netrashetty
Netra Shetty
Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) provides oil & gas drilling & exploration companies technologically advanced equipment and management services that aid in the extraction and production of crude oil and natural gas. The company's oilfield services segment accounts for about 90% of the company's revenue and allows Schlumberger to provide oil production equipment and services covering the entire life cycle of a reservoir.[1] Within this segment, Schlumberger's Integrated Product Management model provides drilling rig management and services to well constructions and operational rigs.[2] WesternGeco, which accounts for about 10% of the company's revenue, provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services to land, marine, and shallow-water well projects.[3]
Schlumberger provides its services to oil and gas companies operating across the world. Although Schlumberger is headquartered in Houston, more than half of the company's sales in 2009 came from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Its abroad operations, especially those located in Latin America, are the fastest growing segments in terms of sales, but Schlumberger's worldwide presence exposes the company's revenue and profitability to regional uncertainty, instability, and currency volatility. Nearly all of Schlumberger's revenue comes from providing services and equipment to oil and gas rigs, and the worldwide levels of oil and gas production heavily effect Schlumberger's revenues as a result.[4] In 2009, lower rig activity in North America and several other GeoMarkets led to lower service pricing and less demand for Schlumberger's products.[5]
Contents
1 Company Overview
1.1 Oilfield Services( 90.4% of 2009 Revenue[38])
1.2 WesternGeco (9.3% of 2009 Revenue[53])
2 Trends and Forces
2.1 What does the Gulf spill mean for Schlumberger's North American operations
2.2 In 2010, Schlumberger seeks to expand its operations and geographical reach through acquisitions
2.3 Providing advanced technology to oil majors has the potential of playing an important role in Schlumberger's involvement in deepwater drilling
2.4 Fluctuating crude oil and natural gas production had significant impact on Schlumberger's profitability in 2008 and 2009
2.5 Schlumberger's Worldwide Operations Have Potential for Growth, but Expose Company to Regional Risks
2.6 The demand for new equipment and technology is vital to Schlumberger's revenue growth
3 Competition
4 Notes
Revenues for 2009 were $22.7 billion, a decline of 18% as compared to 2008, additionally margins in 2009 dropped 3% overall from 2008 levels.[6][7] However, improvements in the company's fourth quarter 2009 financial performance suggest that both oil and gas production as well as the demand for Schlumberger's services have the potential of increasing in 2010.[8]
Despite the decline in 2009 earnings, Schlumberger has engaged in several strategic acquisitions in 2010. The acquisitions of Smith International, Nexus Geosciences, and Geoservices are designed to improve the range of products offered by Schlumberger and the company's global presence.[9]
Company Overview
For 2009, weak demand and lower pricing negatively led to declines in both revenue and profitability. For the year, revenue reached $22.7 billion, an 18% decline from 2008.[10][11] Revenues from WesternGeco fell 8% when compared to revenues from 2008. In 2009, there were an average of 1,385 rigs operating in North America, 40% less than in 2008.[12] Lower levels of rig activity contributed to the 44% drop in revenues from North America. For the company, gross margin fell by 3%, which contributed to the 31% drop in annual profits. In 2010, Schlumberger plans to raise its capital expenditures budget by 24% for oilfield services operations and cut it by 35% for WesternGeco.[13]
Quarterly Analysis:
4Q 2010: For the final quarter of 2010, Schlumberger reported earnings of $1.04 billion versus $795 million in the comparable quarter in 2009.[14] Excluding special charges, the company reported earnings of $1.16 billion.[15]The increase in earnings reflects the increased demand for oilfield services as energy prices have risen over 2010.[16] Smith International contributed revenue of $2.49 billion for the fourth quarter of 2010.[17] There were 3,227 active drilling rigs for the industry in North America at the end of 2010, representing an increase of 29% from 2009.[18] In comparison to 2009, 2010 also featured the second-biggest increase in oil demand in the last 30 years.[19]
3Q 2010: Schlumberger's quarterly profit more than doubled year-over-year as a result of improvements in its North American operations and benefits associated with its merger with Smith International (SII).[20] Schlumberger reported third-quarter profit of $1.73 billion compared to $787 million for the comparable quarter in 2009. Despite a steep decline in Gulf drilling activity, earnings from its North American operations rose 89% compared to last year.[21] Margins also improved in North America. Revenue climbed 26% compared to third quarter 2009. $810 million in revenues came from Smith International.[22]
2Q 2010: High activity, improved pricing, the Canadian spring break-up, and the offshore moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico were among the key events in Schlumberger's North American GeoMarket that contributed to the 7% sequentially and 10% year-on-year rise in oil field services revenue.[23] The remaining GeoMarkets all showed revenue increase, with impressive growth coming from Latin America, Brazil, and Mexico. Overall, revenue was $5.94 billion, compared to $5.60 billion in the first quarter of 2010 and $5.53 billion in the second quarter of 2009.[24] Income from continuing operations attributable to Schlumberger excluding charges was $818 million, which represented a 9% increase sequentially and essentially no increase or decrease year-on-year.[25] WesternGeco revenue of $476 million increased 1% sequentially but decreased 15% year-on-year.[26] Although Schlumberger's profit for the second quarter 2009 rose 32%, many Wall Street analysts were disappointed in the company's performance relative to that of Haliburton, whose second quarter profit increased by 83%.[27]
1Q 2010: Although a new year began, 2009 market conditions such as lower commodity prices and less North American rig activity continued to impact Schlumberger's earnings in the first quarter of 2010.[28] Year-over-year quarterly earnings fell 28% in part due a 23% decline in earnings from Schlumberger's oilfield-services operations. Gross margin fell from 25.8% to 23.3%.[29] However, CEO Andrew Gould argued that margins reached their bottom in the first quarter and are likely to improve over the course of the year. In addition, drilling activity improved in the first quarter of 2010 as energy prices continued an upward trend.[30] In response to pick ups in international drilling activity, Schlumberger raised its capital spending guidance by $400 million.[31]
4Q 2009: Schlumberger's performance in the fourth quarter of 2009 showed improvement in several GeoMarkets and the deepwater drilling industry.[32] Revenue for the final quarter of 2009 increased sequentially in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Due to rising rig counts, especially deepwater rigs, software and product sales rose in the fourth quarter.[33] Overall, net income for the fourth quarter was $795 million, a 45% decline compared to the same quarter in 2008.[34] Fourth-quarter pretax operating income of $1.01 billion was down 3% sequentially and 37% year-on-year.[35] Profit margins fell 1.57% from the third quarter due to lower sales in Russia and Mexico as well as lower pricing on its products.[36] Using Schlumberger's fourth quarter earnings as an indicator for 2010, CEO Andrew Gould argued that oil prices are likely to remain near the $70 to $80 region. On the other hand, he believes the natural gas markets "remain generally oversupplied," which has the potential of keeping prices relatively low.[37]
