenced by fluctuations in oil prices and energy market dynamics, as these factors directly impact the demand for its services.

Helix Energy Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 23, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 27, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a cautiously positive tone: Helix reported strong quarter and year-end cash generation, a robust balance sheet (negative net debt), meaningful free cash flow, and clear growth momentum in Robotics and Brazil contracts. These positives are tempered by near-term headwinds including one-time workover costs and scheduled dockings that materially depress 2026 EBITDA, utilization gaps on certain intervention assets (notably Q4000 and potential Q7000 transitions), market softness and seasonality. Management provided conservative 2026 guidance (revenue roughly in line with 2025; EBITDA range of $230M–$290M; FCF $100M–$160M), underscoring resilience but acknowledging short-term volatility. Overall, strengths in cash flow, backlog and segment-level wins outweigh the near-term operational and non-recurring headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Fourth Quarter Operating and Cash Performance
Q4 2025 revenue of $334 million, gross profit of $51 million, net income of $8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $74 million. Q4 operating cash flow was $113 million and free cash flow was $107 million. Management noted this was the company's strongest fourth quarter since 2013.
Full-Year 2025 Financials and Profitability
FY2025 revenues of $1.3 billion, gross profit of $159 million, net income of $31 million and adjusted EBITDA of $272 million. Full-year operating cash flow was $137 million and free cash flow was $120 million.
Very Strong Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Year-end cash and cash equivalents of $445 million and total liquidity of $554 million. Total funded debt of $315 million resulted in negative net debt of $137 million. Management expects continued free cash flow generation and forecasts a potential cash balance approaching $600 million by end of 2026.
Robotics and Renewables Momentum
Robotics delivered a strong quarter and year: six vessels operated in the quarter with trenching, ROV support and site-survey work; trenching activity and renewables work are highlighted as a robust backlog with contract visibility into 2026–2030 and tender activity as far out as 2032. Management cited improving trenching rates year-over-year and high utilization across trenching and site-clearance vessels.
Brazil Contracts and High Utilization on Key Assets
SH1 and SH2 secured multi-year (3-year) Petrobras contracts at higher rates. Q7000 completed a 400-day contract with Shell and reported 100% utilization in that campaign. Several Brazil-based vessels on long-term contracts support a strong Brazil segment outlook.
Free Cash Flow and Capital Allocation Flexibility
2026 guidance includes free cash flow of $100 million to $160 million and CapEx of $70 million to $80 million (primarily maintenance and ROV fleet renewal). Management intends to continue share repurchases (targeting ~25% of free cash flow) and is evaluating M&A or capital deployment opportunities given the strong cash position.
Operational Execution and Safety
Management highlighted continued safe execution, strong MPT and safety statistics, minimal global operational disruption, and successful transitions (e.g., Sea Helix 1 into Petrobras contract and reactivation of Seawell).
Negative Updates
Year-over-Year Revenue and EBITDA Declines
Management reported FY2025 revenue down ~5% and EBITDA down ~10% versus 2024, reflecting softer market conditions in parts of the business during the year.
Thunder Hawk Workover Expense and Timing Uncertainty
A significant one-time workover on the Thunder Hawk field will negatively impact results (management referenced an estimated Q1 impact of $16 million in one place and referenced a $60 million workover expense in another). Production start was delayed (host facility issues) with expected production to begin in early April, creating near-term EBITDA/headline volatility and modeling uncertainty.
Sea Helix 1 Docking / Asset Downtime
The Sea Helix 1 scheduled 10-year recertification/docking midyear 2026 (reported to impact results by more than $20 million), with the SH1 expected to be out of service for approximately 45 days. Management also noted SH2 has a 5-year special survey planned (timing in early 2027) creating additional out-of-service days across the fleet.
Utilization Gaps and Schedule Risk on Key Intervention Assets
Q4000 experienced gaps and lower utilization in Q4 and has 'white space' in the second half of 2026; Q7000 may face utilization gaps as it transitions between contracts and could require repositioning between Brazil and West Africa, introducing schedule and utilization risk.
Market Softness, Seasonality and Competitive Pressure
Management cited an uncertain macro environment (geopolitics, supply/demand dynamics) and pronounced seasonality (Q1 and Q4 weakness). The shallow water abandonment segment faces increased competition with expectations of a flat-to-marginal drop in results in 2026 as contractors position for stronger 2027 decommissioning activity.
Non-Recurring Events Reducing 2026 EBITDA (~$40M)
Management quantified two discrete events (Thunder Hawk workover and Sea Helix 1 docking) reducing 2026 EBITDA by roughly $40 million (management gave ~$16M + >$20M in one comment and summarized a combined ~$40M impact elsewhere), creating a near-term headwind to year-over-year EBITDA comparisons.
Company Guidance
Helix guided 2026 to revenues of $1.2–$1.4 billion, EBITDA of $230–$290 million, CapEx of $70–$80 million, and free cash flow of $100–$160 million (with FCF skewed to H2 due to seasonal cadence: Q2–Q3 strongest, Q1 & Q4 weather‑impacted); management said two discrete events (the Thunder Hawk workover, estimated ~$16 million and the Sea Helix 1 10‑year docking >$20 million) will reduce EBITDA by roughly $40 million, and noted variability from working capital. Balance‑sheet metrics include $445 million of cash, $554 million of total liquidity, funded debt of $315 million (expected to decline ~$10 million in 2026), negative net debt of ~$137 million at year‑end 2025, and a potential cash balance approaching $600 million by end‑2026. The company expects CapEx to be largely maintenance/drydocks and ROV renewals, plans share repurchases targeting ~25% of free cash flow, and called out key drivers for the guidance: Q4000/Q7000 utilization, North Sea recovery, strong robotics trenching, and a stable shallow‑water abandonment market.

