StocksMedium•28 July 2026•
1 min read

Saipem Cuts 2026 Profit Outlook Amid Middle East Costs and EU Antitrust Scrutiny

Saipem Cuts 2026 Profit Outlook Amid Middle East Costs and EU Antitrust Scrutiny

Key Facts

1Saipem revised its 2026 core earnings expectations downward due to extra costs related to the crisis in the Middle East.
2The company is under EU antitrust review for a potential merger with its Norwegian competitor Subsea 7 S.A.
3Wall Street analysts anticipate a negative earnings per share of -$0.29 for Saipem's upcoming quarterly results.
4Saipem secured a significant offshore drilling contract valued at approximately $260 million from Eni S.p.A.

In a move reflecting the impact of geopolitical disruptions on the oil services sector, Saipem has signaled a more cautious financial outlook. According to reports, the company revised its 2026 core earnings expectations downward, citing extra costs related to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Additionally, the company is under EU antitrust review regarding a potential merger with its Norwegian competitor Subsea 7 S.A.

From a financial standpoint, Wall Street analysts anticipate a negative earnings per share of -$0.29 for Saipem's upcoming quarterly results. Despite the guidance cuts, the company secured a significant offshore drilling contract valued at approximately $260 million from Eni S.p.A. for operations in Ivory Coast; per market data, Eni (E) shares stood at $50.63 (at close July 27, 2026).

The primary catalysts to monitor include the outcome of the EU antitrust investigation and further developments in the Middle East, which remain critical to the company's ability to meet its revised long-term profit targets.