Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Baker Hughes Inc., Halliburton Company, Schlumberger Limited, National-Oilwell Varco and Weatherford International Ltd.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – December 8, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Baker Hughes Inc. (BHI - Analyst Report), Halliburton Company (HAL - Analyst Report), Schlumberger Limited (SLB - Analyst Report), National-Oilwell Varco (NOV - Analyst Report) and Weatherford International Ltd. (WFT - Analyst Report).

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Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

U.S. Rig Count Growth Continues

According to data from Baker Hughes Inc. (BHI - Analyst Report), the number of rigs searching for oil and gas in the U.S. rose for the week ended Dec. 4, reflecting ramped-up drilling activity by the producers amid recent optimism about an economic recovery and higher prices relative to last year.

The supply picture is expected to reverse in the coming months as producers bet on colder weather and the lagging effect of the sharp drop in domestic drilling activity takes hold.

Until then, we believe that natural gas woes (especially in North America) will continue to haunt energy service firms like Halliburton Company (HAL - Analyst Report), Schlumberger Limited (SLB - Analyst Report), Baker Hughes, National-Oilwell Varco (NOV - Analyst Report) and Weatherford International Ltd. (WFT - Analyst Report). These oilfield service names have seen their revenues and earnings plunge in the last few quarters on the back of lower volumes and a very competitive pricing environment. We have Neutral recommendations on all of the above-mentioned companies.

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Read the full analyst report on BHI

Read the full analyst report on HAL

Read the full analyst report on SLB

Read the full analyst report on NOV

Read the full analyst report on WFT