Oilfield Services( 90.4% of 2009 Revenue[38])
Breakdown of 2008 revenue from oilfield services by geographical region[39]
Through its oilfield services segment, Schlumberger provides technology, project management tools, and information solutions to companies engage in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Schlumberger divides the company's oilfield services operations geographically into segments called GeoMarkets.[40] The principle GeoMarkets include North America, Latin America, Europe/CIS/Africa, and the Middle East & Asia. When the company was first formed, Schlumberger sold its wireline logging technology in order to provide detailed oil-and-gas well information to exploration and production companies.[41]Through acquisitions and its own research and development department, Schlumberger offers a full range of services and equipment for the entire life cycle of the reservoir.[42] The company's oilfield products include wireline logging, directional drilling technology, well testing, artificial lifts, and information solutions. Schlumberger's operates using a business model known as Integrated Project Management(IPM), which provides its customers with the necessary products and technology as well as the management to operate those products.[43]
In this segment, 2009 full-year revenues decreased 15.5% to $20.52 billion from the previous year's revenue of $24.28 billion[44]. Revenue fell across most geographic divisions. Revenue from operations in North America fell by 37%, the most severe drop among all regions and primarily the result of lower gas prices. Revenue from European and African markets fell by 13% due to reduced demand and unfavorable exchange rates. The bright spot among the segments regional activity was the Latin American region, which saw a negligble decline in revenue and was bolstered by strong gains in the Mexican, Central American, and Brazilian GeoMarkets[45].
In October 2010, Schlumberger agreed to sell all of its drilling, sidetrack and workover rigs operating in West Siberia to Eurasia Energy (FRA:E1R) in exchange for Eurasia's drilling services business.[46] In addition to obtaining Eurasia's drilling services business, from approximately 2010 to 2015, Schlumberger will be the preferred supplier of drilling services to Eurasia for as many as 200 rigs.[47] The sale of Eurasia's drilling services business could start a trend as other Russian oil producers, such as Gazprom and Bashneft (RTD:BANE), may have the potential of putting up their services businesses for sale in order to focus on their production businesses.[48]
In November 2010, Schlumberger completed a deal with Exxon to drill 10 wells in Iraq's West Qurna Phase One oilfield.[49] Several massive oilfield development contracts have been awarded to oil majors as Iraq aims to quadruple its output capacity over 2010 to 2017.[50] These contracts are long-term and have the potential of leading to long-term business for oilfield service companies like Schlumberger.[51] In March 2010, Schlumberger was awarded a contract to drill new wells in the Rumaila oilfield.[52]
WesternGeco (9.3% of 2009 Revenue[53])
Schlumberger's WesternGeco operations provide reservoir imaging, monitoring and well development services, and seismic crews and data processing centers.[54] WesternGeco sells its 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic analysis services for prospective and current reservoirs.[55] Through its WesternGeco operations, Schlumberger provides seismic imaging and monitoring services to land-based, marine, and shallow-water reservoirs.[56]
Full-year 2009 revenue of $2.12 billion was 25% lower than in 200.[57] WesternGeco saw reductions in revenue across all of its product lines. Marine and Multiclient unit revenue dropped most severely, primarily as a result of lower pricing necessary to compete in a market with significantly lower demand, a result of many clients trimming of their discretionary spending budgets.[58]
Trends and Forces
What does the Gulf spill mean for Schlumberger's North American operations
In June 2010, Schlumberger announced how the company would be affected by the Minerals Management Service moratorium on certain drilling operations in the US Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, U.S. Gulf operations represent a relatively small portion of Schlumberger revenues.[59] Oilfield Services revenue attributable to the US Gulf of Mexico represented approximately 3.5% of consolidated Schlumberger revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009. WesternGeco US Gulf of Mexico revenue amounted to approximately 1.8% of consolidated revenue. While its European and Asian operations have shown significant rebounds in pricing and demand, Schlumberger's North American operations have struggled due to low natural gas prices in the U.S.[60] The moratorium presents another hurdle for those operations.[61]
In 2010, Schlumberger seeks to expand its operations and geographical reach through acquisitions
Schlumberger, already the largest oilfield services company by revenue, announced the acquisition of Smith International in February 2010.[62] The all-stock transaction is estimated to be $11 billion, and, as a result of the merger, Schlumberger's revenues have the potential of being double of its nearest rival, Haliburton.[63] From the deal, Schlumberger acquires Smith's drill bit manufacturing business, a segment in which Schlumberger did not have significant operations. The company expects the demand for service-intensive deep water and shale gas drilling to rise in the future, and drill bit manufacturing operations have the potential of giving Schlumberger an advantage in both the types products it offers and overall efficiency. However, Schlumberger has the potential of divesting some of its newly acquired assets for anti-trust and other reasons.[64] In April 2010, the anti-trust division at the Department of Justice requested additional information from Schlumberger in regards to the merger with Smith.[65] The Smith acquisition was completed in late August 2010.[66]
In March 2010, Schlumberger announced the acquisition of Nexus Geosciences, Inc. The Houston-based company provides integrated seismic software and services for rapid imaging, modeling and interpretation, enabling oil and gas companies to rapidly build, update and validate their velocity models.[67] Nexus' software provides information has the potential of reducing uncertainties even in the most complex geological environments. As a result, Schlumberger plans to integrate Nexus Geosciences into the company's WesternGeco unit.[68] Through this acquisition, Schlumberger seeks to draw in exploration and production companies that have begun investigating increasingly complex geographical environments and require advanced equipment and software to do so.[69]
In late March 2010, Shlumberger completed the acquisition of Geoservices, a privately owned oilfield services company with expertise in mud logging, slickline, and production surveillance operations. Shlumberger particularly valued the mud logging portion of Geoservices as it will allow customers to better analyze the increasingly complex geography that they must drill through to reach lucrative oil fields. Geoservices has a range of other new technologies that aim to support the exploration and analysis of potential wells, including the expanding deepwater drilling market [70].
