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Patterson-Uti Energy (PTEN)
NASDAQ:PTEN

Patterson-UTI (PTEN) AI Stock Analysis

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PTEN

Patterson-UTI

(NASDAQ:PTEN)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
$9.50
▲(11.63% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/07/26
PTEN scores mid-range primarily due to strong operating/free cash flow and a supportive earnings-call outlook focused on disciplined CapEx and higher shareholder returns, partially offset by volatile/negative net profitability and a notable 2025 revenue decline. Technically the stock is in a strong uptrend, but overbought momentum signals reduce the near-term technical score, while valuation is mixed due to a negative P/E despite an attractive dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Technological Advancements
Investing in technology enhances operational efficiency and service offerings, positioning the company for long-term competitiveness in the oil and gas sector.
Strong Cash Flow Management
Effective cash flow management and a robust balance sheet provide financial stability and flexibility for future investments and shareholder returns.
Commitment to Shareholder Returns
A strong focus on shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks enhances investor confidence and supports stock value over time.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
Declining revenue and net losses indicate challenges in maintaining profitability, which could impact long-term financial health if not addressed.
Regional Activity Declines
Decreased activity in key regions like the Permian Basin can reduce revenue and market share, affecting the company's competitive position.
International Revenue Decline
A decline in international revenue, particularly in strategic markets, can weaken global market presence and profitability.

Patterson-UTI (PTEN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Patterson-UTI Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPatterson-UTI Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides onshore contract drilling services to oil and natural gas operators in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Contract Drilling Services, Pressure Pumping Services, and Directional Drilling Services. The Contract Drilling Services segment markets its contract drilling services primarily in west Texas, Appalachia, Rockies, Oklahoma, South Texas, East Texas, and Colombia. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had a drilling fleet of 192 marketable land-based drilling rigs. The Pressure Pumping Services segment offers pressure pumping services that consist of well stimulation for the completion of new wells and remedial work on existing wells, as well as hydraulic fracturing, cementing, and acid pumping services in Texas and the Appalachian region. The Directional Drilling Services segment provides a suite of directional drilling services, including directional drilling and measurement-while-drilling services; supply and rental of downhole performance motors; and software and services that enhances the accuracy of directional and horizontal wellbores, wellbore quality, and on-bottom rate of penetration. It also services equipment to drilling contractors, as well as provides electrical controls and automation to the energy, marine, and mining industries in North America and other markets; and owns and invests in oil and natural gas assets as a non-operating working interest owner located principally in Texas and New Mexico. Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyPatterson-UTI generates revenue primarily through its two key segments: contract drilling and pressure pumping services. In the contract drilling segment, the company earns money by leasing its drilling rigs to exploration and production companies, charging a day rate for the use of its rigs along with ancillary services. The pressure pumping segment generates revenue by providing hydraulic fracturing services, which involve the pumping of high-pressure fluid into oil and gas wells to enhance production. Additionally, the company may benefit from cost-sharing arrangements and strategic partnerships with major oil and gas operators. Fluctuations in oil and gas prices can significantly impact demand for these services, thereby affecting revenue. The company's operational efficiencies, combined with its focus on technology and safety, further contribute to its competitive edge and profitability in the sector.

