Why These Energy Stocks are Losing This Week

3. Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ:WFRD

Share Price Decline Between Jan. 9 – Jan. 16: 6.16%

Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ:WFRD) provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil, geothermal, and natural gas wells worldwide.

Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ:WFRD) hit a 52-week high earlier this month, driven by the market excitement around the US action in Venezuela. The company’s CEO, Girish Saligram, called Venezuela a ‘massive opportunity’ for the American oilfield services sector, as it would prove to be crucial in reviving the country’s crumbling oil infrastructure.

The rally was also driven by increased analyst attention. On January 12, BofA raised its price target on Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ:WFRD) from $82 to $98, while keeping a ‘Buy’ rating on the shares. Then on January 14, Goldman Sachs also increased its price target on WFRD from $73 to $83, and maintained a ‘Neutral’ rating on the shares.

However, Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ:WFRD) has witnessed a slight downturn since then, possibly due to profit-taking by investors following the strong rally. The decline may also have been caused by a correction in global crude oil prices over the last couple of days, following reports that Washington might delay its intervention in Iran.