Providing advanced technology to oil majors has the potential of playing an important role in Schlumberger's involvement in deepwater drilling
In September 2009, companies including BP, Petroleo Brasileiro and Eni found nearly 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent of potential reserves offshore.[71] Many western oil majors are spending billions of dollars on exploration operations in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Brazil, and offshore West Africa in the hopes of making similar finds.[72] Altough BP's and Petrobras' discoveries are expected to be massive, they are both located in subsalt regions, which have the potential of posing problems for two reasons.[73] First, the crude oil must be pumped through a thick layer of salt that shifts under geological pressure.[74] Also, oil drillers must ensure that paraffin in the oil does not solidify due the low sub-sea temperatures and clog pipelines. As a result, the ability of oil drillers to overcome these challenges depends on the equipment they use.[75] For companies like Schlumberger, the deepwater oil finds have the potential of boosting sales of advanced, and expensive equipment.[76] However, increased deepwater drilling also has the potential of creating a technological race between many of the big oilfield services companies. In September 2009, Schlumberger signed an agreement with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro to build a subsalt research center. Schlumberger is acting quickly as well: the 86,111 square feet facility has the potential of being completed within a year.[77]
Fluctuating crude oil and natural gas production had significant impact on Schlumberger's profitability in 2008 and 2009
Because Schlumberger's services help oil E&P companies extract oil and natural gas from the ground, the company's revenue is strongly effected by the production and consumption of oil and natural gas. In 2008, Schlumberger's quarterly revenue growth closely resembled the changing price of oil. Year-over-year quarterly revenues increased by 15.10%, 19.60%, and 22.50% for the first, second, and third quarter of 2008. During those quarters, oil prices were rising, peaking at $147 per barrel in July 2008.[78] By the end of 2008, oil prices had fallen to under $40 per barrel.[79] Due to lower consumption of oil products, the number of operational U.S. drilling rigs dropped 25% between September 2008 and January 2009.[80]In the fourth quarter, Schlumberger’s profit fell 17% from a year earlier as costs rose 19% due to numerous high cost projects involving far offshore drilling.[81] As result, cutting costs became the focus of Schlumberger's management in early 2009.
While profits also fell for first quarter 2009, Schlumberger was able to reduce its operating costs. For the first quarter of 2009, Schlumberger reported revenues of $6 billion versus revenues of $6.89 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, and $6.29 in the first quarter of 2008.[82] Operating income decreased 25% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 and 28% year on year.[83] The overall decline in natural gas rigs in North America and Russia meant less need for oilfield services equipment and services and brought on the decline in quarterly revenues for the company's oilfield services segment, which were 13% lower when compared to the fourth quarter 2008.[84] In anticipation of lower demand for its products and services for the rest of 2009, Schlumberger has cut operating costs significantly through layoffs and capital expenditure cuts. Operating costs fell by $405 million in the first quarter of 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008.[85]
While sales to international oil producers increased, revenues from U.S. operations continued to decline in the second quarter of 2009. Sales in the U.S. reached a five-year low in the second quarter; revenue from North America was 31% lower sequentially and 43% lower year-on-year.[86] In the U.S., the rig count declined approximately 27% and pricing continued to drop.[87] Although not as severe, revenue declined in almost every GeoMarket in the second quarter of 2009. Operations in Russia were an exception. Sequentially, revenue from Russia increased from offshore activities in the East and generally improved activity levels in East and West Siberia. Overall, net income decreased 13% sequentially and 42% year-on-year.[88] While costs continued to decline, Schlumberger CEO Andrew Gould said that oil prices must reach $70/barrel for oil production activity to increase worldwide.[89]
Several of these trends continued through the third quarter of 2009. Earnings fell 48% in the third quarter due to weak demand and pricing.[90] However, drilling declines slowed internationally and in the U.S..[91] Although these are signs of stabilization, Schlumberger believes that prices are unlikely to improve by the end of 2009.[92] Not only are crude prices expected to remain weak, but seasonal factors and price concession made in the first half have the potential of leading to further drops in earnings in 2009.[93]
For the first nine months of 2009, many of Schlumberger's competitors have faced cash shortages, which have negatively impacted their ability to continue their current operations as well as their ability to expand. Baker Hughes, Weatherford, and Smith International all have cash problems that have the potential of curtailing expenditures and expansions into 2010.[94] Schlumberger has avoided many of the problems facings these companies due to the rise in international sales as well as better operating margins.[95] While international drilling has begun rising, drilling in North America has remained relatively stagnant, which has hurt companies that typically derive most of their sales from the region. As a result of its stronger balance sheet and cash-on-hand, Schlumberger has the potential of gaining market share. [96]
For 2009, low demand for services and discounted pricing contributed greatly to 17% decline in annual Revenue and the 3% drop in gross margin.[97] CEO Andrew Gould argued that low gas and oil prices during the first half of 2009 led to less demand for energy services for 2009. As a result, the trend of rising energy prices in the second half of 2009 has the potential of improving the company's profitability in 2010.[98] While Gould believes that the world supply of usable gas and oil was too high by the end of 2009, government stimulus spending and new drilling projects from companies like General Electric and Chevron have the potential of leading to a rebound in the demand for drilling services.[99]
Schlumberger's Worldwide Operations Have Potential for Growth, but Expose Company to Regional Risks
By operating in over 80 countries worldwide, a majority of Schlumberger's revenue growth comes from operations outside of the United States.[100] Schlumberger operates worldwide for a good reason; the company's two fastest growing GeoMarkets are the Latin America and Europe/CIS/Africa operations because operations in sales of well testing and well development equipment and services in Russia, Venezuela, and Brazil.[101] Operations in these countries required Schlumberger's equipment and operational knowledge in order to test, analyze and developed oilfields discovered in 2007 and 2008.[102] In 2008, Brazil began developing oil wells in its Tupi fields, an offshore oil basin discovered to have a potential 8 million barrels of oil.[103] Developing new fields in Russia, Venezula, and Brazil requires technologically advanced equipment, and Schlumberger's sales in these regions have the potential of benefiting from increased investments in the development of new and current oilfields.
