In its weekly release, Baker Hughes Company (BKR Quick QuoteBKR - Free Report) stated that the U.S. rig count was higher than the prior week’s figure. The rotary rig count, issued by BKR, is usually published in major newspapers and trade publications.

Baker Hughes’ data, issued at the end of every week since 1944, helps energy service providers gauge the overall business environment of the oil and gas industry. The number of active rigs and its comparison with the week-ago figure indicates the demand trajectory for the company’s oilfield services from exploration and production companies.

Rig Count Data in Detail

Total U.S. Rig Count Rises: The number of rigs engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the United States was 619 in the week ended Apr 19, higher than theweek-ago count of 617. The current national rig count was, however, lower than the year-ago level of 753, reflecting the fact that there has been a slowdown in drilling activities. Many analysts believe that shale producers are getting more efficient, requiring fewer rigs, while some doubt whether certain producers have enough prospective land to drill.

Onshore rigs in the week that ended on Apr 19 totaled 599, higher than the prior week's count of 598. In offshore resources, 20 rigs were operating, which increased from the week-ago count of 19.

U.S. Oil Rig Count Rises: The oil rig count was 511 in the week ended Apr 19, increasing from the week-ago figure of 506. The current number of oil rigs — far from the peak of 1,609 attained in October 2014 — is, however, down from the year-ago figure of 591.

U.S. Natural Gas Rig Count Declines: The natural gas rig count of 106 was lower than the week-ago figure of 109. The count of rigs exploring the commodity was also below the year-ago week’s 159. Per the latest report, the number of natural gas-directed rigs is almost 93.4% lower than the all-time high of 1,606 recorded in 2008. 

Rig Count by Type: The number of vertical drilling rigs totaled 14 units, higher than the week-ago count of 12 units. The horizontal/directional rig count (encompassing new drilling technology with the ability to drill and extract gas from dense rock formations, also known as shale formations) of 605 was flat with the prior-week level.

Rig Count in the Most Prolific Basin

Permian — the most prolific basin in the United States — recorded a weekly oil and gas rig count of 318, higher than the week-ago figure of 316. The count is, however, below the prior-year level of 358.

Outlook

The West Texas Intermediate crude price is trading at more than the $80-per-barrel mark. Although the commodity pricing scenario is favorable for exploration and production operations, there has been a slowdown in drilling activities, which may continue as upstream players are prioritizing stockholder returns rather than boosting output.

Amid the backdrop, investors seeking medium to long-term gains may keep an eye on energy stocks like Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG Quick QuoteFANG - Free Report) and Matador Resources Company (MTDR Quick QuoteMTDR - Free Report) .

Diamondback Energy, a leading pure-play Permian operator, has reported ongoing enhancements in the average productivity per well in the Midland Basin. The exploration and production company is likely to continue witnessing increased production volumes. FANG, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), also has an investment-grade balance sheet. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Matador Resources has a strong presence in the oil-rich core acres of the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin. Promising oil prices are likely to aid it in increasing production volumes. Matador acquired Advance Energy Partners Holdings, LLC, which comprises several oil and natural gas-producing properties and undeveloped acreage. Zacks #3 Ranked MTDR expects the buyout to be accretive to important valuation and financial metrics.