Weatherford Downgraded As Analyst Sees Limited Returns Despite Deleveraging Efforts
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 13 2024
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Analyst Downgrade: Goldman Sachs analyst Ati Modak downgraded Weatherford International plc (WFRD) to Neutral, lowering the target price from $132 to $98 due to less compelling international exposure in the current environment, despite WFRD's solid execution and growth potential from innovations like Managed Pressure Drilling.
Earnings and Shareholder Returns: The analyst projects a total return potential of 4% for WFRD over the next year, with expectations of debt reduction adding value per share; however, EBITDA estimates for 2025/2026 have been lowered by 3%-8%, reflecting adjusted activity expectations.
Analyst Views on WFRD
Wall Street analysts forecast WFRD stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WFRD is 91.71 USD with a low forecast of 73.00 USD and a high forecast of 111.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 88.500
Low
73.00
Averages
91.71
High
111.00
Current: 88.500
Low
73.00
Averages
91.71
High
111.00
About WFRD
Weatherford International plc is a global energy services company. The Company is engaged in providing equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, well construction, completion, production, intervention and responsible abandonment of wells in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry as well as new energy platforms. The Company operates through three segments: Drilling and Evaluation (DRE), Well Construction and Completions (WCC), and Production and Intervention (PRI). DRE offers a suite of services, including managed pressure drilling, drilling services, wireline, and drilling fluids. WCC offers products and services for well integrity assurance across the full life cycle of the well. PRI offers a suite of reservoir stimulation designs and engineering capabilities that isolate zones and unlock reserves in conventional and unconventional wells, deep water, and aging reservoirs. Its platforms include ForeSite, CygNet, CENTRO, and others.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.