Helix Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitable on a TTM basis with a multi-year improvement from earlier losses, moderate/improving leverage (debt-to-equity ~0.40), and solid operating/free cash flow generation. Offsetting this, revenue and margins softened versus 2024 and returns remain modest, which raises cyclicality and durability risk.
Income Statement
64
Positive
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) results remain profitable (net margin ~3.3%), but earnings quality has softened versus 2024 as revenue dipped and profitability compressed (gross margin down to ~12.8% from ~16.2% in 2024; operating margin down to ~6.9% from ~8.5%). The multi-year trajectory is improved from 2021–2022 losses to consistent profits in 2024 and TTM, but margins are still relatively modest and appear cyclical/variable across years.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Leverage looks manageable with debt-to-equity improving to ~0.40 in TTM (from ~0.44 in 2024), supported by a sizable equity base. Total debt is elevated in absolute dollars, but balance sheet risk appears contained given moderate leverage metrics and a return on equity that has turned positive again (TTM ~2.7%) after negative levels in 2021–2023. The main watch-out is that returns remain low, limiting balance-sheet-driven value creation if profitability stalls.
Cash Flow
67
Positive
Cash generation is a clear positive: TTM operating cash flow (~$137M) and free cash flow (~$126M) are solid, with very strong TTM free-cash-flow growth. However, cash conversion vs profits is mixed in TTM: free cash flow is below net income (about 0.77x), and operating cash flow as a share of revenue is lower than 2024 (TTM ~10.6% vs ~13.7% in 2024), suggesting some working-capital or timing headwinds despite healthy overall cash production.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.29B1.36B1.29B873.10M674.73M
Gross Profit159.14M219.56M200.36M50.62M15.39M
EBITDA252.64M253.17M192.99M87.68M94.36M
Net Income30.83M55.64M-10.84M-87.78M-61.68M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.62B2.60B2.56B2.39B2.33B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments445.20M368.03M332.19M186.60M253.51M
Total Debt629.75M661.12M540.57M469.68M410.95M
Total Liabilities964.56M1.08B1.06B872.63M678.56M
Stockholders Equity1.65B1.52B1.50B1.52B1.65B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow120.41M162.72M132.87M17.60M131.79M
Operating Cash Flow136.75M186.03M152.46M51.11M140.12M
Investing Cash Flow-16.34M-22.84M-18.66M-138.29M-8.27M
Financing Cash Flow-45.06M-125.31M25.11M-44.84M-96.00M