However, Schlumberger's vast operations expose the company's operations and profitability to regional political risk. Regional instability or economic uncertainty have the potential of affecting oilfield developments in a country, and reduces the need for equipment from service companies like Schlumberger.[104]
Schlumberger's Venezuelan operations have the potential of being taken over by the Venezuelan government. By June 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had nationalized most of Venezuela's oil operations, and, beginning in May 2009, Chavez began to seize several small oil service companies along with U.S.-owned gas compression units.[105] Chavez has not taken over the Venezuelan operations of large service companies like Schlumberger, Baker Hughes (BHI), and Halliburton Company (HAL) as of June 2009.[106] However, the company's Venezuelan assets have the potential of being seized by the government if Schlumberger refuses to accept the terms that are on offer or refuse a write-down on their debt.[107]
Currency inflation also has the potential of reducing revenues from the sale oilfield services. In the fourth quarter of 2008, revenues from Latin American operations declined 2% compared to the prior quarter as a result of currency inflation in many Latin American countries.[108] Overall, currency changes in the last quarter of 2008 resulted in a 3% decline in revenues when compared to the third quarter.[109]
In March 2009, Schlumberger finalized a $687 million drilling contract with Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex.[110] While Pemex's production declined 9% in 2008, the company plans on reversing that trend by increasing the money it spends on exploration and production projects.[111] Schlumberger singed a three-year contract for Pemex's Chicontepec region, a field located in northern Mexico.[112]
The demand for new equipment and technology is vital to Schlumberger's revenue growth
In 2008, 89.5% of Schlumberger's revenue came from the sale of its oilfield services. As a result, the ability to provide its customer's with technologically advanced and accurate equipment has the potential of effecting Schlumberger's revenues substantially.[113] Revenues from Schlumberger's oilfield equipment experienced double-digit growth in 2008, especially equipment used in the development and analysis of complex wells.[114] In response, research and development expenditures increased 12.5% in 2008 when compared to 2007. The need for technologically advanced equipment is capable of determining amount of capital Schlumberger devotes to developing new technology in 2008.[115] Many Oil & Gas Majors have reduce their oil production for the first quarter of 2009, which has resulted in lower sales of Schlumberger's technology.[116]
Competition
Baker Hughes (BHI): Baker Hughes is an oilfield services company that sells drilling equipment and provides technology services that help oil E&P companies to drill oil wells.[117] The company operates in two segments: the Drilling and Evaluation segment, and the Completion and Production segment.[118] The drilling and evaluation operations supply products and services like drill bits and wireline logging that are used to drill and evaluate oil and natural gas reservoirs.[119] The company's Completion and Production segment supplies equipment and provides services that aid exploration and production companies from the completion of a well to the end of the reservoir's life. In April 2008, the Company acquired two reservoir consulting firms.[120]
Halliburton Company (HAL): Halliburton supplies oill and natural gas companies equipment and services that help them extract crude oil and natural gas from the ground.[121] The company's Completion and Production operations consist of production enhancement services, completion tools and services, and cementing services designed for completed and operational wells.[122] Oil and natural gas companies can use the equipment and technology provided by Halliburton's Drilling and Evaluation Segment to analyze potential well sites and begin drilling.[123]
BJ Services Company (BJS): BJ Services provides pressure pumping and other oilfield services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies.[124] Pressure pumping services include cementing and stimulation services employed in the completion of new onshore and offshore wells and in remedial work on existing wells and accounts for 81% of the Company's 2008 revenue.[125] BJ Service's oilfield services operations provide equipment that help oil and natural gas companies develop and maintain wells.[126] BJ Services is now owned by Baker Hughes.
