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Dawson Geophysical Company (DWSN)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/17/2025: DWSN (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -75.58% | Avg. Invested days 27 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 48.34M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 4 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 4 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.1 | 52 Weeks Range 1.08 - 2.90 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 1.08 - 2.90 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.29 |
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -15.3% | Operating Margin (TTM) 6.43% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -12.12% | Return on Equity (TTM) -39.4% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 52291292 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.82 |
Enterprise Value 52291292 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.82 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.89 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 19.91 | Shares Outstanding 30984200 | Shares Floating 6223789 |
Shares Outstanding 30984200 | Shares Floating 6223789 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.25 | Percent Institutions 88.35 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Dawson Geophysical Company
Company Overview
History and Background
Dawson Geophysical Company, founded in 1952, provides onshore seismic data acquisition and processing services. Initially focused on serving the petroleum industry, the company has evolved to utilize advanced technologies in data acquisition.
Core Business Areas
- Seismic Data Acquisition: Dawson provides 2D and 3D seismic data acquisition services, primarily for onshore oil and gas exploration. These services involve deploying geophones and seismic sources to record subsurface data. The competitors for this product are PGS, CGG and WesternGeco.
- Data Processing: Dawson offers seismic data processing and imaging services to enhance the quality and interpretability of acquired data. This includes advanced imaging techniques for complex geological environments. The competitors for this product are ION Geophysical, Paradigm (now part of Emerson), and Schlumberger.
- Multi-Client Services: Dawson develops and licenses multi-client seismic data libraries in select areas for use by multiple clients for exploration and development activities.
Leadership and Structure
Dawson Geophysical Company's leadership team includes the CEO, CFO, and other key executives. The organizational structure typically involves functional departments such as operations, finance, and business development.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- 2D Seismic Data Acquisition: Acquiring 2D seismic data primarily for exploration purposes. Market share data unavailable as it's a component of overall seismic data acquisition. Competitors include CGG and Schlumberger.
- 3D Seismic Data Acquisition: Acquiring 3D seismic data for detailed subsurface imaging. Market share data unavailable as it's a component of overall seismic data acquisition. Competitors include CGG and Schlumberger.
- Seismic Data Processing Services: This involves enhancing seismic data, depth imaging, and velocity model building. Market share data unavailable. Competitors include ION Geophysical, Paradigm (now part of Emerson), and Schlumberger.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The seismic data acquisition industry is cyclical and heavily influenced by oil and gas prices and exploration and production (E&P) spending. Technological advancements drive demand for advanced data processing and imaging. Recent trends include a push for more efficient and environmentally conscious acquisition techniques.
Positioning
Dawson Geophysical is positioned as a provider of onshore seismic data acquisition and processing services. Their competitive advantage lies in their experience and focus on the onshore market. They also leverage advanced technologies to improve data quality and efficiency.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global seismic services market was valued at approximately $4.5 billion in 2023. Dawson is positioned to capture a segment of the onshore portion of this TAM, estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong onshore seismic data acquisition expertise
- Experienced management team
- Reputation for quality data
- Advanced data processing capabilities
Weaknesses
- Highly dependent on oil and gas industry cycles
- Limited international presence
- Smaller size compared to major competitors
- Financial performance vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations
Opportunities
- Expansion of multi-client data library
- Adoption of new technologies for improved data acquisition
- Geographic expansion within North America
- Diversification into other geophysical services
Threats
- Decline in oil and gas exploration activity
- Increased competition from larger seismic companies
- Technological disruption from alternative imaging methods
- Environmental regulations restricting seismic surveys
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- CGG (CGG)
- ION Geophysical Corporation (IO)
- Schlumberger (SLB)
Competitive Landscape
Dawson faces significant competition from larger, more diversified seismic companies. To compete effectively, Dawson must focus on its strengths in the onshore market and leverage its expertise to provide high-quality data and services. However, it faces challenges in scaling and competing on price with larger players.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Dawson's historical growth has been closely tied to the oil and gas exploration cycle. Periods of high oil prices typically lead to increased E&P spending and higher demand for seismic services. Conversely, low oil prices often result in reduced activity.
Future Projections: Future growth prospects depend on the outlook for oil and gas exploration and Dawson's ability to adapt to changing industry dynamics and new technologies. Analyst estimates vary widely depending on market conditions. Projections are limited by the industryu2019s volatility.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives may include investments in new seismic acquisition technologies, expansion of multi-client data libraries, or cost-cutting measures to improve profitability.
Summary
Dawson Geophysical is a small player in a highly cyclical industry, deeply affected by oil and gas prices. While they have expertise in onshore seismic data, their dependence on E&P spending makes them vulnerable. They must carefully manage costs and capitalize on opportunities to expand their services to improve long-term stability. Dawson needs to maintain market share given the increase of key competitors in market.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings
- Industry reports
- Financial news sources
- Analyst estimates
- SEC Filings
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market share data is estimated and may vary depending on the source. This analysis is based on publicly available information and may not reflect all relevant factors.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Dawson Geophysical Company
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Midland, TX, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1990-03-26 | President & CEO Mr. Anthony Clark | ||
Sector Energy | Industry Oil & Gas Equipment & Services | Full time employees 233 | Website https://www.dawson3d.com |
Full time employees 233 | Website https://www.dawson3d.com |
Dawson Geophysical Company engages in providing onshore seismic data acquisition and processing services in the United States and Canada. The company acquires and processes 2-D, 3-D, and multi-component seismic data for its clients, including oil and gas companies, and independent oil and gas operators, as well as providers of multi-client data libraries and carbon capture sequestration projects. Its seismic crews supply seismic data to companies engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas on land and in land-to-water transition areas, as well as potash mining industry. The company was founded in 1952 and is based in Midland, Texas. Dawson Geophysical Company operates as a subsidiary of Wilks Brothers, LLC.

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