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NOV vs SLB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? NOV Inc. (NOV) vs. SLB (SLB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NOV (NOV Inc., formerly National Oilwell Varco) is a diversified equipment and technology supplier with a smaller market capitalization and greater sensitivity to offshore and international capital-spending cycles.
- SLB (SLB, formerly Schlumberger) is the world's largest oilfield services company, with a far larger scale, broader geographic footprint, and an expanding digital and data center business.
- Both stocks have rallied strongly over the past year, but their momentum has been driven by different catalysts: offshore and deepwater equipment demand for NOV versus international recovery and digital growth for SLB.
- SLB offers a higher dividend yield and more diversified revenue mix, while NOV trades at a lower valuation relative to sales and carries more concentrated cyclical exposure.
- Middle East conflict disruptions have weighed on both companies, but SLB's broader geographic base has allowed it to offset that impact more effectively.
Introduction
Investors tracking the energy sector often weigh NOV and SLB side by side, since both derive the bulk of their revenue from oil and gas activity yet operate at very different scales and points in the value chain. This stock comparison is most relevant for traders and investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and exposure to the oilfield services cycle. NOV concentrates on manufacturing equipment and components, while SLB spans a broader range of services, technology, and digital solutions. Understanding the contrasts between a specialized equipment maker and a diversified services leader can help clarify which name better suits a given risk profile or sector outlook in the current environment.
NOV Overview and Recent Performance
NOV designs, manufactures, and sells equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production, organized into two segments: Energy Products and Services and Energy Equipment. The company serves integrated oil companies, national oil companies, and drilling contractors, with international markets contributing nearly two-thirds of annual revenue.
In recent market activity, NOV shares have been volatile, reflecting a mix of improving fundamentals and shifting analyst sentiment. The company reported second-quarter revenue of roughly $2.13 billion and net income of $112 million, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) supported in part by a one-time tariff-related benefit. Management has pointed to strengthening demand for critical drilling technologies and improving margins from operational initiatives. However, recent weeks have also brought notable analyst rating changes, including both upgrades and downgrades, as the Street weighs valuation against a still-uneven recovery in Middle East activity and North American rig counts. Sentiment has been shaped by expectations for a pickup in offshore, deepwater, and Saudi Arabian capital equipment orders into 2027.
SLB Overview and Recent Performance
SLB is the world's largest oilfield services provider by market share, holding first- or second-place competitive positions across many of its segments. Its business spans core oilfield services, digital solutions, and new energy, with more than three-quarters of revenue tied to international markets.
In its most recent quarter, SLB reported revenue of about $8.97 billion, up 5% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.55, beating consensus estimates. Strength in North America, Latin America, and its Digital and Production Systems divisions offset continued disruptions in the Middle East, where the company has its largest regional exposure. SLB's Data Center Solutions unit has been a particular focus, with management guiding toward more than $1 billion in annualized revenue by year-end, and the company recently announced an acquisition in data center thermal management that lifted shares. The stock has benefited from a constructive analyst consensus and a relatively strong balance of diversified growth drivers, though Middle East normalization remains a key variable for the near term.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between NOV and SLB is scale and diversification. SLB's market capitalization is roughly ten times NOV's, and its revenue spans services, digital software, and production systems, whereas NOV is more concentrated in equipment manufacturing and product sales. This gives SLB a steadier, more diversified revenue base and a higher dividend yield, but also a larger exposure to the volatile Middle East, which accounted for about a third of its 2025 revenue.
On growth drivers, NOV leans on offshore and deepwater rig equipment, drill pipe, and subsea systems, making it highly sensitive to long-cycle capital spending decisions. SLB, by contrast, is expanding beyond traditional oilfield work into digital solutions and data center thermal management, adding growth avenues less tied to oil prices. On valuation, NOV trades at a lower price-to-sales multiple, reflecting its thinner margins and more concentrated cyclical risk, while SLB commands a premium for its scale and diversification.