Oilfield Services Financial Data ($ Millions)
2008 Revenue 2008 Operating Income 2008 R&D Expenses 2008 Gross Profit 2009 Revenue 2009 Operating Income 2009 R&D Expenses 2009 Gross Profit
Schlumberger[127] 27,162.9 6,450.6 818.8 8,195.9 22,975.0 3,934.0 802.0 5,307.0
Halliburton[128] 18,279.0 4,010.0 N/A 4,230.0 14,675.0 1,994.0 N/A 2,196.0
Baker Hughes[129] 11,864.0 2,376.0 426.0 3,910.0 9,664.0 732.0 397.0 2,267.0
Transocean[130] 12,674.0 5,357.0 N/A 7,319.0 11,556.0 4,371.0 N/A 5,748.0
Schlumberger provides its services to oil and gas companies operating across the world. Although Schlumberger is headquartered in Houston, more than half of the company's sales in 2009 came from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Its abroad operations, especially those located in Latin America, are the fastest growing segments in terms of sales, but Schlumberger's worldwide presence exposes the company's revenue and profitability to regional uncertainty, instability, and currency volatility. Nearly all of Schlumberger's revenue comes from providing services and equipment to oil and gas rigs, and the worldwide levels of oil and gas production heavily effect Schlumberger's revenues as a result.[4] In 2009, lower rig activity in North America and several other GeoMarkets led to lower service pricing and less demand for Schlumberger's products.[5]
Contents
1 Company Overview
1.1 Oilfield Services( 90.4% of 2009 Revenue[38])
1.2 WesternGeco (9.3% of 2009 Revenue[53])
2 Trends and Forces
2.1 What does the Gulf spill mean for Schlumberger's North American operations
2.2 In 2010, Schlumberger seeks to expand its operations and geographical reach through acquisitions
2.3 Providing advanced technology to oil majors has the potential of playing an important role in Schlumberger's involvement in deepwater drilling
2.4 Fluctuating crude oil and natural gas production had significant impact on Schlumberger's profitability in 2008 and 2009
2.5 Schlumberger's Worldwide Operations Have Potential for Growth, but Expose Company to Regional Risks
2.6 The demand for new equipment and technology is vital to Schlumberger's revenue growth
3 Competition
4 Notes
Revenues for 2009 were $22.7 billion, a decline of 18% as compared to 2008, additionally margins in 2009 dropped 3% overall from 2008 levels.[6][7] However, improvements in the company's fourth quarter 2009 financial performance suggest that both oil and gas production as well as the demand for Schlumberger's services have the potential of increasing in 2010.[8]
Despite the decline in 2009 earnings, Schlumberger has engaged in several strategic acquisitions in 2010. The acquisitions of Smith International, Nexus Geosciences, and Geoservices are designed to improve the range of products offered by Schlumberger and the company's global presence.[9]
Company Overview
For 2009, weak demand and lower pricing negatively led to declines in both revenue and profitability. For the year, revenue reached $22.7 billion, an 18% decline from 2008.[10][11] Revenues from WesternGeco fell 8% when compared to revenues from 2008. In 2009, there were an average of 1,385 rigs operating in North America, 40% less than in 2008.[12] Lower levels of rig activity contributed to the 44% drop in revenues from North America. For the company, gross margin fell by 3%, which contributed to the 31% drop in annual profits. In 2010, Schlumberger plans to raise its capital expenditures budget by 24% for oilfield services operations and cut it by 35% for WesternGeco.[13]
Quarterly Analysis:
4Q 2010: For the final quarter of 2010, Schlumberger reported earnings of $1.04 billion versus $795 million in the comparable quarter in 2009.[14] Excluding special charges, the company reported earnings of $1.16 billion.[15]The increase in earnings reflects the increased demand for oilfield services as energy prices have risen over 2010.[16] Smith International contributed revenue of $2.49 billion for the fourth quarter of 2010.[17] There were 3,227 active drilling rigs for the industry in North America at the end of 2010, representing an increase of 29% from 2009.[18] In comparison to 2009, 2010 also featured the second-biggest increase in oil demand in the last 30 years.[19]
3Q 2010: Schlumberger's quarterly profit more than doubled year-over-year as a result of improvements in its North American operations and benefits associated with its merger with Smith International (SII).[20] Schlumberger reported third-quarter profit of $1.73 billion compared to $787 million for the comparable quarter in 2009. Despite a steep decline in Gulf drilling activity, earnings from its North American operations rose 89% compared to last year.[21] Margins also improved in North America. Revenue climbed 26% compared to third quarter 2009. $810 million in revenues came from Smith International.[22]
2Q 2010: High activity, improved pricing, the Canadian spring break-up, and the offshore moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico were among the key events in Schlumberger's North American GeoMarket that contributed to the 7% sequentially and 10% year-on-year rise in oil field services revenue.[23] The remaining GeoMarkets all showed revenue increase, with impressive growth coming from Latin America, Brazil, and Mexico. Overall, revenue was $5.94 billion, compared to $5.60 billion in the first quarter of 2010 and $5.53 billion in the second quarter of 2009.[24] Income from continuing operations attributable to Schlumberger excluding charges was $818 million, which represented a 9% increase sequentially and essentially no increase or decrease year-on-year.[25] WesternGeco revenue of $476 million increased 1% sequentially but decreased 15% year-on-year.[26] Although Schlumberger's profit for the second quarter 2009 rose 32%, many Wall Street analysts were disappointed in the company's performance relative to that of Haliburton, whose second quarter profit increased by 83%.[27]
1Q 2010: Although a new year began, 2009 market conditions such as lower commodity prices and less North American rig activity continued to impact Schlumberger's earnings in the first quarter of 2010.[28] Year-over-year quarterly earnings fell 28% in part due a 23% decline in earnings from Schlumberger's oilfield-services operations. Gross margin fell from 25.8% to 23.3%.[29] However, CEO Andrew Gould argued that margins reached their bottom in the first quarter and are likely to improve over the course of the year. In addition, drilling activity improved in the first quarter of 2010 as energy prices continued an upward trend.[30] In response to pick ups in international drilling activity, Schlumberger raised its capital spending guidance by $400 million.[31]
4Q 2009: Schlumberger's performance in the fourth quarter of 2009 showed improvement in several GeoMarkets and the deepwater drilling industry.[32] Revenue for the final quarter of 2009 increased sequentially in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Due to rising rig counts, especially deepwater rigs, software and product sales rose in the fourth quarter.[33] Overall, net income for the fourth quarter was $795 million, a 45% decline compared to the same quarter in 2008.[34] Fourth-quarter pretax operating income of $1.01 billion was down 3% sequentially and 37% year-on-year.[35] Profit margins fell 1.57% from the third quarter due to lower sales in Russia and Mexico as well as lower pricing on its products.[36] Using Schlumberger's fourth quarter earnings as an indicator for 2010, CEO Andrew Gould argued that oil prices are likely to remain near the $70 to $80 region. On the other hand, he believes the natural gas markets "remain generally oversupplied," which has the potential of keeping prices relatively low.[37]
