Why These Energy Stocks are Losing This Week

5. Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP)

Share Price Decline Between May 13 – May. 20: 15.74%

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP), together with its subsidiaries, provides drilling solutions and technologies for oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) suffered a setback this week after analysts at Citi downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral, while also reducing its price target from $25 to $19. The move comes as a result of the bleak outlook faced by the oilfield services industry due to an anticipated decline in rig counts and lower drilling activity. Many major oil producers have reduced their planned capital spending for the year following the plunge in crude oil prices, which will have a significant impact on the oilfield services sector.

Citi analysts have forecasted an 8.5% decline in Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP)’s active rig count, which translates to 13 fewer rigs, coupled with an approximate 10% fall in rates. As a result, the company is expected to witness a 25% reduction in margins over the next few years, which will then lead to a downturn in its EBITDA as well as cash flow.