Core Laboratories to Post Q1 Earnings: Key Metrics to Watch

Core Laboratories Inc. CLB is set to release first-quarter 2025 results on April 23, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at a profit of 15 cents per share on revenues of $124.1 million.Let us delve into the factors that might have influenced CLB’s performance in the to-be-reported quarter. Before that, it is worth taking a look at the company’s performance in the last reported quarter.Highlights of Q4 Earnings & Surprise HistoryIn the last reported quarter, the Houston, TX-based oil and gas equipment and services company’s adjusted earnings missed the consensus mark. CLB reported adjusted earnings of 22 cents per share, which was a cent lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This was attributed to poor performance from its Production Enhancement segment. Operating revenues of $129.2 million also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.3%.CLB’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, were in line in one quarter and missed the remaining one, delivering an average surprise of 4.79%.This is depicted in the graph below:Core Laboratories Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Core Laboratories Inc. price-eps-surprise | Core Laboratories Inc. QuoteTrend in Estimate Revision for CLB StockThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2025 earnings has been revised 11.8% downward in the past 30 days. The estimated figure indicates a 21.1% year-over-year decline. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues also indicates a decline of 4.3% from the year-ago period’s actual.Factors to Consider Ahead of CLB’s Q1 ReleaseThe company primarily makes money through its reservoir description and production enhancement services, which analyze and optimize oil and gas extraction processes.CLB’s revenues are likely to have declined in the quarter to be reported. This can be attributed to the weak performance of both the Reservoir Description segment and the Production Enhancement segment. The revenues in the Reservoir Description segment are projected to decrease 1.7% year over year, reaching $82.8 million due to various factors like global economic uncertainties, geopolitical risk, trade sanctions and severe weather conditions in the United States and the Mediterranean regions that resulted in suspended client activities and facility closures in these areas. The revenues in the Production Enhancement segment are also projected to decrease 8.6% year over year, reaching $41.5 million, which can be attributed to the adverse impact of the freezing conditions on the onshore U.S. drilling and completion activity.On a positive note, the reduction in CLB's costs is likely to have boosted its bottom line. The company’s first-quarter total operating expenses are likely to be $113.2 million, down 6.5% from the year-ago quarter’s level. Moreover, its services and product sales costs are expected to decrease from $104.6 million to $101.7 million in the same time frame. Its general and administrative expenses are expected to decrease from $11.8 million to $10.1 million in the same period.These cost reductions should have provided modest relief, helping to partially offset the impact of lower revenues.(Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar).What Does Our Model Say About CLB Stock?Our proven model does not predict an earnings beat for Core Laboratories this season. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that is not the case here.CLB’s Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, for this company is +2.27%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.CLB’s Zacks Rank: CLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some firms from the energy space that you may want to consider, as these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this reporting cycle.Antero Resources Corporation AR has an Earnings ESP of +6.35% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.AR is scheduled to release earnings on April 30. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Antero Resources’ 2025 earnings per share indicates 1514.29% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $10.71 billion, AR’s shares have gained 17.5% in a year.Expand Energy Corporation EXE has an Earnings ESP of 9.44% and a Zacks Rank #1. EXE is slated to release earnings on April 29.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Expand Energy’s 2025 earnings per share indicates 475.89% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $24.78 billion, EXE’s shares have gained 20.4% in a year.Comstock Resources, Inc. CRK has an Earnings ESP of 22.33% and a Zacks Rank #3. CRK is scheduled to release earnings on April 30.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Comstock Resources’ 2025 earnings per share indicates 383.33% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $5.79 billion, CRK’s shares have surged 103.2% in a year.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB): Free Stock Analysis Report Comstock Resources, Inc. (CRK): Free Stock Analysis Report Antero Resources Corporation (AR): Free Stock Analysis Report Expand Energy Corporation (EXE): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks