Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB) AI Stock Analysis

NYSE: CLBAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

CLB AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB) provides reservoir description and production enhancement services to the global oil and gas industry. The company generated $519.2M in trailing twelve-month revenue with an operating margin of 7.4%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, revenue decreased 4.3% year-over-year while quarterly earnings declined 41.2%.

Market cap
$458.8M
Revenue (TTM)
$519.2M
P/E
19.2x
fwd 19.8x
1Y return
-12.1%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$15.00
50.0% vs last close

Bull case

  • Analysts project EPS to rebound 36.2% to $0.69 in the next fiscal year alongside 2.5% revenue growth to $524.8M.
  • The company generated $22.3M in free cash flow in FY2025 while maintaining a low dividend payout ratio of 6.7%.
  • CLB's price-to-sales ratio of 0.9x is roughly half the median of 1.8x for its US-listed Energy peers.

Bear case

  • Quarterly earnings declined 41.2% year-over-year in the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026 as revenue slipped 4.3%.
  • Shares have lost 67.9% over the past 5 years while the S&P 500 gained 83.0%.
  • CLB trades at a forward P/E of 19.8x, which sits well above the US-listed Energy peer median of 12.7x despite a trailing operating margin of just 7.4% versus the peer median of 28.5%.

What Core Laboratories does

Core Laboratories N.V. specializes in delivering advanced reservoir description and production enhancement solutions to the global oil and gas industry across the United States, Canada, and international markets. The Reservoir Description segment characterizes reservoir rock, fluid, and gas samples through laboratory-based analytical services and field studies to optimize production and recovery rates. The Production Enhancement segment offers services and products for well completions, perforations, stimulations, and overall production efficiency, using integrated diagnostic services. Founded in 1936 and based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, the company reaches clients across approximately 50 countries via direct sales, technical seminars, trade shows, print advertising, and distribution networks.

Growth and profitability

Between FY2021 and FY2025, revenue grew from $470.3M to $526.5M, reflecting a 5-year revenue CAGR of 1.6%. Over that span, net income rose from $19.7M in FY2021 to a peak of $36.7M in FY2023, before moderating to $29.7M in FY2025. Annual gross margin was 17.9% in FY2025, while operating margin reached 9.6%. For the trailing twelve months, revenue totaled $519.2M with a net profit margin of 4.7% and EPS of $0.52. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue fell 4.3% year-over-year, and quarterly earnings contracted 41.2%.

CLB income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, Core Laboratories held $22.7M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $165.1M, yielding net debt of $142.4M. Shareholders' equity was $272.7M out of $586.8M in total assets, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 2.12. In FY2025, the company generated $37.0M in operating cash flow and $22.3M in free cash flow. Capital allocation in FY2025 included $14.7M for capital expenditures, $12.4M for share buybacks, and $1.9M paid in dividends.

CLB balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

CLB trades at a trailing P/E of 19.2x and a forward P/E of 19.8x, both above the median of its US-listed Energy peers of 15.0x and 12.7x, respectively. Its enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of 10.3x also sits higher than the peer median of 8.0x. Conversely, its price-to-sales ratio of 0.9x is below the US-listed Energy peer median of 1.8x. At a share price of $10.00 on October 16, 2026, CLB has dropped 37.5% year-to-date and 12.1% over the past year, compared to a 16.8% 1-year gain for the S&P 500.

CLB key metrics →

CLB dividend

Core Laboratories has paid dividends for 19 consecutive years. It offers an annual forward dividend of $0.04 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 0.40% and a payout ratio of 6.7%. The dividend is distributed on a quarterly frequency, with the last ex-dividend date on August 10, 2026. Over the past five years, the dividend decreased at an annualized rate of 32.2%.

CLB dividend history →

What analysts expect

Wall Street coverage consists of 3 analyst ratings: 1 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 1 Sell. The mean price target is $15.00, which represents a 50.0% upside compared to the October 16, 2026 closing price of $10.00. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts estimate EPS of $0.51 on revenue of $511.9M. For the next fiscal year, consensus projects EPS of $0.69 on revenue of $524.8M. The company has beaten EPS estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, with next earnings scheduled for October 28, 2026.

CLB forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • Current fiscal year EPS is projected to decline 32.4% to $0.51, reflecting near-term earnings pressure.
  • Net debt stood at $142.4M as of June 30, 2026, supported by $22.7M in cash and short-term investments.
  • Short interest represents 25.4% of the float, indicating significant bearish market sentiment.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this CLB AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: CLB income statement, CLB balance sheet, CLB key metrics, CLB analyst forecast, CLB chart. See the CLB stock overview for the latest quote and news.

CLB AI stock analysis FAQ

What does Core Laboratories N.V. do?

Core Laboratories N.V. provides reservoir description and production enhancement solutions to optimize oil and gas recovery. It operates in approximately 50 countries through analytical laboratories, field studies, and well completion diagnostics.

Does CLB pay a dividend?

Yes, CLB pays a quarterly dividend of $0.04 annually, which yields 0.40% as of October 16, 2026. It has paid dividends for 19 consecutive years with a payout ratio of 6.7%.

How does CLB's valuation compare to sector peers?

CLB trades at an EV/EBITDA of 10.3x and a forward P/E of 19.8x, both higher than the median of its US-listed Energy peers at 8.0x and 12.7x. However, its price-to-sales multiple of 0.9x is below the peer median of 1.8x.

When is Core Laboratories' next earnings release?

Core Laboratories is scheduled to report its next earnings on October 28, 2026. Over the prior 4 quarters, the company beat EPS estimates 3 times.

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