Jim Wicklund
Jim Wicklund
annual economy fourth growth impact news posted provided quarter rate results strength
News that the U.S. economy posted a weaker-than-expected 1.1% annual growth rate for the fourth quarter ... did not impact the oil-service stocks, which rallied by 1.8% (Friday) on the strength of better-than-expected quarterly results provided by Halliburton.
commodity high improvement industry level prices thinks year
The industry has done well this year and commodity prices are up so high that no one thinks there is any substantial improvement to this year's level of activity.
companies credit market
The market doesn't give these companies much credit because it's a non-recurring event.
coming current extreme fallen gas natural next provides risk season weakness winter
The weakness in natural gas prices, having fallen from an extreme of $15 a current $7.50 with (more than) 60% of the winter heating season already over, provides risk of a natural-gas-inspired 'bump' coming over the next two quarters.
companies five four
Only four or five companies can do this in the world, and Halliburton is one. This has nothing to do with Dick Cheney.
commodity dangerous estimates price
Typically, when commodity price estimates decline, so do the stocks. These are dangerous times.
activity based commodity economic given good moderation positive possible potential prices remain remains returns risk spending squeeze visibility worry
We remain positive based on economic activity and E&P spending; we're also positive on 2007 but see some risk to E&P spending given the potential squeeze on returns (with) a possible moderation in commodity prices in '07. Visibility remains too good to worry too early, however.