Helix Energy Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price9.60
Price Trends
50DMA
7.55
Positive
100DMA
7.12
Positive
200DMA
6.76
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.57
Negative
RSI
62.95
Neutral
STOCH
75.26
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HLX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 9.6 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.60, above the 50-day MA of 7.55, and above the 200-day MA of 6.76, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.57 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.95 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 75.26 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HLX.

Helix Energy Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$3.86B10.8339.64%8.71%72.09%
77
Outperform
$2.66B50.265.45%0.31%33.08%
67
Neutral
$1.55B46.091.99%-1.95%530.91%
66
Neutral
$1.50B12.1253.71%0.17%7307.20%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
61
Neutral
$1.33B41.114.31%2.94%4.20%-59.96%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HLX
Helix Energy
9.02
0.40
4.64%
OII
Oceaneering International
37.57
14.95
66.09%
RES
RPC
5.79
0.38
7.10%
TTI
Tetra Technologies
9.06
5.23
136.55%
NESR
National Energy Services Reunited
25.14
16.97
207.71%

Helix Energy Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Helix Energy Posts Lower Q4 Profit But Strong Cash
Neutral
Feb 24, 2026

On February 23, 2026, Helix reported fourth-quarter 2025 net income of $8.3 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, down from both the prior quarter and year-ago period, reflecting an $18.1 million non-cash impairment on certain oil and gas properties and softer revenues. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $73.9 million, its highest fourth-quarter level since 2013, while full-year 2025 net income fell to $30.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA to $272.0 million, both below 2024.

The company generated $107.5 million of free cash flow in the fourth quarter and $120.4 million for 2025, boosting cash and cash equivalents to $445.2 million and leaving Helix in a net cash position of $137.2 million at year-end. Management highlighted market volatility and a roughly 20% year-on-year drop in oil prices that weighed on offshore activity, but pointed to resilience in pockets such as a newly secured multi-year U.K. North Sea plug and abandonment program covering up to 34 subsea wells and building momentum for offshore market improvement into late 2026 and 2027.

The most recent analyst rating on (HLX) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Helix Energy stock, see the HLX Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Helix Energy Extends Subsea Intervention Strategic Alliance Term
Positive
Feb 13, 2026

On February 12, 2026, Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. and its alliance partners OneSubsea and several Schlumberger entities amended their existing Strategic Alliance Agreement first signed on January 5, 2015. The alliance covers the global design, development, manufacture, promotion, marketing, and sale of integrated subsea well intervention equipment and services, and the latest amendment extends its term by nine months, from the prior January 5, 2026 expiry to October 5, 2026, signaling continued operational collaboration and stability for stakeholders involved in subsea intervention projects.

The most recent analyst rating on (HLX) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Helix Energy stock, see the HLX Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Helix Energy CEO Owen Kratz Announces Retirement Plan
Neutral
Dec 18, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Helix Energy Solutions announced that long-serving President and CEO Owen Kratz, who first joined the business in 1984 when it operated as Cal Dive International and became CEO in 1997, has informed the board of his intention to retire, capping a career in which he helped grow the company from a small diving outfit into a global offshore services leader. Kratz will remain in the CEO role until the board appoints a successor, with Helix’s chairman emphasizing the company’s focus on leadership continuity and the selection of an experienced global business leader, while Kratz highlighted Helix’s strong balance sheet, established industry position and capacity for future value creation as key underpinnings for a smooth transition for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (HLX) stock is a Buy with a $8.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Helix Energy stock, see the HLX 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: Feb 25, 2026