10-KPeriod: FY2005

SLB LIMITED/NV Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2005

Filed February 24, 2006For Securities:SLB

Summary

SLB LIMITED/NV (SLB) reported strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2005, driven by significant growth in its Oilfield Services segment. Total operating revenue increased by 25% to $14.31 billion, with Oilfield Services revenue up 24% to $12.65 billion and WesternGeco revenue up 34% to $1.66 billion. Net income more than doubled to $2.21 billion, or $3.64 per diluted share. The company benefited from rising oil and gas prices, increased industry activity, and the successful introduction of new technologies. The company's strategic focus on its core oilfield services business has yielded positive results, with strong operational margins and a robust outlook for continued growth in 2006. WesternGeco also demonstrated excellent performance, with its proprietary Q-Technology gaining significant market traction. The company continued its deleveraging efforts and managed its capital effectively, positioning itself for sustained growth in the dynamic energy market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenue increased by 25% to $14.31 billion in 2005.
  • 2Net income surged to $2.21 billion, a 80% increase from 2004.
  • 3Oilfield Services segment revenue grew 24% to $12.65 billion, driven by increased activity and pricing.
  • 4WesternGeco segment revenue increased 34% to $1.66 billion, boosted by Q-Technology adoption and multiclient sales.
  • 5Diluted earnings per share rose to $3.64 in 2005 from $2.04 in 2004.
  • 6The company announced a two-for-one stock split and a 19% increase in its quarterly dividend, signaling confidence in future performance.
  • 7WesternGeco's backlog reached an all-time high of $790 million at year-end 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

SLB's revenue growth in 2005 was primarily driven by strong demand in the Oilfield Services segment, fueled by rising oil and gas prices leading to increased exploration and production expenditures by oil and gas companies. The WesternGeco segment also contributed significantly due to renewed interest in exploration, driving demand for seismic services and the successful adoption of its Q-Technology.

Profitability significantly improved in 2005. Net income more than doubled to $2.21 billion, and diluted earnings per share increased to $3.64. This improvement was driven by strong revenue growth, higher operating margins across segments, successful technology introductions, and effective cost management.

The outlook for 2006 appears positive, with management expecting continued growth in both segments. The company anticipates further increases in exploration and production activity, sustained high energy prices, and continued demand for its advanced technologies. WesternGeco's strong backlog and the expansion of its Q-Technology are expected to drive future performance.

SLB operates through two main segments: Oilfield Services, which provides a comprehensive range of technology and project management solutions for the entire reservoir lifecycle, and WesternGeco, which offers reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services, primarily through seismic solutions. The company continues to invest in technology and innovation within these core areas.