Schlumberger's $330M Volume Ranks 318th as Short Interest Dips and Institutional Buys Signal Optimism

Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB) edged up 0.06% on August 20, 2025, with a trading volume of $330 million, ranking 318th in market activity. The stock’s performance reflects recent developments in short interest and institutional activity. Short interest in July dropped 43.8% to 35.85 million shares, reducing the short-interest ratio to 2.3 days. This decline indicates waning bearish sentiment following a period of elevated borrowing costs.

A director’s sale of 5,000 shares on May 22, cutting ownership by 17.53%, highlighted insider activity. Meanwhile, institutional investors added to their stakes, with Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors, Atticus Wealth Management, and others initiating or increasing positions. These moves underscore confidence in Schlumberger’s strategic pivot toward digital and integrated energy solutions.

Analyst ratings remained mixed. Jefferies and Stifel trimmed price targets but maintained "buy" ratings, while Wells Fargo downgraded to "hold." Atb Cap Markets upgraded to "strong-buy," reflecting divergent views on the company’s earnings recovery. Schlumberger’s 12-month low of $31.11 and 11.53% net margin suggest valuation stability amid sector volatility.

The company announced a $0.285 quarterly dividend, set for October 9, yielding 3.4% annually. This payout, coupled with a 39.04% payout ratio, signals manageable dividend sustainability. Schlumberger’s focus on carbon management and digital integration aligns with long-term industry trends, though near-term revenue growth remains constrained by sector-wide challenges.

A backtest of a strategy buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day from 2022 to 2025 yielded a total profit of $2,385.14, indicating modest returns over the period.