Recent momentum has favored both names in different ways: NOV has posted a strong year-to-date gain driven by equipment-order expectations, while SLB's rally has been supported by earnings beats and diversification. Key risk factors for NOV include margin execution, cash conversion, and order timing, while SLB's risks center on Middle East recovery and the pace of its newer growth initiatives.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor SLB in the current environment. SLB's larger scale, more diversified revenue mix, stronger free cash flow generation, and expanding digital and data center businesses offer a steadier, more resilient profile, even amid Middle East disruptions. NOV's deepwater and equipment-order recovery is a legitimate catalyst, but its more concentrated exposure and thinner margins introduce greater variability in trend consistency. The AI's assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting relative stability and a broader set of catalysts rather than a guarantee of future performance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NOV is a Hold and SLB is a Hold.
NOV in downward trend: 10-day moving average crossed below 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026
The 10-day moving average for NOV crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
NOV moved below its 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NOV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator for NOV entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where NOV's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 24 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 48 of 65 cases where NOV's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NOV as a result. In 70 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NOV just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where NOV's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 38 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +0.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NOV advanced for three days, in 236 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
NOV may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 32 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.120) is normal, around the industry mean (3.496). P/E Ratio (72.222) is within average values for comparable stocks, (88.534). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.787) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.012) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.873) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NOV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
SLB in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026
SLB moved below its 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 34 of 48 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for SLB crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SLB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
The Aroon Indicator for SLB entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SLB's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 24 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 46 of 60 cases where SLB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SLB as a result. In 63 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SLB just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where SLB's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Following a +3.33% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SLB advanced for three days, in 217 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
SLB may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 27 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.931) is normal, around the industry mean (3.496). P/E Ratio (25.117) is within average values for comparable stocks, (88.534). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.357) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.012) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.166) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SLB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
NOV | SLB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 60 | 61 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 32 Undervalued | 27 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 48 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 89 | 60 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 53 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 2 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
SLB's Valuation (27) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as NOV (32). This means that SLB’s stock grew similarly to NOV’s over the last 12 months.
SLB's Profit vs Risk Rating (48) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as NOV (63). This means that SLB’s stock grew similarly to NOV’s over the last 12 months.
SLB's SMR Rating (60) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as NOV (89). This means that SLB’s stock grew similarly to NOV’s over the last 12 months.
SLB's Price Growth Rating (48) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as NOV (53). This means that SLB’s stock grew similarly to NOV’s over the last 12 months.
NOV's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as SLB (6). This means that NOV’s stock grew similarly to SLB’s over the last 12 months.
| NOV | SLB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 75% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 25 days ago 75% | 13 days ago 68% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 66% | 3 days ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 60% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
NOV’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while SLB’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- NOV’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- SLB’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
NOV’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SLB’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NOV’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SLB’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
NOV (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) experienced а -0.21% price change this week, while SLB (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) price change was +1.12% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oilfield Services/Equipment industry was -5.85%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.59%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.30%.
Reported Earning Dates
NOV is expected to report earnings on Oct 27, 2026.
SLB is expected to report earnings on Oct 23, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Oilfield Services/Equipment (-5.85% weekly)The oilfield services/equipment industry is involved in providing various equipment and services to oil and natural gas producers. These companies rent drilling rigs and/or provide services to build and maintain oil and gas wells. The performance of this industry is dependent on demand for oil and natural gas, which in turn is often driven by macroeconomic conditions or business cycles. Schlumberger NV, Halliburton Company, and Baker Hughes are some of the biggest oilfield services companies.
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NOV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NOV has been closely correlated with SLB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NOV jumps, then SLB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NOV | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOV | 100% | +1.56% | ||
| SLB - NOV | 70% Closely correlated | +2.34% | ||
| HAL - NOV | 69% Closely correlated | +1.85% | ||
| BKR - NOV | 68% Closely correlated | +2.39% | ||
| XPRO - NOV | 64% Loosely correlated | +3.00% | ||
| WFRD - NOV | 63% Loosely correlated | +1.59% | ||
More | ||||
SLB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SLB has been closely correlated with WFRD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SLB jumps, then WFRD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SLB | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLB | 100% | +2.34% | ||
| WFRD - SLB | 76% Closely correlated | +1.59% | ||
| HAL - SLB | 75% Closely correlated | +1.85% | ||
| NOV - SLB | 71% Closely correlated | +1.56% | ||
| BKR - SLB | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.39% | ||
| XPRO - SLB | 62% Loosely correlated | +3.00% | ||
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