📊 CLB Key Takeaways
Is Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ (CLB) a Good Investment?
Core Laboratories demonstrates solid financial health with strong liquidity (2.37x current ratio) and manageable leverage (0.43x debt/equity), but profitability metrics reveal concerning trends including declining net income (-2.3% YoY), compressed diluted EPS (-14.3% YoY), and modest net margins of 6.4%. Revenue growth of only 2.8% YoY coupled with declining earnings quality suggests the company is facing cyclical headwinds typical of oil & gas services, warranting a cautious stance until margin expansion is demonstrated.
Core Laboratories shows a fundamentally stable profile with solid liquidity, manageable leverage, and positive free cash flow generation. However, growth quality is mixed because modest revenue expansion has not translated into stronger earnings, with net income and diluted EPS both declining year over year. The company appears financially sound, but margin expansion and cash conversion need to improve before the fundamentals support a more bullish view.
Why Buy Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Stock? CLB Key Strengths
- Strong liquidity position with 2.37x current ratio and 1.76x quick ratio, indicating solid short-term solvency
- Conservative leverage with 0.43x debt/equity ratio and adequate interest coverage of 5.1x, reducing financial distress risk
- Positive free cash flow generation of $20.8M with 5.4% FCF margin, supporting dividend capacity and debt service
- Strong liquidity with a 2.37x current ratio and 1.76x quick ratio
- Moderate leverage with 0.43x debt-to-equity and acceptable 5.1x interest coverage
- Positive free cash flow generation with $20.82M of FCF and limited capital intensity
CLB Stock Risks: Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Investment Risks
- Declining profitability with net income down 2.3% YoY and diluted EPS down 14.3% YoY, indicating earnings pressure
- Anemic revenue growth of 2.8% YoY with modest 6.4% net margin, suggesting limited pricing power or volume challenges
- Low returns on equity (9.1%) and assets (4.2%) indicate capital is not being deployed efficiently relative to sector peers
- Earnings quality is under pressure as revenue rose 2.8% but net income fell 2.3% and diluted EPS declined 14.3%
- Profitability remains only moderate with a 10.5% operating margin and 6.4% net margin
- Low cash balance of $25.63M reduces flexibility if operating conditions weaken or working capital needs rise
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trend and revenue growth acceleration in next quarters
- Free cash flow sustainability and capital deployment decisions
- Debt/equity ratio and interest coverage ratios to ensure financial flexibility
- Operating margin and net margin trend
- Free cash flow conversion relative to net income
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ (CLB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Strong liquidity with a 2.37x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
CLB Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
CLB vs Energy Sector: How Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Compares
How Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ compares to Energy sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Stock Overvalued? CLB Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Energy sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Balance Sheet: CLB Debt, Cash & Liquidity
CLB Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/'s revenue has shown modest growth of 3% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $0.77 reflects profitable operations.
CLB Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
CLB Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $134.4M | $11.7M | $0.25 |
| Q2 2025 | $130.2M | $9.0M | $0.19 |
| Q1 2025 | $123.6M | -$154.0K | $0.00 |
| Q3 2024 | $125.3M | $9.3M | $0.19 |
| Q2 2024 | $127.9M | $9.0M | $0.19 |
| Q1 2024 | $128.4M | $2.4M | $0.05 |
| Q3 2023 | $125.3M | $7.5M | $0.16 |
| Q2 2023 | $120.9M | $5.2M | $0.11 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
CLB SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ (CIK: 0001958086)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about CLB
What is the AI rating for CLB?
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ (CLB) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are CLB's key strengths?
Claude: Strong liquidity position with 2.37x current ratio and 1.76x quick ratio, indicating solid short-term solvency. Conservative leverage with 0.43x debt/equity ratio and adequate interest coverage of 5.1x, reducing financial distress risk. ChatGPT: Strong liquidity with a 2.37x current ratio and 1.76x quick ratio. Moderate leverage with 0.43x debt-to-equity and acceptable 5.1x interest coverage.
What are the risks of investing in CLB?
Claude: Declining profitability with net income down 2.3% YoY and diluted EPS down 14.3% YoY, indicating earnings pressure. Anemic revenue growth of 2.8% YoY with modest 6.4% net margin, suggesting limited pricing power or volume challenges. ChatGPT: Earnings quality is under pressure as revenue rose 2.8% but net income fell 2.3% and diluted EPS declined 14.3%. Profitability remains only moderate with a 10.5% operating margin and 6.4% net margin.
What is CLB's revenue and growth?
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ reported revenue of $388.3M.
Does CLB pay dividends?
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ pays dividends, with $1.4M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find CLB SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ (CIK: 0001958086) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is CLB's EPS?
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ has a diluted EPS of $0.52.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is CLB a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ has a HOLD rating with 70% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is CLB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for CLB: ROE of 9.1% (sector avg: 14%), net margin of 6.4% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy CLB stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/ a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is CLB's free cash flow?
Core Laboratories Inc. /DE/'s operating cash flow is $29.1M, with capital expenditures of $8.3M. FCF margin is 5.4%.
How does CLB compare to other Energy stocks?
Vs Energy sector averages: Net margin 6.4% (avg: 12%), ROE 9.1% (avg: 14%), current ratio 2.37 (avg: 1.3).