Oilfield Services( 90.4% of 2009 Revenue[38])
Breakdown of 2008 revenue from oilfield services by geographical region[39]
Through its oilfield services segment, Schlumberger provides technology, project management tools, and information solutions to companies engage in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Schlumberger divides the company's oilfield services operations geographically into segments called GeoMarkets.[40] The principle GeoMarkets include North America, Latin America, Europe/CIS/Africa, and the Middle East & Asia. When the company was first formed, Schlumberger sold its wireline logging technology in order to provide detailed oil-and-gas well information to exploration and production companies.[41]Through acquisitions and its own research and development department, Schlumberger offers a full range of services and equipment for the entire life cycle of the reservoir.[42] The company's oilfield products include wireline logging, directional drilling technology, well testing, artificial lifts, and information solutions. Schlumberger's operates using a business model known as Integrated Project Management(IPM), which provides its customers with the necessary products and technology as well as the management to operate those products.[43]
In this segment, 2009 full-year revenues decreased 15.5% to $20.52 billion from the previous year's revenue of $24.28 billion[44]. Revenue fell across most geographic divisions. Revenue from operations in North America fell by 37%, the most severe drop among all regions and primarily the result of lower gas prices. Revenue from European and African markets fell by 13% due to reduced demand and unfavorable exchange rates. The bright spot among the segments regional activity was the Latin American region, which saw a negligble decline in revenue and was bolstered by strong gains in the Mexican, Central American, and Brazilian GeoMarkets[45].
In October 2010, Schlumberger agreed to sell all of its drilling, sidetrack and workover rigs operating in West Siberia to Eurasia Energy (FRA:E1R) in exchange for Eurasia's drilling services business.[46] In addition to obtaining Eurasia's drilling services business, from approximately 2010 to 2015, Schlumberger will be the preferred supplier of drilling services to Eurasia for as many as 200 rigs.[47] The sale of Eurasia's drilling services business could start a trend as other Russian oil producers, such as Gazprom and Bashneft (RTD:BANE), may have the potential of putting up their services businesses for sale in order to focus on their production businesses.[48]
In November 2010, Schlumberger completed a deal with Exxon to drill 10 wells in Iraq's West Qurna Phase One oilfield.[49] Several massive oilfield development contracts have been awarded to oil majors as Iraq aims to quadruple its output capacity over 2010 to 2017.[50] These contracts are long-term and have the potential of leading to long-term business for oilfield service companies like Schlumberger.[51] In March 2010, Schlumberger was awarded a contract to drill new wells in the Rumaila oilfield.[52]
WesternGeco (9.3% of 2009 Revenue[53])
Schlumberger's WesternGeco operations provide reservoir imaging, monitoring and well development services, and seismic crews and data processing centers.[54] WesternGeco sells its 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic analysis services for prospective and current reservoirs.[55] Through its WesternGeco operations, Schlumberger provides seismic imaging and monitoring services to land-based, marine, and shallow-water reservoirs.[56]
Full-year 2009 revenue of $2.12 billion was 25% lower than in 200.[57] WesternGeco saw reductions in revenue across all of its product lines. Marine and Multiclient unit revenue dropped most severely, primarily as a result of lower pricing necessary to compete in a market with significantly lower demand, a result of many clients trimming of their discretionary spending budgets.[58]
Trends and Forces
What does the Gulf spill mean for Schlumberger's North American operations
In June 2010, Schlumberger announced how the company would be affected by the Minerals Management Service moratorium on certain drilling operations in the US Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, U.S. Gulf operations represent a relatively small portion of Schlumberger revenues.[59] Oilfield Services revenue attributable to the US Gulf of Mexico represented approximately 3.5% of consolidated Schlumberger revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009. WesternGeco US Gulf of Mexico revenue amounted to approximately 1.8% of consolidated revenue. While its European and Asian operations have shown significant rebounds in pricing and demand, Schlumberger's North American operations have struggled due to low natural gas prices in the U.S.[60] The moratorium presents another hurdle for those operations.[61]
In 2010, Schlumberger seeks to expand its operations and geographical reach through acquisitions
Schlumberger, already the largest oilfield services company by revenue, announced the acquisition of Smith International in February 2010.[62] The all-stock transaction is estimated to be $11 billion, and, as a result of the merger, Schlumberger's revenues have the potential of being double of its nearest rival, Haliburton.[63] From the deal, Schlumberger acquires Smith's drill bit manufacturing business, a segment in which Schlumberger did not have significant operations. The company expects the demand for service-intensive deep water and shale gas drilling to rise in the future, and drill bit manufacturing operations have the potential of giving Schlumberger an advantage in both the types products it offers and overall efficiency. However, Schlumberger has the potential of divesting some of its newly acquired assets for anti-trust and other reasons.[64] In April 2010, the anti-trust division at the Department of Justice requested additional information from Schlumberger in regards to the merger with Smith.[65] The Smith acquisition was completed in late August 2010.[66]
In March 2010, Schlumberger announced the acquisition of Nexus Geosciences, Inc. The Houston-based company provides integrated seismic software and services for rapid imaging, modeling and interpretation, enabling oil and gas companies to rapidly build, update and validate their velocity models.[67] Nexus' software provides information has the potential of reducing uncertainties even in the most complex geological environments. As a result, Schlumberger plans to integrate Nexus Geosciences into the company's WesternGeco unit.[68] Through this acquisition, Schlumberger seeks to draw in exploration and production companies that have begun investigating increasingly complex geographical environments and require advanced equipment and software to do so.[69]
In late March 2010, Shlumberger completed the acquisition of Geoservices, a privately owned oilfield services company with expertise in mud logging, slickline, and production surveillance operations. Shlumberger particularly valued the mud logging portion of Geoservices as it will allow customers to better analyze the increasingly complex geography that they must drill through to reach lucrative oil fields. Geoservices has a range of other new technologies that aim to support the exploration and analysis of potential wells, including the expanding deepwater drilling market [70].
