Halliburton 2Q profit off 8 pct; tops expectations

HOUSTON — Halliburton is reporting an 8 percent decline in second-quarter profits and revenue also declined in North America, but it edged out Wall Street expectations and shares are up in premarket trading.

The oilfield services reported net income of $679 million, or 73 cents per share, on Monday. A year ago, earnings were $737 million, or 79 cents per share.

Analysts had been expecting 72 cents per share, according to FactSet.

Overall revenue edged up 1 percent to $7.32 billion from $7.23 billion a year ago, also topping expectations despite an 8 percent revenue slide in North America. Total revenue, despite the drag in North America, was an all-time best for the second quarter.

Shares of Halliburton Co., based in Houston, are up about 1 percent before the opening bell.