Patterson-UTI Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 04, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong cash generation, disciplined cost control, and meaningful technological and international progress (e.g., Cortex adoption, eos launch, Saudi manufacturing, Argentina rig leases). Management increased shareholder returns and maintained liquidity while cutting gross CapEx to preserve free cash flow. Offsetting items included a small GAAP net loss, near-term weather-related headwinds (Q1), a sequential dip in Completion Services gross profit, regional softness in international product sales, and continued commodity/macro uncertainty. Overall, operational execution and cash generation were highlighted as dominant themes.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Full-Year Free Cash Flow
Adjusted free cash flow of $416 million for 2025, with the fourth quarter marking the company's highest adjusted free cash flow quarter since the 2023 strategic transformation.
Solid Quarterly Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA
Q4 reported revenue of $1.151 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $221 million, implying an adjusted EBITDA margin of ~19.2% for the quarter.
Segment Profitability — Drilling & Products
Drilling Services Q4 revenue $361 million with adjusted gross profit $132 million (~36.6% adjusted gross profit margin). Drilling Products Q4 revenue $84 million with adjusted gross profit $34 million (~40.5% adjusted gross profit margin).
Completion Services Performance and Utilization
Completion Services Q4 revenue $702 million and adjusted gross profit $111 million (~15.8% adjusted gross profit margin). Nearly 2.5 million horsepower either deployed or in normal maintenance cycles in early 2026, with very little spare capacity in higher-quality fleets.
Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns
Returned $119 million to shareholders in 2025 (dividends and buybacks), Board approved a 25% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.10 per share, and the company remains committed to returning at least 50% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders (historically ~2/3 since start of 2024).
Technology and Product Investments
Broad adoption of proprietary technology: nearly all rigs equipped with Cortex automation; continued rollout of APEX rig technology; launch of eos completions digital platform with Vertex automated frac controls; ongoing high-grade deployment of Emerald 100% natural gas frac equipment (expect >85% of assets capable of using natural gas by year-end).
International Expansion & Manufacturing
Opened a new drill-bit manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia (first in-country drill bit produced in December) and entered a multiyear lease agreement for 2 high-spec rigs to work in Argentina's Vaca Muerta—capital-efficient utilization of idle U.S. assets internationally.
Liquidity & Balance Sheet Flexibility
Ended Q4 with $421 million cash on hand, no borrowings on a $500 million revolver, and no senior note maturities until 2028; gross CapEx guidance reduced ~15% to roughly $500 million for 2026 (expected to be below $500M net of asset sales).
Negative Updates
Small Net Loss in the Quarter
Reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $9 million (loss of $0.02 per share) in Q4, despite positive adjusted EBITDA.
Short-Term Weather Disruption and Q1 Impact
January 2026 severe winter storm disrupted operations for several days; management estimates a $5 million to $10 million negative impact on Q1 adjusted gross profit (impact included in guidance).
Expected Sequential Decline in Completion Services Profit
Management guides Completion Services adjusted gross profit to approximately $95 million in Q1 versus $111 million in Q4 — roughly a 14% sequential decline driven largely by weather and timing of activity.
Reduction in Nameplate Horsepower
Nameplate horsepower totaled 2.7 million at year-end 2025, down more than 600,000 horsepower versus two years ago (approximately an ~18% reduction), with management expecting further reductions as older diesel assets are idled and the fleet is high-graded.
International & Regional Softness
Drilling Products revenue declined slightly sequentially due primarily to lower-than-expected sales in the Middle East (partly offset by growth in Latin America and Asia Pacific).
Commodity & Macro Uncertainty
Management highlighted ongoing macro uncertainty including increased OPEC+ supply and unpredictable commodity prices; noted potential near-term moderate decrease in U.S. oil activity and the necessity for future multiyear increases in drilling to meet gas demand.
CapEx Reduction as Cautionary Posture
Gross CapEx cut by roughly 15% to about $500 million for 2026 (net below $500M after expected asset sales) — positive for cash flow but reflects a more cautious investment posture amid market uncertainty.
Company Guidance
The company guided 2026 gross CapEx of roughly $500 million (≈15% reduction year‑over‑year) and expects CapEx net of asset sales to be below $500M, with ~40% directed to Drilling, ~45% to Completion Services, just over 10% to Drilling Products and ~ $65M of Completions spend earmarked for new Emerald natural‑gas fleets; Q1 assumptions include a low‑to‑mid‑90s average U.S. rig count in Drilling Services with adjusted gross profit down by less than 5% from Q4 ($132M in Q4), Completion Services adjusted gross profit of ~ $95M in Q1 (vs. $111M in Q4, reflecting a ~$5–$10M estimated winter‑storm impact already in guidance), Drilling Products gross profit modestly higher in Q1 (Q4: $34M on $84M revenue), SG&A ≈ $65M in Q1 (Q4: $62M), DD&A ≈ $225M in Q1 (Q4: $221M), and they expect free cash flow to remain robust after 2025’s $416M adjusted free cash flow, supporting a 25% dividend increase to $0.10/share (payable Mar 16) while targeting at least 50% of adjusted FCF returned to shareholders; liquidity at Q4 was $421M cash with a $500M undrawn revolver and no senior note maturities until 2028.

