📊 HLX Key Takeaways
Is Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. (HLX) a Good Investment?
Helix Energy is unprofitable across operating and net income with negative margins, declining revenue (-4.9% YoY), and negative interest coverage, indicating operational stress in a cyclical sector. While the balance sheet is fortress-like with low leverage (0.20x Debt/Equity) and strong liquidity, the company's inability to generate profits from operations and deteriorating EPS (-41.7% YoY) signal structural challenges that must be resolved before investment consideration.
Helix shows strong liquidity and low leverage with solid free cash flow generation, providing resilience through the cycle. However, revenue declined and profitability remains thin with low ROE and sharply lower EPS, limiting earnings power. A sustained margin expansion and growth reacceleration are needed to upgrade the outlook.
Why Buy Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Stock? HLX Key Strengths
- Fortress balance sheet with 2.6B assets, 1.6B equity, and only 0.2x leverage
- Robust liquidity position with 501M cash and 2.92x current ratio
- Positive free cash flow of 59M despite operating losses suggests substantial non-cash charges and underlying asset base value
- Net cash-like balance sheet with low leverage and 2.75x liquidity
- Healthy free cash flow (9.3% FCF margin) on modest capex
- Adequate interest coverage (7.4x) supporting financial flexibility
HLX Stock Risks: Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Investment Risks
- Negative profitability across all metrics: operating margin -4.6%, net margin -4.7%, ROE -0.9%, with declining revenue trend
- Negative interest coverage ratio of -1.5x indicates company cannot service debt from operations, dependent on capital draws
- Unsustainably thin 3.1% gross margin in commodity-driven sector with cyclical headwinds and revenue contraction
- Revenue contraction and cyclical end‑market demand for offshore services
- Margin volatility driven by utilization/dayrates and contract mix
- Low ROE and EPS decline suggest weak earnings quality and/or dilution
Key Metrics to Watch
- Revenue stabilization and growth recovery (currently declining 4.9% YoY)
- Return to positive operating income and operating margin expansion above 0%
- Gross margin improvement from 3.1% to sustainable levels (>10%)
- Interest coverage ratio return to positive territory above 2.0x
- Operating margin and gross margin trajectory
- Backlog/order intake and fleet utilization rates
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. (HLX) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The 20.5% free cash flow margin provides substantial flexibility for dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. Strong liquidity with a 2.92x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
HLX Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
HLX vs Energy Sector: How Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Compares
How Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. compares to Energy sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Stock Overvalued? HLX Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. 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.
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Balance Sheet: HLX Debt, Cash & Liquidity
HLX Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 81% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $-0.07 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
HLX Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
HLX Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $278.1M | $3.1M | $0.02 |
| Q3 2025 | $342.4M | $22.1M | $0.15 |
| Q2 2025 | $302.3M | $474.0K | $0.00 |
| Q1 2025 | $278.1M | $3.1M | $0.02 |
| Q3 2024 | $342.4M | $15.6M | $0.10 |
| Q2 2024 | $308.8M | $1.9M | $0.01 |
| Q1 2024 | $250.1M | -$5.2M | $-0.03 |
| Q3 2023 | $272.5M | $15.6M | $0.10 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
HLX SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. (CIK: 0000866829)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about HLX
What is the AI rating for HLX?
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. (HLX) has a Combined AI Rating of SELL from Claude (SELL) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 69% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are HLX's key strengths?
Claude: Fortress balance sheet with 2.6B assets, 1.6B equity, and only 0.2x leverage. Robust liquidity position with 501M cash and 2.92x current ratio. ChatGPT: Net cash-like balance sheet with low leverage and 2.75x liquidity. Healthy free cash flow (9.3% FCF margin) on modest capex.
What are the risks of investing in HLX?
Claude: Negative profitability across all metrics: operating margin -4.6%, net margin -4.7%, ROE -0.9%, with declining revenue trend. Negative interest coverage ratio of -1.5x indicates company cannot service debt from operations, dependent on capital draws. ChatGPT: Revenue contraction and cyclical end‑market demand for offshore services. Margin volatility driven by utilization/dayrates and contract mix.
What is HLX's revenue and growth?
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. reported revenue of $287.9M.
Does HLX pay dividends?
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find HLX SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. (CIK: 0000866829) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is HLX's EPS?
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. has a diluted EPS of $-0.09.
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 HLX a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. has a SELL rating with 69% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is HLX stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for HLX: ROE of -0.9% (sector avg: 14%), net margin of -4.7% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy HLX stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is HLX's free cash flow?
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.'s operating cash flow is $61.8M, with capital expenditures of $2.8M. FCF margin is 20.5%.
How does HLX compare to other Energy stocks?
Vs Energy sector averages: Net margin -4.7% (avg: 12%), ROE -0.9% (avg: 14%), current ratio 2.92 (avg: 1.3).