KLR Group analyst Darren Gacicia upgraded Halliburton (HAL) to Buy saying the risk/reward is favorable at current share levels. North America should be the first region to increase oil production activity in a recovery, and Halliburton has high exposure, Gacicia tells investors in a research note. Further, investor concerns related to the Baker Hughes (BHI) merger may present a positive catalyst for the shares whether the merger is completed or terminated, the analyst contends. He believes both companies remain motivated to complete the deal. Gacicia keeps a $44 price target for Halliburton shares. The oil services company closed yesterday up 12c to $29.06.