Patterson-UTI Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Overall fundamentals are mixed: income statement profitability is volatile with losses in 2024 and still slightly negative in 2025 alongside a sharp 2025 revenue decline, but the balance sheet leverage appears manageable and cash generation is a clear strength with strong operating cash flow and solid positive free cash flow.
Income Statement
52
Neutral
Profitability has been volatile. After solid profitability in 2022–2023 (positive net margins ~6%), results swung back to losses in 2024 and remained slightly negative in 2025 (net margin ~-2%) despite a strong improvement from 2024’s much deeper loss. Revenue momentum also weakened: strong growth in 2022–2024 was followed by a meaningful decline in 2025 (about -23%), indicating a softer operating environment. A key positive is that cash-style earnings remained relatively strong in 2025 (EBITDA margin ~19%), but thin gross margin (~5%) and negative operating profit keep overall earnings quality mixed.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage looks manageable for the industry, with debt-to-equity generally in the ~0.28–0.55 range and around ~0.38 in 2025, suggesting the company is not overly debt-loaded. Equity remains sizable, supporting balance-sheet resilience. The main weakness is returns: return on equity turned negative in 2024 and stayed slightly negative in 2025, reflecting that capital is not currently generating accounting profits consistently. Overall, the balance sheet is reasonably positioned, but profitability needs to stabilize to improve returns.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength. Operating cash flow was strong in both 2024 and 2025 (about $1.18B and $0.96B), and free cash flow remained solidly positive in 2025 (~$372M). While free cash flow was lower than 2024, growth in 2025 is reported as very strong, and cash flow has been consistently healthier than net income in the down years—helpful during cyclical pressure. The key watch item is variability: free cash flow has moved around year-to-year, consistent with a cyclical drilling business.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.83B5.38B4.15B2.65B1.36B
Gross Profit229.86M286.17M603.72M317.10M-574.04M
EBITDA907.78M286.89M1.09B692.06M171.38M
Net Income-93.64M-968.03M246.29M154.66M-654.54M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.57B5.83B7.42B3.14B2.96B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments420.64M239.18M192.68M137.55M117.52M
Total Debt1.28B1.30B1.35B855.65M877.32M
Total Liabilities2.35B2.36B2.60B1.48B1.35B
Stockholders Equity3.22B3.47B4.81B1.67B1.61B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow372.19M497.15M390.22M129.39M-70.82M
Operating Cash Flow961.22M1.18B1.01B566.19M95.50M
Investing Cash Flow-567.15M-654.74M-1.02B-413.23M-131.59M
Financing Cash Flow-210.73M-474.99M65.57M-133.38M-71.93M

Patterson-UTI Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price8.51
Price Trends
50DMA
7.28
Positive
100DMA
6.61
Positive
200DMA
6.14
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.31
Positive
RSI
63.82
Neutral
STOCH
82.43
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PTEN, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 8.51 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.22, above the 50-day MA of 7.28, and above the 200-day MA of 6.14, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.31 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 63.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 82.43 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for PTEN.

Patterson-UTI 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
$3.53B10.1439.64%8.71%72.09%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
65
Neutral
$3.23B-34.88-2.80%5.42%-16.59%83.95%
65
Neutral
$7.15B-2.07-31.70%16.93%-335.82%
64
Neutral
$1.15B4.7468.44%6.52%
58
Neutral
$2.73B-35.36-2.67%-9.31%-91.57%
54
Neutral
$3.52B-11.06-11.41%3.24%35.89%-148.39%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PTEN
Patterson-UTI
8.51
1.33
18.52%
HP
Helmerich & Payne
35.22
11.59
49.05%
NBR
Nabors Industries
78.12
41.08
110.91%
OII
Oceaneering International
35.50
14.77
71.25%
RIG
Transocean
6.48
3.81
142.70%
SDRL
Seadrill Limited
43.88
20.56
88.16%

Patterson-UTI Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Patterson-UTI posts Q4 loss, boosts dividend and outlook
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

On February 4, 2026, Patterson-UTI Energy reported that for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, it generated $1.2 billion in revenue, a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $9 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $221 million, while full-year 2025 cash from operations reached $961 million and adjusted free cash flow totaled $416 million. Despite a challenging commodity environment and seasonally soft period, management highlighted resilient margins across its diversified drilling, completion and drilling products businesses, supported by cost controls and stable customer activity, and rewarded shareholders by raising the quarterly dividend by 25% to $0.10 per share. Segment results underscored solid U.S. rig utilization in Drilling Services, strong near-full utilization and steady pricing in Completion Services, and robust U.S. revenue per industry rig in Drilling Products, complemented by strategic investments in digital platforms such as the eos completions system and Vertex frac automation, as well as a new drill bit manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Looking ahead, the company signaled modest near-term softness in completions due to winter weather but expects relatively stable drilling activity, slightly improved Drilling Products profitability driven by international growth, and disciplined 2026 capital spending below $500 million, reinforcing its focus on cash generation, fleet high-grading and maintaining significant capital returns to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (PTEN) stock is a Hold with a $8.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Patterson-UTI stock, see the PTEN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Patterson-UTI outlines 2026 growth, capex and cash returns
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

In an investor presentation dated January 2026, Patterson-UTI reported that in the fourth quarter of 2025 it averaged 93 active U.S. rigs in its drilling services segment and achieved better-than-expected cost control, while its completion services business experienced less seasonal downtime than anticipated and operated near full utilization of its natural gas-powered fracturing assets. The company signaled that it expects to deploy roughly 2 million hydraulic horsepower in the first quarter of 2026 with minimal spare capacity, to continue decommissioning older Tier II equipment through 2026, to keep 2026 capital expenditures net of asset sales below $500 million, and to deliver another year of strong adjusted free cash flow while maintaining its policy of returning at least 50% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders, underpinned by scalable capex, a strong balance sheet with no senior note maturities until 2028, and an investment-grade credit rating.

The most recent analyst rating on (PTEN) stock is a Hold with a $6.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Patterson-UTI stock, see the PTEN 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 07, 2026