Providing advanced technology to oil majors has the potential of playing an important role in Schlumberger's involvement in deepwater drilling
In September 2009, companies including BP, Petroleo Brasileiro and Eni found nearly 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent of potential reserves offshore.[71] Many western oil majors are spending billions of dollars on exploration operations in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Brazil, and offshore West Africa in the hopes of making similar finds.[72] Altough BP's and Petrobras' discoveries are expected to be massive, they are both located in subsalt regions, which have the potential of posing problems for two reasons.[73] First, the crude oil must be pumped through a thick layer of salt that shifts under geological pressure.[74] Also, oil drillers must ensure that paraffin in the oil does not solidify due the low sub-sea temperatures and clog pipelines. As a result, the ability of oil drillers to overcome these challenges depends on the equipment they use.[75] For companies like Schlumberger, the deepwater oil finds have the potential of boosting sales of advanced, and expensive equipment.[76] However, increased deepwater drilling also has the potential of creating a technological race between many of the big oilfield services companies. In September 2009, Schlumberger signed an agreement with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro to build a subsalt research center. Schlumberger is acting quickly as well: the 86,111 square feet facility has the potential of being completed within a year.[77]
Fluctuating crude oil and natural gas production had significant impact on Schlumberger's profitability in 2008 and 2009
Because Schlumberger's services help oil E&P companies extract oil and natural gas from the ground, the company's revenue is strongly effected by the production and consumption of oil and natural gas. In 2008, Schlumberger's quarterly revenue growth closely resembled the changing price of oil. Year-over-year quarterly revenues increased by 15.10%, 19.60%, and 22.50% for the first, second, and third quarter of 2008. During those quarters, oil prices were rising, peaking at $147 per barrel in July 2008.[78] By the end of 2008, oil prices had fallen to under $40 per barrel.[79] Due to lower consumption of oil products, the number of operational U.S. drilling rigs dropped 25% between September 2008 and January 2009.[80]In the fourth quarter, Schlumberger’s profit fell 17% from a year earlier as costs rose 19% due to numerous high cost projects involving far offshore drilling.[81] As result, cutting costs became the focus of Schlumberger's management in early 2009.
While profits also fell for first quarter 2009, Schlumberger was able to reduce its operating costs. For the first quarter of 2009, Schlumberger reported revenues of $6 billion versus revenues of $6.89 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, and $6.29 in the first quarter of 2008.[82] Operating income decreased 25% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 and 28% year on year.[83] The overall decline in natural gas rigs in North America and Russia meant less need for oilfield services equipment and services and brought on the decline in quarterly revenues for the company's oilfield services segment, which were 13% lower when compared to the fourth quarter 2008.[84] In anticipation of lower demand for its products and services for the rest of 2009, Schlumberger has cut operating costs significantly through layoffs and capital expenditure cuts. Operating costs fell by $405 million in the first quarter of 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008.[85]
While sales to international oil producers increased, revenues from U.S. operations continued to decline in the second quarter of 2009. Sales in the U.S. reached a five-year low in the second quarter; revenue from North America was 31% lower sequentially and 43% lower year-on-year.[86] In the U.S., the rig count declined approximately 27% and pricing continued to drop.[87] Although not as severe, revenue declined in almost every GeoMarket in the second quarter of 2009. Operations in Russia were an exception. Sequentially, revenue from Russia increased from offshore activities in the East and generally improved activity levels in East and West Siberia. Overall, net income decreased 13% sequentially and 42% year-on-year.[88] While costs continued to decline, Schlumberger CEO Andrew Gould said that oil prices must reach $70/barrel for oil production activity to increase worldwide.[89]
Several of these trends continued through the third quarter of 2009. Earnings fell 48% in the third quarter due to weak demand and pricing.[90] However, drilling declines slowed internationally and in the U.S..[91] Although these are signs of stabilization, Schlumberger believes that prices are unlikely to improve by the end of 2009.[92] Not only are crude prices expected to remain weak, but seasonal factors and price concession made in the first half have the potential of leading to further drops in earnings in 2009.[93]
For the first nine months of 2009, many of Schlumberger's competitors have faced cash shortages, which have negatively impacted their ability to continue their current operations as well as their ability to expand. Baker Hughes, Weatherford, and Smith International all have cash problems that have the potential of curtailing expenditures and expansions into 2010.[94] Schlumberger has avoided many of the problems facings these companies due to the rise in international sales as well as better operating margins.[95] While international drilling has begun rising, drilling in North America has remained relatively stagnant, which has hurt companies that typically derive most of their sales from the region. As a result of its stronger balance sheet and cash-on-hand, Schlumberger has the potential of gaining market share. [96]
For 2009, low demand for services and discounted pricing contributed greatly to 17% decline in annual Revenue and the 3% drop in gross margin.[97] CEO Andrew Gould argued that low gas and oil prices during the first half of 2009 led to less demand for energy services for 2009. As a result, the trend of rising energy prices in the second half of 2009 has the potential of improving the company's profitability in 2010.[98] While Gould believes that the world supply of usable gas and oil was too high by the end of 2009, government stimulus spending and new drilling projects from companies like General Electric and Chevron have the potential of leading to a rebound in the demand for drilling services.[99]
Schlumberger's Worldwide Operations Have Potential for Growth, but Expose Company to Regional Risks
By operating in over 80 countries worldwide, a majority of Schlumberger's revenue growth comes from operations outside of the United States.[100] Schlumberger operates worldwide for a good reason; the company's two fastest growing GeoMarkets are the Latin America and Europe/CIS/Africa operations because operations in sales of well testing and well development equipment and services in Russia, Venezuela, and Brazil.[101] Operations in these countries required Schlumberger's equipment and operational knowledge in order to test, analyze and developed oilfields discovered in 2007 and 2008.[102] In 2008, Brazil began developing oil wells in its Tupi fields, an offshore oil basin discovered to have a potential 8 million barrels of oil.[103] Developing new fields in Russia, Venezula, and Brazil requires technologically advanced equipment, and Schlumberger's sales in these regions have the potential of benefiting from increased investments in the development of new and current oilfields.
