Why Shares of Key Energy Services Dropped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Key Energy Services fell 15% today after the company reported earnings.

So what: First quarter revenue fell 12% from a year earlier, to $428.4 million, falling short of the $443.8 million estimate from Wall Street. Earnings per share were just $0.01, which was $0.02 worse than estimates, driven by a falling inland rig count.

Now what: This is a theme we've seen over and over again during the past two quarters. Service providers are suffering from weak demand despite record production, because drillers are becoming more efficient in their activities. Management does think activity will pick up as the year goes on, but I can't be a buyer, with revenue falling as fast as it did in the first quarter.

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The article Why Shares of Key Energy Services Dropped originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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