However, Schlumberger's vast operations expose the company's operations and profitability to regional political risk. Regional instability or economic uncertainty have the potential of affecting oilfield developments in a country, and reduces the need for equipment from service companies like Schlumberger.[104]
Schlumberger's Venezuelan operations have the potential of being taken over by the Venezuelan government. By June 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had nationalized most of Venezuela's oil operations, and, beginning in May 2009, Chavez began to seize several small oil service companies along with U.S.-owned gas compression units.[105] Chavez has not taken over the Venezuelan operations of large service companies like Schlumberger, Baker Hughes (BHI), and Halliburton Company (HAL) as of June 2009.[106] However, the company's Venezuelan assets have the potential of being seized by the government if Schlumberger refuses to accept the terms that are on offer or refuse a write-down on their debt.[107]
Currency inflation also has the potential of reducing revenues from the sale oilfield services. In the fourth quarter of 2008, revenues from Latin American operations declined 2% compared to the prior quarter as a result of currency inflation in many Latin American countries.[108] Overall, currency changes in the last quarter of 2008 resulted in a 3% decline in revenues when compared to the third quarter.[109]
In March 2009, Schlumberger finalized a $687 million drilling contract with Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex.[110] While Pemex's production declined 9% in 2008, the company plans on reversing that trend by increasing the money it spends on exploration and production projects.[111] Schlumberger singed a three-year contract for Pemex's Chicontepec region, a field located in northern Mexico.[112]
The demand for new equipment and technology is vital to Schlumberger's revenue growth
In 2008, 89.5% of Schlumberger's revenue came from the sale of its oilfield services. As a result, the ability to provide its customer's with technologically advanced and accurate equipment has the potential of effecting Schlumberger's revenues substantially.[113] Revenues from Schlumberger's oilfield equipment experienced double-digit growth in 2008, especially equipment used in the development and analysis of complex wells.[114] In response, research and development expenditures increased 12.5% in 2008 when compared to 2007. The need for technologically advanced equipment is capable of determining amount of capital Schlumberger devotes to developing new technology in 2008.[115] Many Oil & Gas Majors have reduce their oil production for the first quarter of 2009, which has resulted in lower sales of Schlumberger's technology.[116]
Competition
Baker Hughes (BHI): Baker Hughes is an oilfield services company that sells drilling equipment and provides technology services that help oil E&P companies to drill oil wells.[117] The company operates in two segments: the Drilling and Evaluation segment, and the Completion and Production segment.[118] The drilling and evaluation operations supply products and services like drill bits and wireline logging that are used to drill and evaluate oil and natural gas reservoirs.[119] The company's Completion and Production segment supplies equipment and provides services that aid exploration and production companies from the completion of a well to the end of the reservoir's life. In April 2008, the Company acquired two reservoir consulting firms.[120]
Halliburton Company (HAL): Halliburton supplies oill and natural gas companies equipment and services that help them extract crude oil and natural gas from the ground.[121] The company's Completion and Production operations consist of production enhancement services, completion tools and services, and cementing services designed for completed and operational wells.[122] Oil and natural gas companies can use the equipment and technology provided by Halliburton's Drilling and Evaluation Segment to analyze potential well sites and begin drilling.[123]
BJ Services Company (BJS): BJ Services provides pressure pumping and other oilfield services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies.[124] Pressure pumping services include cementing and stimulation services employed in the completion of new onshore and offshore wells and in remedial work on existing wells and accounts for 81% of the Company's 2008 revenue.[125] BJ Service's oilfield services operations provide equipment that help oil and natural gas companies develop and maintain wells.[126] BJ Services is now owned by Baker Hughes.
Oilfield Services Financial Data ($ Millions)
2008 Revenue 2008 Operating Income 2008 R&D Expenses 2008 Gross Profit 2009 Revenue 2009 Operating Income 2009 R&D Expenses 2009 Gross Profit
Schlumberger[127] 27,162.9 6,450.6 818.8 8,195.9 22,975.0 3,934.0 802.0 5,307.0
Halliburton[128] 18,279.0 4,010.0 N/A 4,230.0 14,675.0 1,994.0 N/A 2,196.0
Baker Hughes[129] 11,864.0 2,376.0 426.0 3,910.0 9,664.0 732.0 397.0 2,267.0
Transocean[130] 12,674.0 5,357.0 N/A 7,319.0 11,556.0 4,371.0 N/A 5,748.0